Aromatic herbs and leaves
This aromatic herb, emblematic of Mediterranean cuisine, is characterised by its large, bright green leaves and its deep fragrance with peppery and slightly lemony notes. Carefully selected by Le Delas for its optimal freshness and intense aroma, this basil brings an essential visual and flavour profile to culinary creations that demand a distinct aroma and a polished presentation.
Culinary uses, preparation and storage:
► Culinary applications: A central ingredient in Italian cuisine for making authentic pestos, it also enhances tomato-based sauces, flavoured oils and gourmet pizza toppings. ► Pairings and presentation: Its whole or finely chopped leaves pair perfectly with summer salads, vegetable tartares and beef carpaccios, adding a touch of colour and texture to dishes. ► Preparation: To retain the full intensity of its aroma and prevent the leaves from oxidising, it is advisable to tear the leaves by hand or chop them just before serving. ► Storage: As this product is sensitive to extreme cold, it should be stored in a temperate area or at the top of a positive-temperature cold room, away from excessive humidity to preserve its texture.
Bay leaves are a staple herb in traditional French cuisine. Sold in bunches by Le Delas, they release powerful, woody, warm and slightly camphor-like aromas after prolonged steeping. They are an essential dried ingredient in any proper stock or bouquet garni.
Professional uses, preparation and storage:
► Cooking bases: Essential for making stocks, brown and white stocks, meat stews (daube, civet) and classic tomato sauces.
► Preparation: The leaves are used whole so they can be easily removed before serving. To release more essential oils, you can lightly crumple the leaf before adding it to the hot liquid.
► Storage: Keeps very well in the fridge. For a longer shelf life, the bunch can be hung upside down to dry in a dry, well-ventilated place.
Lemon thyme is a variety of aromatic herb highly prized by chefs for its dual character: the robust, woody flavour of traditional thyme combined with fresh, zesty citrus notes. Sold in bunches of approximately 30 g, it adds a complex aromatic profile without the acidity of lemon juice.
Professional uses, preparation and storage:
► Seafood pairings: Enhances fish en papillote, cooked shellfish and reductions of beurre blanc-based sauces.
► White meats: An excellent ingredient for deeply flavouring marinades for poultry or pork before cooking.
► Preparation: Whole sprigs are used to infuse hot liquids; the small leaves can be finely chopped raw as a finishing touch.
► Storage: Wrap the bunch in slightly damp kitchen paper and place it in the vegetable drawer of the fridge.
Lemongrass is a tropical aromatic herb selected by Le Delas for the potency of its essential oils and the freshness of its fleshy base. This ‘extra' grade guarantees dense, fragrant stalks, essential for infusing dishes with a signature lemony, floral and slightly peppery flavour. A true staple of fusion and Asian cuisine, it is highly prized by professionals for its ability to impart an immediate freshness without the acidity of lemon.
Professional uses, preparation and storage:
► Infusions and broths: It is the key ingredient in Tom Yam-style broths or Thai curries. It infuses beautifully in coconut milk, cooking oils or syrups for pastry and mixology.
► Seafood and poultry: It elegantly complements white fish, shellfish and poultry, whether en papillote, in a marinade or incorporated into emulsified sauces.
► Preparation: To release the maximum flavour, it is advisable to remove the dry outer leaves and crush the bulb with the flat of a chef's knife before infusing. For direct consumption (chopped), use only the tender core at the base of the stalk, finely chopped.
► Storage: Store in a positive-temperature cold room. Lemongrass stalks keep for a long time if kept in a cool, dry environment, thus preventing the fibres from drying out.
Green shiso (or Japanese basil) is an exceptional aromatic herb. Its small leaves offer a highly complex flavour profile, skilfully blending notes of mint, basil, aniseed and lemon balm. Delas offers these microgreens to chefs wishing to add a fresh, striking and premium touch to their dishes.
Professional uses, preparation and storage:
► Asian & Fusion Cuisine: A classic ingredient in Japan to accompany tuna or salmon sashimi, sushi and tempura fritters.
► Aromatic garnishes: Use whole as a finishing touch on raw fish dishes or infused in compound butters to glaze shellfish.
► Preparation: Cut the stem with tongs at the last moment and use the whole plant to make the most of its serrated appearance and potent aroma.
► Storage: Very delicate product. Keep between +2°C and +4°C in its transport tray.
Common thyme is an essential Mediterranean herb in any professional kitchen. Delas offers this product in a generous 50g bunch to add flavour to slow-cooked dishes or grilled meats. Its highly stable essential oils withstand high temperatures perfectly without developing any bitterness.
Professional uses, preparation and storage:
► Slow cooking: A key component of bouquet garni. Ideal for rubbing onto roasts, flavouring mild frying oils or adding to stews.
