There are four fresh herbs that no home cook should live without -- oregano, parsley, basil and rosemary. These four herbs are the most versatile in cooking and garnishing all types of cuisine. Keeping a good supply of home-grown herbs at home is easier and far less expensive than buying them at the local grocer. It is best to grow herbs indoors in a sunny area, as you will be able to use them all year. When growing parsley, be sure to choose flat-leaf (or Italian parsley), as it is the common choice among professional chefs and is not bitter like curly-leaf parsley. For basil, several varieties are available, but sweet basil is the best choice for most at-home cuisine. Fresh herbs add brighter and more intense flavors than store-bought dried herbs, which may also contain preservatives.