If you’ve been enjoying fresh basil on salads or mint in your cocktails, it’s time to think about preserving those herbs for the months ahead. August is prime time for harvesting, according to Manoj Malde, a well-known gardening expert.
As autumn approaches, some herbs like mint and chives will fade away but return next year. Others, like rosemary and sage, might become a bit scraggly. “Cut your herbs above the nodes,” says Didrik Dimmen, CEO of Auk. This method helps the plants grow bushier and stay healthy.
Fresh herbs generally last a few days to a week in the fridge. You can also keep them in a jar of water on a sunny windowsill for up to two weeks in summer. However, delicate herbs like coriander don’t fare well in the fridge.
So, how can you save your herbs for later use?
Air-drying
To dry your herbs, gather them and remove any dead leaves. Tie the stems into small bunches and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight. This process may take a few days to two weeks. Once dried, store the leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot. Good candidates for drying include sage, rosemary, and thyme. Interestingly, drying can enhance the flavor of herbs like oregano.
Freezing
Rinse your herbs, let them dry, and spread them on a baking tray before placing them in the freezer. After they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Keep in mind that freezing may alter the flavor due to cell structure changes when water expands.
Herb ice cubes
Another fun way to store herbs is to blend them with a bit of oil or water and freeze them in ice cube trays. When you’re cooking later, just pop out a cube for instant flavor.
Take cuttings
You can grow some herbs indoors during the winter by taking cuttings. Place them on a bright windowsill, but be cautious about overwatering, as wet roots in cold temperatures can be harmful.
Harvest seeds
Once plants like coriander bolt, you can collect the seeds. These seeds can be used whole or ground into powder for added flavor in your cooking.
Preserve in oil
Create flavored oils by submerging herbs like rosemary in olive oil. This also makes for a delightful addition to dishes.
Herb butter
Mix soft butter with herbs, salt, and optional garlic to make herb butter. It can last in the fridge as long as the butter does.
Spice mix
Dry fresh herbs in a cool oven, then crumble them to create your own spice mix. Store it in an airtight container for up to a year, although it tastes best in the first six months.
Make sauce
Consider making sauces like pesto from your fresh basil. Pesto can be frozen in ice cube trays for easy use later on.
Incorporating herbs into your cooking not only enhances flavor but also adds nourishment. Recent studies show that diets rich in fresh herbs can improve overall health by providing antioxidants and essential vitamins. So, go ahead and enjoy your fresh herbs while ensuring you have enough to last through the colder months!
For more details on herb preservation techniques, check out this resource from the Royal Horticultural Society.