► Preparation: Use whole sprigs in braised dishes. For marinades or stuffings, strip the leaves from the sprigs by pulling them against the grain.
► Storage: Store in a cool place wrapped in a slightly damp cloth or paper. Thyme can also be dried without losing its aromatic potency.
This intensely fresh herb is characterised by its powerful minty fragrance and bright green leaves, essential for adding a burst of energy to culinary and mixology creations. Selected by Le Delas for the vigour of its stems and its lingering aromatic bouquet, this mint meets the needs of professionals seeking a versatile herb capable of enhancing savoury dishes, desserts and signature drinks alike.
Aromatic profile, use and storage:
► Culinary applications: A central ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine for tabbouleh and traditional teas, it also excels in yoghurt sauces, lamb marinades and cream infusions for pastry.
► Mixology and presentation: Its leafy tops are ideal for making classic cocktails such as the Mojito or for adding a striking and refreshing touch to fruit carpaccios and sorbets.
► Preparation: To instantly release its essential oils without any bitterness, it is best to crumple the leaves or gently squeeze them rather than chopping them too finely.
► Storage: Keep in a positive-temperature cold room, preferably with the stems submerged in a container of fresh water or wrapped in a damp cloth to ensure the foliage remains optimally hydrated.
This condiment, with its citrus and resinous notes, is a key ingredient for adding vibrancy and an exotic touch to international culinary creations. Selected by Le Delas for its rich bouquet and lingering fragrance, this aromatic herb brings an immediate freshness to even the most complex dishes, whilst ensuring a flawless visual presentation both in the kitchen and in the dining room.
Aromatic enhancement, use and storage:
► Culinary applications: Essential for making ceviches, Asian broths, curries and chutneys, it pairs perfectly with hot spices and tangy flavours.
► Presentation and finishing: Its serrated leaves add a touch of graphic green and an explosion of flavours as a finishing touch to salads, Thai soups or dishes made with pulses.
► Preparation: For optimal release of aromas, both the leaves and tender stems can be used; it is advisable to add them just before serving to prevent wilting due to heat.
► Storage: Store in a positive-temperature cold room, ideally with the stems submerged in a little water or kept under a damp cloth, to maintain the product's crunch and aromatic intensity.
This woody herb with evergreen needles gives off powerful camphorous and resinous aromas, characteristic of the garrigue region. Selected by Le Delas for the vigour of its stems and the exceptional concentration of its essential oils, this robust aromatic herb brings a distinct Mediterranean character and a lingering depth of flavour to even the most demanding dishes.
Aromatic enhancement, use and storage:
► Culinary uses: Indispensable for flavouring cooking stocks, meat juices and stews, it also excels in marinades for game, lamb or roast poultry.
► Infusions and smoking: Its stiff stems can be used as skewers for aromatic skewers or burned at the end of cooking for a quick smoke with woody notes, adding a unique sensory dimension to the dining experience.
► Preparation: For a slow and even release of flavour, add the whole branches at the start of long cooking times; for direct consumption, finely chop the most tender needles.
► Storage: This product has excellent shelf life; keep the bunches in a positive-temperature cold store, away from excessive humidity, to preserve the structure of the needles and the intensity of the fragrance.
This distinctive herb is recognisable by its oblong, downy leaves, which are a velvety grey-green in colour and give off a powerful fragrance with notes of camphor and musk. Selected by Le Delas for the density of its foliage and its exceptional aromatic concentration, this herb is a valuable asset for chefs wishing to bring a rustic yet sophisticated depth to meat and fresh pasta dishes.
Aromatic enhancement, use and storage:
► Culinary uses: Essential for making the famous Saltimbocca alla Romana, it also excels in brown butters, poultry stuffings and sauces for gnocchi or ravioli.
► Pairings and combinations: Its powerful aroma pairs harmoniously with fatty meats such as pork or duck, which it helps to balance, as well as with roasted root vegetables.
► Preparation: To bring out its aromas, feel free to fry the whole leaves in fat until they become crispy, or to infuse them for a long time in sauce stocks.
► Storage: Store in a positive-temperature cold room, away from excessive humidity which could alter the velvety texture of the leaves, in order to preserve the integrity of its essential oils.
This herb, with its sunny notes, releases intensely woody and spicy aromas typical of Mediterranean terroirs. Selected by Le Delas for the density of its leaves and its lingering, powerful fragrance, this aromatic herb is a staple of both rustic and refined cuisine, offering a depth of flavour essential to dishes with character.
Aromatic profile, use and storage:
► Culinary uses: Perfect for enhancing tomato sauces, marinades for grilled meats and stews, this oregano is also an essential ingredient in focaccia and traditional pizzas. ► Professional pairings: Its robust structure withstands long cooking times perfectly, but it can also be used fresh to infuse finishing oils or garnish dishes made with sheep's and goat's cheese. ► Preparation: For optimal flavour release, gently rub the leaves between your fingers before adding them to the dish to release the essential oils. ► Storage: Store in a positive-temperature cold room in a light-protected environment to preserve the colour and intensity of the aromas over the long term.
