Fresh herbs. A selection of fresh herbs with a chopping board and mezzaluna (twin-handled chopping knife). Also on the chopping board are some red chillies and garlic. The herbs in pots are mint (lower left) and basil (top right). The large bunch consists mostly of parsley, but also contains bay (large leaves), thyme (bluish green), rosemary (thin leaves) and fennel (very thin leaves, just behind bay). The mezzaluna is held in both hands and rocked to chop fresh herbs. Freshly chopped herbs give a better flavour in some dishes than dried preparations.