How to Preserve Herbs
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ItLearning how to preserve herbs is an easy way to add flavor to everything you make, year-round. If you grow your own herbs, or like to cook with fresh herbs, you might find yourself with more herbs than you can use.
Here are some easy ways to preserve those fresh herbs and use them all year long.
Fresh herbs add flavor and nutrients to any meal. From soups, stews, and sauces, to salads and even smoothies.
If you’re growing your own herbs, be sure to harvest herbs after flower buds appear, but before they open. They will have the highest concentration of essential oil at this point, which is what gives them a superior flavor.
I like to harvest herbs early in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
How to Dry Herbs
There are two ways to dry herbs.
Air Drying:
This works best with herbs like oregano, thyme, marjoram, and sage. Herbs like basil and parsley, which have thick leaves, are better dried in a dehydrator.
Before drying the herbs, gently wash the herbs, or shake to remove dirt. Discard any withered leaves.
If you’ve washed the herbs, be sure to let them dry thoroughly to prevent mildew.
Bind the stems together using twine or a rubber band. Hang upside down in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Cover the bundles with a paper bag, large enough for air to circulate if a dark hanging spot isn’t available.
Leave the herbs to dry from 1 to 4 weeks or until the leaves begin to crumble. Store in an airtight container for up to a year.
Oven Drying:
I prefer to air dry herbs. But oven drying herbs is certainly quicker.
To oven dry herbs, spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in a 150°F oven with the door slightly ajar.
Let the herbs dry for 1 to 4 hours or until crumbly. Store in an airtight container for up to a year.
Best Herbs for Drying
- Basil
- Dill
- Fennel
- Lovage
- Mint
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Savory
- Scented geraniums
- Tarragon
- Thyme
How to Freeze Herbs
Freezing works best with leafy herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, and tarragon. It helps preserve herbs essential oils, which is what gives tremendous flavor to food.
Ice Cube Trays:
Using ice cube trays is a quick and easy method for preserving herbs. I find myself freezing parsley often. It’s perfect for adding to soups, stews, and recipes throughout the year. Long after the herb garden becomes dormant.
Or to preserve leftovers from the bundle you bought at the market.
Clean herbs and let air dry, or dry with a paper towel. Remove most of the stems and portion into ice cube trays. If the herb leaves are large, roughly chop them.
Cover the herbs with water, using as little as possible. You only want to cover the herbs.
Freeze the herbs until solid. Once frozen, remove from the ice cube trays and store in a labeled air-tight freezer container.
Another option is to blend herbs, or a combination of herbs, in oil. Make a paste with the herbs and oil and then freeze in an ice cube tray.
Herbs that Freeze Well
- Basil (retains flavor, but discolors)
- Chervil
- Cilantro
- Chives
- Dill
- Lemon balm
- Lemon verbena
- Lovage
- Mint
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Savory
- Sorrel
- Sweet cicely
- Sweet marjoram
- Tarragon
- Thyme
Kitchen Tools for Drying Herbs
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Herb Drying Rack
For centuries, cooks have harvested fresh herbs from kitchen gardens and hung them to dry, preserving them to season dishes all year long. Our circular hanging rack continues the tradition, providing ample space to dry a garden’s bounty of fresh herbs.
Chef'n Zipstrip Herb Stripper
Get more of the flavor from herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage with this handy herb stripper, which also collects and measures the leaves in an easy, efficient manner.
Prepara Stainless Steel Herb Savor
"Keep fresh herbs at their peak flavor with this innovative storage device. It's laboratory-tested to make sure leafy green herbs stay fresh and flavorful for up to three weeks. Just fill the stainless-steel base with water, place your herbs in the basket and store in the fridge."
Herb Drying Rack
This best-selling herb drying kit helps dry herbs effectively. It's a collapsible, eco-friendly option to drying herbs.
Premium Food Dehydrator
The COSORI food Dehydrator Dries Food by effectively circulating hot air. As the hot air removes the moisture in food such as fruit and vegetables, and herbs. Easy to use and recipes included.
I’d like to know how to preserve herbs in salt please
Hi Sandra! I’ve never preserved herbs in salt but I did come across an article I’ve bookmarked on the topic. Here is the link: https://www.thebossykitchen.com/how-to-preserve-herbs-in-salt-for-winter/
We are growing an herb garden for this first time, this will be so helpful. Thanks fora great article!