This exotic herb, also known as Chinese chives, is distinguished by its flat, ribbon-like stems of a deep green colour, offering a more pronounced and lingering garlicky flavour than common chives. Selected by Le Delas for the firmness of its fibres and its unique aromatic profile, this herb is an essential technical ingredient for bringing authentic Asian flavour and an interesting texture to contemporary culinary creations.
Aromatic profile, use and storage:
► Culinary uses: A signature ingredient in Pad Thai and wok stir-fries, it blends perfectly into dim sum fillings, pho-style broths or Asian-style omelettes.
► Presentation and texture: Its firmer structure compared to classic chives allows it to be used to create decorative bundles or to add a crunchy finish to meat or fish tartares.
► Preparation: Unlike its European cousin, Thai chives withstand brief stir-frying, which brings out their mild garlic notes; they can also be eaten raw, finely sliced on the diagonal for a professional finish.
► Storage: Store in a positive-temperature cold room, ideally wrapped in breathable film or a damp cloth, to preserve the turgidity of the stems and prevent them from drying out prematurely.
Chives are a fresh aromatic herb, recognisable by their thin, hollow green stems, sold in bunches weighing approximately 20g. Supplied by Le Delas in Rungis, it is highly prized for its delicate, slightly garlicky and peppery taste. Chives are one of the most commonly used herbs for garnishing and seasoning dishes.
Culinary uses:
Chives can be used in a variety of ways, mainly raw and as a finishing touch:
► Garnish and decoration: Finely chopped, it is essential for decorating dishes, soups, veloutés, omelettes and fish.
► Sauces and seasonings: Perfect for flavouring cold sauces (cream cheese sauce, crème fraîche), vinaigrettes, tartares and fresh cheeses.
► Egg dishes: A classic addition to scrambled eggs, omelettes and poached eggs.
► Potatoes: A key ingredient in baked potatoes and mashed potatoes.
Storage and preparation tips:
► Storage: Fresh product. Store in a cool place (refrigerator), placing the base of the bunch in a glass of water or wrapping it in damp kitchen paper if possible.
► Use: Wash and dry gently. Chop the chives at the last minute, just before serving, as heat or prolonged contact with food can cause them to lose their aroma and colour.
This classic of French cuisine is distinguished by its finely cut foliage and subtle notes of liquorice and aniseed, lending a rare elegance to dishes. Selected by Le Delas for the suppleness of its stems and the brilliance of its tender green colour, this delicate aromatic herb is one of the cornerstones of ‘fines herbes', essential for adding a touch of refinement and precision to dishes.
Culinary uses, preparation and storage:
► Culinary applications: Ideal for enhancing delicate omelettes, velvety soups and classic sauces such as Béarnaise or Gribiche, it adds an aromatic freshness without overpowering the main flavours.
► Presentation and finishing: Its delicate leaves are highly prized in gourmet cuisine for garnishing poached fish, scallops or spring vegetables, adding a sophisticated visual touch.
► Preparation: As a particularly delicate herb, chervil must be added at the very last moment, off the heat, to preserve its volatile aromas and silky texture.
► Storage: Must be stored in a positive-temperature cold room, ideally in an airtight container with a slightly damp paper towel to prevent the leaves from wilting quickly.
This iconic condiment of Southeast Asian cuisine is distinguished by its purple stems and pointed leaves, which release powerful notes of liquorice and clove. Selected by Le Delas for the distinctiveness of its aromatic profile and its resistance to cooking, this herb is an essential technical ingredient for bringing rare authenticity and flavour complexity to contemporary culinary creations.
Aromatic enhancement, preparation and storage:
► Culinary uses: A central ingredient in green or red curries and beef stir-fries, it also blends brilliantly into pho-style broths or cream infusions for exotic desserts.
► Plating and presentation: Its bright green leaves, contrasting with the purple hue of the stems, allow dishes to be presented with a striking visual impact and an immediately recognisable aromatic signature.
► Preparation: Unlike common basil, Thai basil withstands heat better; it can be added during cooking in a wok or infused in boiling liquids to release its full aniseed-like flavour profile.
► Storage: Sensitive to excessive cold, this product must be stored in a temperate area of a positive-temperature cold store, protected from direct moisture to prevent the tops from wilting.
This fresh herb is distinguished by its delicate, deep-green foliage and characteristic aniseed notes, essential for adding a fresh, herbaceous touch to seafood dishes. Selected by Le Delas for the fineness of its stems and its consistent aromatic intensity, this herb meets the quality standards of chefs seeking a precise aromatic signature and impeccable presentation.
