National Herb Day (1st Saturday in May)
National Herb Day falls on the first Saturday in May, and it’s one of those easy ones to actually do something with.
You don’t need a full garden or any big plan. It can be as simple as snipping a bit of basil into dinner, buying a small plant for the kitchen, or finally using those herbs sitting in the fridge before they go off.
It’s low effort, but surprisingly satisfying, which is probably why it’s stuck around.
When is the Holiday?
It falls on the first Saturday in May. Upcoming dates include:
- May 2, 2026
- May 1, 2027
- May 6, 2028
- May 5, 2029
- May 4, 2030
Who Invented It?
This one didn’t come from a single person.
It was pulled together by a group of herbal organizations (often referred to as the HerbDay Coalition) to make herbs feel a bit more accessible, less niche, more everyday.
The idea was simple: herbs aren’t just for gardeners or specialists, they’re something most of us already use without thinking about it.
The History of Herbs
Herbs have been part of everyday life for thousands of years, long before this day existed.
They show up in ancient Egyptian records, Greek medicine, and traditional practices in India and China, not as anything fancy, just practical ways to flavor food and treat common issues.
Over time, that everyday use faded a bit as processed ingredients and modern medicine took over. Now, it’s more of a mix, some people grow and use herbs regularly, others only reach for them occasionally.
National Herb Day is really just a reminder to bring them back into daily life in a simple, usable way.
Interesting Facts about Herbs
Basil’s one of those herbs that means completely different things depending on where you are. In Italy it’s tied to love, but in parts of India it’s treated as something much more spiritual and used in daily rituals.
Mint’s been around forever, and not just for cooking. People have used it for everything from freshening breath to settling their stomach, and even cleaning long before modern products existed.
Cilantro and coriander still trip people up. Same plant, just different parts, but it comes up every single time someone starts cooking with herbs.
Oregano has a bit of history behind it too. The ancient Greeks linked it with joy, and it was even used in wedding ceremonies, which feels very different from how we just sprinkle it on pizza now.
Rosemary is probably the one people remember most. It’s always been connected with memory, which is why students used to carry it around while studying (whether it worked or not is another story).
Coloring Page
This is one of those easy add-ons that actually works well if you’ve got kids nearby while you’re doing anything with herbs.
It gives them something to do at the table while you’re cooking or sorting plants, and it naturally leads into questions about what everything is. Half the time that’s how they end up trying a herb they wouldn’t normally go near.
Activities to Celebrate
I usually keep this pretty simple. Planting a few herbs in jars or small pots is enough to make you actually use them, especially if they’re right there on the windowsill instead of hidden in the fridge.
If you’re already cooking, just switching to fresh herbs for one meal makes more of a difference than you’d think. It’s one of those small changes that makes dinner feel slightly better without doing anything complicated.
Making something like pesto is another easy one. It uses up herbs quickly, takes barely any time, and feels a bit more intentional than just throwing them into a dish last minute.
With kids, I’ve found letting them try herbs on their own works better than anything structured. A quick taste of mint or basil usually gets a reaction, and suddenly they’re more interested in what’s going on.
And if you’re out anyway, just walking through a garden center or even the herb section at a store gives you ideas. You always end up spotting something you hadn’t thought of using before.
Links to Resources
- How to Freeze Fresh Herbs – A simple guide to preserving herbs in ice cube trays with olive oil or water.
- Best Herbs for Homemade Tea – Learn about the top herbs for homegrown tea blends, including flavor profiles and health benefits.
- DIY Kitchen Herb Garden – Tips and ideas for starting a small herb garden indoors, perfect for windowsills.
- Growing a Herb Garden + Health Benefits – A full guide to planting, harvesting, and using herbs, plus insights into their nutritional benefits.
- How to Prune Basil for Larger Yields – A step-by-step tutorial on pruning basil to encourage bushy growth and high yield.
- How to Keep Cilantro Fresh – Tricks for storing cilantro to extend freshness, including water jar and paper towel methods.
- What Does Thyme Taste Like? – A breakdown of thyme’s flavor and how best to use it in various savory dishes.
Related Holidays
If you like this one, these are easy to tie in:
- National Lemon Juice Day (August 29): Perfect for pairing with freshly chopped herbs in vinaigrettes or herbal marinades.
- National Mint Julep Day (May 30): Celebrate with a refreshing drink that highlights the cooling flavor of fresh mint.
- National Iced Tea Day (June 10): Enhance your tea with mint, lemon balm, or lavender for a floral twist.
- National Onion Day (June 27): Many herbs pair beautifully with onions, think thyme, rosemary, or parsley in savory dishes.
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