The Chef Jeff Vegetable and Herb collection
was inspired by a wonderful and talented Chef who has always insisted on using the freshest and best gourmet and heirloom vegetables and herbs possible. During the growing season this means homegrown, fresh from the garden produce.
Chef Jeff graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York where he learned from top chefs in the country to always use the best in building his culinary masterpieces.
You are sure to find many of your favorite vegetables and herbs in the Chef Jeff collection but we hope you will also try many of the exciting, different and new varieties. Chef Jeff plants will help make your family garden rewarding and fun. They may even discover new family favorites that you will want to plant year after year.
This is what I need after gardening all day!
Mint Julep Summer Cooler
Mentha spicata
Also know as – Spearment ‘Kentucky Colonel’
This is the spearmint of choice when making mint juleps. The purple flowers attract butterflies in summer, plant in containers in full sun to part shade in rich, moist soil. Wash leaves before use.
Chef Jeff’s Mint Julep – a perfect balance of mint and sweetness!
Place 12 mint leaves in a glass and muddle well with a pestle until a soft mint aroma and taste are reached. Add crushed ice to fill the glass. Add bourbon. Sweeten to taste with simple syrup. Garnish with a mint sprig and serve.
We haven’t forgotten our teatotalers! Grow some now!
Verbena Lemon Tea
Aloysia triphlla
This herb has lemon-scented foliage and whitish flowers in summer. Use fresh in teas, stuffing and salads and use the dried leaves in potpourri.
And for dinner!
Perpetual Pesto – The shape, color, and scent of this herb will make it a favorite in your garden. The columnar shape and light green foliage edged in creamy white adds variety to the herb garden. Since this variety doesn’t flower it is a great culinary basil, that keeps its flavor all season.