Research shows that people who prepare and cook meals at home are more likely to eat the recommended fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains needed in a balanced diet. Building skills and cooking knowledge increases the likelihood that people choose to prepare home-cooked meals.

To encourage more home-prepared meals, the Fayette County Extension Office hosted the workshop Savor the Flavor: Building Flavor with Herbs. The Savor the Flavor program focused on flavoring dishes with herbs. FCS Extension developed this workshop to teach people how to make home-prepared meals that are flavorful and exciting. These common pantry and garden staples are versatile, yet people commonly say they are unsure of the appropriate pairings for various herbs and how to incorporate them into dishes. The goal of this program is to increase knowledge about common types of herbs and inform participants how to incorporate them into food preparation and cooking. Seven people participated in the workshop. There were 7 participants, 100% of whom are senior citizens. 

Of those surveyed, 57% (n=4) indicated they better understood different types of herbs, and 71% (n=5) stated they increased their level of understanding regarding ways to incorporate herbs into food preparation and cooking. Most participants, 71% (n=5), self-reported they better understood common pairings of herbs with various dishes. Further, 86% (n=6) expressed the intention to try a new herb to prepare or add flavor to foods, while 86% (n=6) expressed the intention to incorporate more herbs into cooking to increase home-prepared meals. Finally, 86% (n=6) of participants who completed surveys agreed or strongly agreed the program was timely, practical, and very educational.

Participants shared their interest in trying new herbs and going out of their comfort zone to try different ones. Participants also connected the content to their own health sharing this program gave them ideas for reducing sodium in the diet.