Herbs and Spices for Enjoyable Meals in Later Life

By Silver Sitters

Herbs and spices offer ways to vary the flavor of a familiar meal. Start by asking the older adult what they enjoy eating and whether any flavors bother them. Stronger seasoning is not always the answer to a change in appetite.

Simple flavor combinations to try

Use these as culinary ideas, adapting ingredients and texture to the person’s dietary plan:

• Rosemary: try a small amount in roasted vegetables or a savory dish.
• Ginger: add a little grated ginger to a soup or sauce if the person enjoys its warmth.
• Basil: use chopped basil in a tomato sauce or another familiar recipe.
• Cinnamon: stir a small amount into oatmeal or cooked fruit for flavor.
• Turmeric: use it as a seasoning in rice, soups or a vegetable dish.
• Thyme: try it in a stew or other savory meal.

Offer a small taste before changing a whole dish. Keep a note of combinations the person likes so that anyone helping with meals can follow their preferences. Check seasoning-blend labels: a product described as an herb or spice mix may also contain salt or other ingredients.

Flavoring food is different from treating disease

These meal ideas should not be presented as treatments for diabetes, cancer, arthritis, infection or memory loss. Research does not clearly support cinnamon for treating any health condition. For turmeric or curcumin, some early findings are promising, but evidence is not sufficient to make definite health-treatment claims.

A capsule, concentrated extract or herbal oil is different from a small amount used in cooking. Herbal products can cause side effects or interact with medicines. Some enhanced-absorption curcumin supplements have been linked to liver injury. Discuss supplements with the clinician or pharmacist, and continue prescribed care.

Make meals fit the person

Follow any instructions about allergies, swallowing, food texture or medical diets. Ask the care team about a new or persistent loss of appetite, unplanned weight loss or difficulty eating; adding seasoning alone may not address the cause.

For a family arranging meal support in Broward County, useful questions include who will shop, how preferences will be recorded and what preparation help is needed. Discuss those details with the older adult before deciding on a routine.