Special to the North San Antonio Times

The savory range of bay leaf. The piney pungency of rosemary. The lightness of lemon grass. The calming fragrance of lavender. Herbs have been prized for centuries for their multitude of uses, from cooking to healing to decorating. The Central Market at 4821 Broadway will explore the garden’s most versatile plantings Friday through Sunday with Herb Fest, the latest in the store’s food-centric celebrations.

Get a head start on that straight-from-the-garden flavor with Texas-grown potted herbs. Mix and match for variety, or keep it simple with a few favorites. Or, choose from a selection of pre-arranged combinations such as sage, thyme and oregano or a variety of mints.

Central Market’s “Foodies” will share their culinary expertise, starting with tips for storing and using fresh herbs. Foodies can help create herb-infused oils and vinegars to brighten dressings or season marinades. They can even lend a few ideas about using the more unusual herbs, such as epazote, kaffir lime leaves or lemon verbena.

Learn how to relieve stress or stay alert with herbs such as aloe, gingko, echinacea and ginseng from Central Market’s Healthy Living department. Take a whiff of the aromatic oils, diffusers and candles with herbal extracts such as rosemary, citrus, lavender or mint for stress-relieving aromatherapy. 

For those on the go, Central Market’s Cafe on the Run features an herbal mix of prepared meals, soups and other chef specials. The Chef’s Case will be packed with gourmet creations such as Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken or Herb Roasted Salmon with Mediterranean Coulis.