5 Beautifully Scented Plants for the Kitchen

By Judith Gallova

When you think of a beautiful kitchen, you probably think of delicious food and a warm, inviting atmosphere. But adding beautifully scented plants to your kitchen can enhance the ambience even more.

Here are five plants producing leaves, fruits, herbs, or fragrant flowers that will add a touch of beauty and fill your kitchen with refreshing scents. Plus, you can use all of these for cooking in one way or another.

1. Citrus

Name: Citrus spp.
Thrives in: A bright location protected from drafts; non-humid with moist soil
Use it for: Leaves can be used for soups and various dishes; fruit can be used for cooking, baking, and refreshing beverages

Citrus plants like lemon and orange provide a refreshing, delightful aroma while blooming with dainty flowers. Your plant may even bear fruit if it grows long enough in the right conditions. Citrus takes a long time to grow from seed, though, so you may want to consider purchasing a young plant from a nursery to speed up the process.

2. Thyme

Name: Thymus vulgaris
Thrives in: Well-drained soil; needs minimum maintenance
Use it for: Meats, vegetables, soups, and savory dishes of almost all kinds

Thyme is the first of the three easy-to-grow herbs we’ll mention in this article. It’s not only richly fragrant but also tasty. Thyme leaves are small and delicate, so it's best to add them at the end of the cooking process to preserve their flavor. You'll be glad to know that the plant can stay green all year if you provide the minimum care it needs.

3. Cuban Oregano

Name: Plectranthus amboinicus
Thrives in: Medium to bright spots with no drafts; evenly moist, well-drained soil
Use it for: Meats, marinades, salsas, sautees, Caribbean dishes

Cuban oregano isn't what its name suggests. Rather, it's thought to be from parts of southern and eastern Africa and isn't technically even an oregano plant. Nevertheless, it's a popular choice for kitchens due to its strong aroma, which resembles a mix of oregano and mint. The plant grows rapidly, and its leaves can be used to add a burst of flavor to various dishes.

4. Rosemary

Name: Salvia rosmarinus
Thrives in: Well-draining soil, sunlight
Use it for: Vegetables like potatoes, meats, bread

One more herb on our list is rosemary. Rosemary is a perennial herb that’s known for its needle-like leaves and woody stems. It's a healthy herb that's easily utilized for cooking. Rosemary adds a distinct and aromatic flavor to chicken, enhancing its taste and adding a piney flavor. One of the prime examples of using rosemary is when cooking poultry.

5. Jasmine

Name: Jasminum spp
Thrives in: Well-draining but moist soil, full sun to partial shade; near window
Use it for: Tea

Last but not least on our list is jasmine. Jasmine produces beautiful blossoms that not only smell sweet but also make a delicious tea. There are various kinds of jasmine flowers, so you can pick the one that best fits your preferences.

Add Some Beautifully Scented Plants to Your Kitchen

These five fragrant, edible plants are an excellent choice for your kitchen. Some of them, like herbs, add not only aroma to your home but also flavor to your meals. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, incorporating various new flavors into your cooking can elevate your culinary creations.

When it comes to other plants, like jasmine, they make a healthy and delicious tea.

Then again, if you pick citrus, you get the whole package; its leaves can be used for meals, while the fruit is great for both foods and beverages.

Whether you’re sprucing up your existing kitchen or wrapping up a kitchen remodeling project, a little greenery, fresh scents, and plants you can add you can use in your cooking are a nice homey touch.

So go ahead and see which plants best fit your kitchen as well as your personal taste.

Judith Gallova is a freelance writer who found her passion for writing when she created her first blog at the age of 10. In her free time, she often goes to the gym, spends time with loved ones, and enjoys all things art and design.