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barb_roselover_in

The correct way to preserve these herbs

barb_roselover_in
10 years ago

I have basil, thyme, rosemary and marjoram. I assume that you cut and dry them,and wash them before drying. Do most of you hang them to dry or how? Thanks for any help. Also, how do I grind them up and store them? Barb

Comments (7)

  • CA Kate z9
    10 years ago

    First off... I don't think basil tastes like anything once its dried, so I freeze it.

    The rest you wash, rinse, and dry, which you can dry by:
    * hanging in loose bunches;
    * in a dedicated dryer under lowest heat;
    * or, if you're in California, you can just leave them lay out on the counter for a day.

    With the exception of Rosemary, I prefer to leave the dried herbs whole and stored in glass jars to be crushed just before using. I have an herb-dedicated coffee grinder that will make short work of grinding Rosemary or any other herb or spice.

  • florauk
    10 years ago

    And just to confuse you with an alternative take - I don't wash them, I dry them by placing on a broad shelf in my kitchen and I don't grind them either. I put whole sprigs in dishes and remove after cooking. And westelle is right about basil - it isn't worth drying. I use it when I can have it fresh and don't use it when I can't. It's a taste of Summer to me, we enjoy the season and then move on to Winter flavours.

  • seysonn
    10 years ago

    Agree with Flora: Never grind or even crush or rub those herbs. Keep them as whole as possible for best aroma and flavor.

    All I do is just separate and throw the thick woody parts.

  • chervil2
    10 years ago

    I use fresh rosemary year round since my plants come in the house for the winter. I harvest thyme outside for many months and find that I need a very small supply of dried herb.

  • fatamorgana2121
    10 years ago

    I don't wash my herbs before drying. I don't use chemicals in my gardens and don't water the herbs (except in extreme conditions) so dirt is not a problem either.

    For herbs that are thick or need quick drying, I use a food dehydrator. For most culinary herbs, I air dry on screens. And yes, leave whole until you wish to use. Crumble then.

    FataMorgana

  • lkzz
    10 years ago

    I got the Nesco Encore Dehydrator for my birthday this year. I LOVE it. It dries my garden herbs in a very short amount of time.

    I rinse my herbs first and then spin them dry in a salad spinner. Place them on the dehydrator tray set at 125 degrees (supposed to be 95 degrees but I use the higher degree for time expedience and have not seen any problems so far).

    My oregano does especially well. Chives lost all of their flavor - even at the lower setting.

    Before the dehydrator I hung my herbs in my china closet to dry - worked well but took a long time.

    PS. Made beef jerky too - fabulous!

    Here is a link that might be useful: Nesco® American Harvest® Snackmaster® Encore⢠Dehydrator and Jerky Maker

  • barb_roselover_in
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Thanks for all the tips. I bought several herb plants and have them under lights in my garage. It is my understanding that the basil will probably not do well, but I may try to bring it into my sewing room that has windows all the way around. I understand that some of these herbs have a natural length of life and may not be productive during the winte months. I am beginning to feel the dill is not going to do well. I just wanted a little bit to add flavor to my cooking. Barb

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