Got Herbs? Yeah, lots!!! I must admit we grow a lot of herbs, and I always have my eye out for herbs that I don't currently grow in my garden.
Fresh herbs add bright flavor to almost any recipe, but they can be hard to keep fresh. If you do a quick google search, it's easy to find many ways to preserve herbs.
Air drying and freeze-drying are two easy methods to preserve your herbs. Each has its advantages.
Air drying is the simplest and most traditional way to preserve herbs. It involves tying small bunches of herbs and hanging them upside down in a cool, dry, dark place for one to two weeks. Freeze-drying is a more modern method of preserving herbs and requires a special machine or appliance. Freeze-drying removes moisture from the plant using cold temperatures and vacuum processes while retaining most of the original flavor and nutrients.
In this article, we dive into the details, and at the end, I'm sure you'll agree that these methods are simple.
Table of Contents
Why Preserve Herbs?
The flavor of herbs is often integral to recipes. Think about basil in pesto, oregano in pizza sauce, and garlic in tomato sauce. Without the herbs, these dishes wouldn't be what they are today. The average person doesn't think about herbs beyond the occasional sprig of parsley or basil. But for many, herbs are a vital part of their daily lives. Here's why preserving herbs is important.
Preserving herbs is relatively simple and only requires a few supplies. With a little time and effort, you can have fresh herbs year-round.
Related: Growing Basil, Everything You Need To Know
How To Air Dry Fresh Herbs
How to To Air-Dry Herbs
To air-dry herbs, first, remove any dead or wilted leaves. Cut the stems of the herbs to about 3 inches in length. Place the cut herbs on a drying rack or screen in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. Put the rack or screen in a warm, dry place from direct sunlight. Check on the herbs daily, and turn them over if necessary, until they are completely dry.
An alternate air dry method is to tie them together in small bundles and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place. This process can take up to two weeks. Once the herbs are dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
How To Oven-Dry Herbs
Preheat your oven to a low temperature, between 100 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit to oven-dry herbs. Place the herbs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure that they are not touching each other. Bake for 1-2 hours or until the herbs are dry. To test if the herbs are dry, try crushing them with your fingers. If they crumble easily, they are ready. Once they are dry, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. Store the dried herbs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Herbs are best when used within six months of drying.
Why I Use A Dehydrator To Dry Herbs
I use a dehydrator to dry herbs because it is quick and efficient. It allows me to preserve herbs for future use without losing their flavor or nutritional value. I can also control the temperature and humidity levels in the dehydrator, meaning that my herbs will dry out completely without being over-dried or burned. Dehydrating herbs at home is much more cost-effective than purchasing pre-dried herbs from the store.
Furthermore, using a dehydrator is an eco-friendly way to enjoy fresh herbs all year long, as I am not wasting any of the herbs that I grow in my garden. Lastly, drying herbs with a dehydrator gives me peace of mind knowing that I am getting the most out of my herb harvest. After extensive research, I purchased the 6-tray Cosori Food Dehydrator from Amazon. So far, I've been impressed.
How To Freeze Fresh Herbs
Freeze-drying herbs are best used for delicate herbs like basil, tarragon, chives, cilantro, and parsley as it preserves their color and texture better than air drying. Start by washing the herbs thoroughly. Then, remove any leaves from the stems. Next, chop the herbs into small pieces if they are not already.
Finally, place the herbs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to use them, take out as many as you need and thaw them in the fridge or cook them straight from frozen.
Freeze in oil
To freeze herbs in oil, first, wash and dry the herbs. Next, chop the herbs and place them in a freezer bag. Pour olive oil over the herbs, seal the bag, and freeze. When you're ready to use the frozen herbs, thaw them in the refrigerator and use them as you would fresh herbs. Label the bag with the name of the herb and the date.
Freeze in water
To freeze herbs in water, chop them and add them to an ice cube tray. Then, fill the tray with water and put it in the freezer. Once the cubes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to use the herbs, take out a cube or two and thaw them in a bowl of warm water. Label the bag with the name of the herb and the date.
Related: How Long Do Herbs Take To Grow From Seed
FAQs
Ways To Use Frozen Herb Cubes
One way to use frozen herb cubes is to add them to stews or soups. This will give the dish extra flavor and make it more hearty. Another way to use frozen herb cubes is to sauté them with vegetables. This is a quick and easy way to add flavor to any meal.
Can you grow herbs indoors?
Yes, you can grow herbs indoors! There are a few things to keep in mind, though. Make sure you have a spot with plenty of light – a south-facing window is ideal. You'll also need to water your herbs regularly and fertilize them every few weeks. With a bit of care, you can enjoy fresh herbs all year round!
Check out this article: How To Choose and Grow The Best Herbs For Your Kitchen
Can I use Salt to Preserve Herbs?
Yes, you can definitely use salt to preserve herbs, and it’s a method that’s been around for ages. The process is pretty straightforward: you just layer fresh herbs with coarse salt in an airtight container. The salt pulls out the moisture from the herbs, which helps preserve them while keeping much of their flavor intact. This method works great with sturdier herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. When you’re ready to use them, just pull the herbs out of the salt—no fuss. You can even use the leftover flavored salt as a seasoning, giving your dishes a subtle hint of the herbs. It’s a simple, natural way to make your herb harvest last longer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, preserving herbs is an exciting and rewarding way to enjoy the freshness of herbs all year round. When done correctly, these preservation methods can maintain the flavor and nutritional profile of the herbs for up to one year or even longer. Whether you choose to air dry or freeze dry your herbs, you can savor their flavors throughout the entire year. Additionally, these preservation methods are easy enough to do in the comfort of their home. So why not give it a try? You'll be pleasantly surprised by the results! Have fun experimenting with different methods and flavors to find what works best for you.