Professional uses, preparation and storage:
► Culinary applications: Essential for making Gravlax-style marinades, sauces based on sour cream or yoghurt, and for flavouring homemade oils and vinegars.
► Plating and finishing: Its feathery tops add texture and lightness to fish tartares, scallop carpaccios or slices of roasted salmon.
► Preparation: To preserve the integrity of its volatile essential oils, it is recommended to chop the dill at the last moment and add it at the end of cooking or to cold dishes.
► Storage: Store in a positive-temperature cold room, ideally wrapped in a damp cloth or in a controlled environment, to maintain the moisture of the stems and the vibrancy of the foliage.
This exceptional herb is distinguished by its narrow, deep-green leaves and its complex fragrance, with notes of aniseed and a hint of pepper. Selected by Le Delas for the suppleness of its stems and its lingering aroma, this herb is a mainstay of haute cuisine, lending an incomparable finesse and a refined flavour profile to the most technically demanding dishes.
Culinary uses, preparation and storage:
► Culinary applications: A key ingredient in base sauces such as Béarnaise or Choron, it also enhances compound butters, flavoured vinegars and delicate poultry stuffings.
► Pairings and finishing touches: Its distinctive flavour pairs perfectly with white meats, Bresse chicken, as well as delicate-fleshed fish and seafood in jelly or cream sauce.
► Preparation: To preserve the delicate balance of its aromas, it is recommended to add it at the end of cooking or to use it fresh, finely chopped, to prevent the bitterness from becoming overpowering.
► Storage: Must be stored in a positive-temperature cold room, wrapped in a damp cloth or kept in an airtight container to prevent the leaves from turning black prematurely and to maintain its freshness.
This staple of regional cuisine is distinguished by its smooth, deep-green leaves and its rich aroma, which is significantly more pronounced than that of the curly variety. Selected by Le Delas for the sturdiness of its stems and its high aromatic concentration, this versatile herb provides an essential flavour base for the stocks, butters and garnishes of the most demanding professionals.
Culinary uses, preparation and storage:
► Culinary applications: A key ingredient in persillade, snail butter and bouquet garni, it also adds structure to meat jus and vegetable marinades.
► Presentation and texture: Its chopped or whole leaves provide a classic and elegant finish to pan-fried mushrooms, fish meunière or beef tartare, without ever overwhelming the palate.
► Preparation: To preserve its herbaceous notes, it is best to add the chopped leaves right at the end of cooking or to use them raw to retain the chlorophyll.
► Storage: Store in a positive-temperature cold room, ideally with the stems immersed in a bowl of fresh water or wrapped in damp paper to keep the leaves crisp over time.
This product is a bunch of fresh curly parsley, weighing approximately 130g per bunch. It is a very popular aromatic herb, used both for its slightly peppery taste and for its decorative qualities in cooking, thanks to its deeply cut, curly leaves. Curly parsley is less commonly used for its taste than flat-leaf (or Italian) parsley, but it is highly prized for its robustness and its ability to add volume and a touch of bright green colour to dishes.
Professional culinary uses:
Curly parsley is mainly used in catering for finishing dishes and basic seasoning:
► Decoration and finishing: Its dense, deeply cut foliage is ideal for decorating plates, cold buffets (terrines, jellied dishes) and serving dishes (chips, fish).
► Seasoning: Can be finely chopped to flavour salads, vinaigrettes, mayonnaise, soups, broths, or to make parsley butter.
► Frying: Used to make fried parsley, perfect for accompanying fish and seafood.
Storage and preparation tips:
► Storage: Fresh product. To maximise shelf life, store parsley in a glass of water in the refrigerator, or loosely wrapped in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer.
► Preparation: Wash and dry thoroughly before chopping or using for decoration. Remove tough stems before use.
The taste of Ghoa Cress will remind you of the freshness of citrus fruits with a touch of coriander. Ghoa Cress will spice up fish, poultry, but also exotic fruits, salads, etc.
Daikon Cress is a white radish micro-sprout selected by Le Delas for its distinctively sharp and peppery flavour profile. This meticulously crafted product offers both a refined aesthetic and a vibrant flavour. Packaged in 35g trays to preserve its integrity, it is the ideal choice for chefs looking to add a distinctive visual and flavourful touch to their fresh, made-to-order creations.
Professional uses, preparation and storage:
► Dish garnishes: Enhances raw fish (sushi, sashimi, ceviche) and beef tartare, and adds character to cold soups.
► Texture contrast: Its delicate shoots offer a pleasant, light crunch that contrasts beautifully with melt-in-the-mouth textures.
► Preparation: Use kitchen scissors to cut the shoots at the base just before plating to ensure impeccable freshness.
► Storage: Store strictly in the refrigerator at between +2°C and +4°C. This is a fresh product and should be used promptly for optimal freshness.