HAWLEY, PA — Did you know that the taste of an herb is different, depending on the geographical location from which it was harvested? What about the consumer’s own genes? Would they have an effect?

According to Marcia Dunsmore, guest speaker for the September meeting of the Country Gardeners Club (TCG), “Cilantro tastes different here than in Miami, and thyme tastes different than in the French Provencal… and for those who have Northern European ancestry, cilantro tastes…  like soap.”

Dunsmore  specializes in breads and desserts—baking with garden herbs. She is known in Hawley for her work at local restaurants, and now from her own bakehouse on Myrtle Avenue and her weekly presence at the farmers’ market at Bingham Park.

She shared her knowledge of the subtle flavor herbs provide to desserts, that each one has a  different flavor profile, and how to keep herbs longer in your fridge. Dunsmore pointed out that herbs like basil, with more water in their leaves, will lose flavor more quickly due to evaporation.

Bay, rosemary, citronella, thyme, oregano, garlic, onions, parsley, chives and tarragon are some of the herbs she bakes with. She confessed that her favorite combinations are garlic with chocolate and rosemary in bread.

While tasting her chocolate zucchini bread and her chocolate Afghan cookies, members of TCG

enjoyed “Getting to know you,” a part of the meeting where they learn more about other members. This month, those chosen to share their life stories were Nan Gallagher and Kathy Nied.

TCG meets the first Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Brookfield Environmental Learning Center by the PPL Dam. It’s located at 126 Lamberton Ln.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday, October 6. The guest speaker will be Christine McQue, representative of Do Terra essential oils. She will talk about essential oils and their use for winter health.

Anyone interested in gardening is welcome to this free event.