lose much of their flavor when dried, so opt for fresh if you can. You can also use fresh herbs for garnish or finishing touches. Green, leafy herbs add a pop of color to finished dishes ...

But if you don't have a green thumb, you can find fresh herbs at some markets. And if that's not an option, dried herbs are always a reliable backup. So, what's the difference between the two?

How much? In what combination? Here are some starting points: Keep herbs and spices in a cool, dry place (not over the range!) and in air-tight containers. Store dried herbs in plastic bags, glass ...

Supermarkets now sell a wide range of pre-cut and potted herbs. Pots of herbs last longer than cut herbs, but need to be cared for as houseplants. Speciality greengrocers often sell a wider range ...