Italian cuisine is among the tastiest, freshest, most versatile foods in the Mediterranean. Aside from pizza, pasta, and pastries, Italians love to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, even better if they come directly from the producer. Here are 6 Italian cooking spices and herbs you can use to bring the taste of Italian cuisine to your kitchen. 1. Basil Basil is an aromatic herb essential to many Italian dishes, especially pesto alla Genovese. You can use it fresh in salads, dressings, or other cold dishes. Dried basil is also delicious in stews, soups, and sauces. 2. Thyme Thyme is one of the main herbs in Italian cooking with a subtle minty flavor and a sweet and strong scent. Dried thyme is mainly added to stews, meat, and roasted potatoes. Fresh thyme is mostly used in salads and dressings as it has a slightly more pungent flavor than dried. Thyme pairs perfectly with fresh garlic and lemon (both of them very Italian!) 3. Oregano Oregano is a typical Italian herb mainly used in pizza and pasta sauces. It's one of the most versatile spices to have at home as you can add it to stews, mozzarella, salads, and salad dressings. 4. Rosemary Rosemary is a classic Italian seasoning that gives meals a distinct herbal flavor and aroma. Italians love to use it fresh or dried in winter dishes, pasta dishes, salads, and sauces. It's my secret in a pumpkin risotto! 5. Sage One of the most aromatic herbs in Italian cuisine is sage. You can use it on pasta, risotto, roasted potatoes, lasagna, chicken, and fatty meats. Fresh sage pairs with fresh homemade cheese, pastries, marinades, and even fresh compound butter. 6. Bay Leaves Bay leaves are an essential part of Italian cuisine and are mostly added to soups, stews, and sauces to enrich their flavor. Though you can't (and shouldn't) eat a whole bay leaf, adding them to meals will give them a taste you'll never forget. Try with your lentils soup!