I am not going to pretend to know the proper technique
for every herb out there-there are far too many! But, over
the years I have gathered many harvest and storage tips
that have worked for me and many other gardeners. My
first tip is to be brave! So many people that write me
are afraid to cut back their herb plants. Herbs are very
tough with the right conditions. It's often what you least
expect that hurts them-such as overwatering, too much
fertilizer or too rich of a soil. Many herbs, such as lemon
balm, mint, chives, sage and oregano maybe cut within
two or three inches of the ground and will grow back within
no time for another harvest! If you are in doubt, you can
cut back by half to be cautious.
Gather your herbs, using sharp kitchen or gardening shears,
in the morning after the dew has dried. You will also catch
the peak flavor if you harvest just BEFORE flowering, but
don't let this deter you from harvesting if you have missed
that time frame. You can dry the flowers for wreaths and
dried arrangements and use the leaves for cooking. If you
live in a zone that freezes be sure to allow your herbs a
month and 1/2 or so before frost to grow after you harvest
and before the first frost.
Storage Techniques-
Freezing-I love this method. Simply cut stems or leaves
of the herbs, rinse, pat dry and freeze in resealable bags.
The small ones work well or if you would like to cut whole
sprigs use the large gallon size. Label and freeze-later
pull out what you need and replace the unused portions.
You can also freeze chopped herbs in ice cube trays
with water. After they freeze remove them and store in bags.
This is good for using in soups.
Drying-Cut whole branches of the herb plant and tie with string
or rubber bands. Hang in a dry, clean place such as an enclosed
shed or attic. You can place paper sacks over the herbs as well
while they are hanging to avoid dust. When they are dry, crumble
into a glass or plastic container and store in a dry, cool location.
I have dried entire plants this way-if they are annuals-just pull up
and dry. Peppers will dry nicely with this method too. You can
also dry herbs by laying on clean screens until dry. If you harvest
large leaf herbs such as lovage, comfrey or large leaf basil, remove
the leaves and place on screens. If using this method, turn the herbs
during the first few days. You can also dry in a very low temperature
in the oven on cookie sheets. Watch carefully and turn often.
Herb Salts: I also make herb salt each year. In a 250 degree oven
spread a layer of free running salt on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle the
chopped fresh herbs on top of the salt, and bake for 10-20 minutes,
stirring and checking often. When they are dry enough to crumble,
then let cool and crumble the herbs into the salt, stir and place in a
jar. You can use this as a seasoning salt; especially good with
vegetables! Herbs that work well are chives, oregano, thyme, lemon
balm or lemon thyme, parsley rosemary or basil.
Microwave-You can dry herbs in your microwave, but it's slow
and time consuming. However, it does work! Line the turntable
with paper towels. Place the herb leaves on the table so they
aren't touching. I microwave for one minute-check and then
try 30 seconds at a time until they are dry to the touch. Some
herbs take less time, some more. When dry, crumble into
containers. I like this method for trying different tea combinations.
Mint and lemon balms worked well. I dried and put equal amounts
of both into a tea bag and sealed for using later, or you can store
in small plastic bags.
Some herbs do not dry well, such as chives or fennel, but try
freezing, or using the herb salt method. Below I have several
recipes that will help you to use your herb harvest this season.
Basil Puree
4 tablespoons olive oil
8 cups washed and dried basil leaves
Blend until pureed. Transfer to clean jar. Store
in refrigerator. Each time you use it stir and then
top with a thin layer of oil. It will keep one year
by doing this. This is good on grilled chicken
or fish, stirred into soups or mixed with sun dried
tomatoes and broiled on bread.
Zesty Herb Blend
3 tablespoons dried basil
3 tablespoons dried marjoram
3 tablespoons dried thyme
3 tablespoons dried tarragon
1 tablespoon dried lemon peel
1 tablespoon whole oregano
Place all items in a small jar and seal. Shake until
well blended. This is great for adding to meat
and vegetables.
Bouquet Garni:
Herb bouquet or bouquet garni, as the
French call it, is easy to make and use. Place
dried herbs into cheesecloth bags, about two
and one-half inches square that can be sewn
by hand or machine. Tie or sew the top shut.
Place in soups and stews. 1 tsp. each of parsley,
thyme, basil, celery leaves, and 1/2 tsp. each
of sage, rosemary or dried lemon peel is a good
blend to use.
Fines Herbes Butter
1 cup butter
2 tablespoons parsley
2 tablespoons chives
1 tablespoon tarragon
Mince herbs and mix all with room temperature
butter by hand or mixer. Chill for at least 3
hours before serving. Wonderful with vegetables,
eggs, fish or bread.
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is a mom to three little ones, a wife, freelance writer and an
avid gardener.
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