3 simple steps to Preserve Herbs at home

Home-dried herbs also are freed from bacteria, mold, and yeast. Plus by growing your own herbs, you’ll also choose varieties as per taste.

There are various herb varieties that will be preserved for six months to at least one year. you’ll plant celery, dill, geranium, fenugreek, lemon balm, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, and dry them for later use. you’ll also dry flowers like lavender, marigold, chamomile, rose, and chives. Herbs like basil, borage, chives, coriander, lemongrass, mint, parsley best retain their flavor if frozen, although they will even be dried.

Follow this easy 3 step process to dry herbs  

1. Harvesting

It’s important to reap herbs you plan to dry at the proper time. Herbs should be picked before their flowers develop. We recommend harvesting on warm, dry mornings after the dew has evaporated and therefore the sun isn’t too sharp. It’s the simplest recommended to select one sort of herb for drying at a given time.

2. Drying

Preparing herbs to be dried hardly takes much time. If you’re harvesting your homegrown herbs, you are doing not got to wash to make sure that the essential oils aren’t lost while rinsing. Explore 4 exotic herbs that thrive together during a garden.

If you’re using fresh store-bought herbs, wash them properly to organize for drying.

You can use any of the methods below for preserving herbs within the comfort of your kitchen.

Air dry herbs

Air-drying herbs is the easiest method to dry herbs. you’ll spread the herbs on a shelf or maybe hang them the wrong way up during a bundle. This method is best suited because it doesn’t deplete the present oils in herbs.

Air dry herbs with these simple steps

Spread leaves or sprigs of herbs on a shelf or a wooden shelf. you’ll also make bundles of specific herbs, tie them and hang them the wrong way up.

Place the herbs at a warm spot out for indirect sunlight for 6-7 hrs.

Turn the leaves every 12 hrs.

The herbs are going to be dried in 1-2 weeks with cornflake like texture. To test, press a couple of leaves and that they will crumble if completely dried.

Recommended herbs for air drying

This method is best fitted to herbs with lower moisture content. a number of the varieties include thyme, oregano, dill, rosemary, bay, lemon balm, mint, and lavender.

Dry herbs in an oven

Oven-drying herbs may be a relatively faster method than air-drying. Just take care to not burn the herbs within the process!

Oven dry herbs with these simple steps:

Space out leaves on a muslin-covered tray in an oven. Set the oven to a coffee temperature to retain the fragrant essential oils.

Turn the leaves over in half-hour for even drying. Leave inside the oven until cool.

You could also microwave herbs on a towel on high 2 to three minutes, turning them over every 30 seconds. However, some experts suggest oven drying over the microwave method.

Recommended herbs for oven drying

This method is fitted to all quite herbs and flowers. a number of the varieties include tarragon, sage, mint, rosemary, thyme, and parsley.

Freeze Herbs

Herbs also can be preserved with the assistance of the freezing method. This method is best in preserving the essential oils of the herbs. you’ll lay them flat on a cooking utensil and place within the freezer. When they’re completely frozen, store them in an airtight container within the freezer. Or chop them finely, place into a cube tray, and pour vegetable oil. Freeze this mixture. Once the cubes become solid, place them into a bag, and confine the freezer. Use when needed.

Recommended herbs for freezing method

This method is fitted to herb varieties like mint, basil, chives, thyme, coriander, and rosemary.

3. Storage

Once you’ve got dried or frozen your homegrown herbs, enjoy their fresh flavors all year long. Store the dried herbs into small, airtight containers. don’t forget to label and date them! Keep these containers during a cool and dark place. Your herbs are going to be potent for 6 and 12 months. the earlier you employ them, the more flavor and fragrance they’re going to add. Pro-tip on storing dried herbs- your dried herbs will retain more flavor if you store the entire leaves. you’ll crush them once you are close to using them.

Using dried herbs

Dried herbs, unlike fresh ones, are often added anytime during a recipe. The flavors can develop within the dish. Use your home dried herbs in teas and soups. They also make the right seasoning for appetizers, salads, pizza, and sauteed vegetables. Pour boiling water over a teaspoon of the dried herb, or more to taste, and steep for five to 7 minutes. Voila! Enjoy your healthy tea or share with neighbors, or divulge as gifts!