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Topic · Chef’s Techniques: Mise en Place & Cooking Methods

How to Chop Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs bruise and darken when they are crushed instead of cut. A sharp knife and a light rocking motion keep them green and fragrant.

Key points

  • Wash and dry the herbs completely before chopping — wet herbs turn to paste.
  • Gather the leaves into a tight bundle and slice through, then rock the blade over them.
  • Chop just before using; delicate herbs lose aroma quickly.

Cook it: recipes for this lesson

How to Peel and Chop ShallotsRecipeHow to Peel and Chop Shallots: Chef’s Knife TechniquePork Chops with Charcutiere SauceRecipePork Chops Charcutière: French Mustard-Cornichon Sauce RecipeGrilled Lamb Chops with Lemon and CardamomRecipeGrilled Lamb Chops with Lemon and Cardamom
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