Ten Easy
Steps to Preserving Herbs (Part Two)
(Read last week’s Part One here.)
There are many ways to dry herbs, such as a dehydrator or on a drying
screen. I choose the paper bag method because you don’t have to worry about
dust getting on your clean herbs.
If you don’t grow your own herbs, you may purchase them at the
supermarket or an herb farm.
If you have your own garden, simply
cut them to the desired length then follow these steps:
1. Wash herbs
and dry well using paper towels or clean dishcloths.
2. Separate
herbs into bunches making sure they are not too crowded and tie together using
sturdy rubber bands.
3. Place herbs
into paper bags with stems sticking out the top of the bag about two inches
then secure bag around stems snugly using another rubber band.
4. Hang bags
by string or wire looped through one or two strands of rubber bands and place
in a dark, cool place such as a pantry or closet. Be sure to hang stem end up.
5. Check herbs
for thorough drying in about three weeks. If a leaf crushed between two fingers does not crumble
easily, let dry a few more days and check again. If any moisture remains, the
leaves will ferment in the glass jars you store them in.
6. Once herbs
are thoroughly dry and ready for processing, place wax paper on a counter or
table and lay dried herbs on top of the paper. You may place another layer of
wax paper over them and using the flat of your hands, crush the leaves gently
making sure not to crush the stems into small pieces.
If you crush the stems too small, it will be difficult to pick each
piece out. You may also hold a branch of herbs with one hand and with the other
(clean, dry hands only!) squeeze the leaves and as they crumble they will fall
to the paper for you to scoop them up later with a spatula or other kitchen
utensil.
Another method to crush the herbs would be to separate into small
twigs and put into a mortar and use the pestle to crush the leaves being
careful not to crush the stems into tiny pieces.
7. Organize
your glass bottles and pour your herbs into them using a funnel if the mouths
of the jars are too small. Make sure lids or corks are on tightly.
8. Label each
jar and decorate with colorful ribbon or string.
9. Place a
number of jars of your choosing in a pretty basket, flower pot or gift bag for giving as gifts to
family and friends.
10. Experiment
with different blends of herbs for your own personal touch.
People have been using herbs for thousands of years in medicine,
cooking, fragrance and for decorative purposes. Some of the uses may have
changed through the generations, but herbs will always be a part of our
horticultural and culinary world.
Enjoy creating your own dried herb gifts and don’t forget to keep some
for yourself and be sure to put a decorative tag on the gift container stating
you made it yourself!
Are you interested in growing herbs? Do you have any tips to share as well?
