Preserving Fresh Herbs

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Using Fresh Herbs

A vegetable gardener for many years, I’ve always had herbs in my gardens. First, just a few pots of the basics: basil, parsley and cilantro. Soon I discovered I was using them often enough that I added a full-fledged herb bed every year. Many of them perennials, but annuals, too. Fresh herbs are enchanting: they not only boost the nutritional value of your meals, but they add a bright boost of flavour and aroma. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, their fresh, intoxicating flavours can transform an ordinary meal into a culinary triumph. Of course, it’s also well known that many herbs offer specific health benefits and are easy to grow.
 

Preserving Fresh Herbs

With an herb garden, whether a large formal affair or a simple collection of pots, comes the onslaught of harvest. What to do with the bounty? Fresh herbs can be stored by freezing, refrigerating and drying. For immediate use, I store herbs in a vase of water (like you would a bouquet of flowers). Drying involves using a dehydrator or hanging bunches of herbs in a dark, cool place (I like to use a paper sack to keep dust off of them). Finally, freezing can be done by adding fresh herbs to olive oil or water and freezing them (use ice cube trays then store in a freezer bag long term for easy portions). 
 

Tips for Storing

No matter what method you choose to preserve your herbs, these tips are helpful:

  1. Always wash and dry herbs thoroughly before to prevent spoilage.
  2. Ensure herbs are completely dry before storing to prevent them from becoming mouldy.
  3. Store dried herbs in airtight containers in a cool, dark, and dry place.
  4. For best flavour, use dried herbs within a year and frozen herbs within several months. 

The Specifics

Air Drying

Gather herbs into small bundles, secure with elastic bands, and hang upside down in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. 

Dehydrating

Use a dehydrator, air fryer, or oven to dry herbs quickly. Ensure herbs are dried thoroughly, and then store them in airtight containers.

Freezing in Water or Oil

Chop fresh herbs. Blend them with water or oil, then freeze in ice cube trays. 

Freezing Whole or Chopped

Wrap tender herbs like basil in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag

Bouquet Method

Trim the ends of the herb stems and place them in a jar with an inch of water, similar to arranging flowers.

Meet Elizabeth Morse

I specialize in creating productive gardens for my clients (garden consults), showing them how to use fresh foods (private chef & cooking classes) and enjoying…

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