Drying Herbs

Drying herbs is one of the oldest and most traditional methods of preserving herbs. It’s also one of the easiest. All you need to do is harvest your herbs, tie them into small bundles, and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place. You can also lay them out on a screen or a piece of cheesecloth. Once the herbs are completely dry, you can store them in an airtight container.

To preserve the full flavor of your herbs, avoid crushing the leaves until you are ready to use them. Store dried herbs in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, moisture, and heat. Many herbs can be kept for a year if stored properly.

Freezing Herbs

Freezing is another easy method for preserving herbs. Rinse the herbs quickly in cold water, shake off the excess, then chop them coarsely. You can then place the chopped herbs into ice cube trays, fill with water, and freeze. Once the cubes are frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag or container.

Another method is to puree the herbs with a little bit of oil or water, then freeze the mixture in ice cube trays. This method is great for herbs like basil, which can turn brown when frozen.

Storing Herbs

Storing herbs is a great option if you don’t have the time or space to dry or freeze your herbs. Simply place your fresh herbs in a jar or vase with a little bit of water, like you would with fresh flowers. Cover the herbs with a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator. This method works best for herbs like parsley, cilantro, and basil.

Conclusion

Preserving herbs is a great way to ensure that you have access to fresh herbs all year long. Whether you choose to dry, freeze, or store your herbs, each method has its own benefits and drawbacks. Drying is easy and traditional, but can take a while. Freezing is quick and easy, but can affect the texture of some herbs. Storing is great for short-term use, but won’t preserve the herbs for long periods of time. Ultimately, the method you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the herbs you are working with.