Who doesn't love the taste of fresh herbs? They add an exciting dimension to our dishes and make them healthy and aromatic. Growing herbs in the garden or pots are popular choices, with a wide variety to choose from such as parsley, basil, chives, dill, oregano, and coriander. Even those who don't grow their own herbs can easily buy them at the grocery store. However, a common problem with herbs is that they don't last very long once they're picked, and their freshness and taste can quickly deteriorate. To help keep your herbs fresh and delicious for longer, we've compiled four tips for you.
1. Freezing your herbs
One effective method to keep herbs fresh for an extended period is by freezing them with various materials.
- Coconut oil serves as an excellent base for preserving fresh herbs while maintaining their distinct flavor for months. To do this, remove all stems from the plant, discard damaged leaves, and wash the remaining parts thoroughly. Finely chop the herbs and place them in ice trays, then pour coconut oil on top. Freeze the trays, and once the cubes are solid, you can use them for soups, stews, salads, grilled fish, and other dishes in the future.
- One way is to use olive oil, which can enhance the flavor of your food. Just follow the same steps as you would when using coconut oil, but with olive oil instead. Store the frozen cubes in sealed bags, and add them to any dish you like.
- Another option is to freeze the herbs in their natural form. Simply cut them and put them in sealed plastic bags. Ensure that the bags are tightly sealed to avoid ice crystals and ensure the herbs' freshness. This is a simple and effortless way to keep herbs fresh, which is worth trying.
2. How to Dry Herbs
If you want to keep your herbs fresh for a longer period, drying them is another option. Some herbs like oregano, thyme, sage, and rosemary can be air-dried. Just hang a small bunch of them in a well-ventilated room, away from direct light, with the leaves facing down. After two weeks, when the leaves are dry, separate the bundles and keep them in separate jars. However, herbs like basil and parsley have fleshy leaves and require drying with an electric food dehydrator or microwave. It is crucial to avoid burning them while using electrical appliances. Once the herbs are dry, store them in airtight boxes or tightly sealed glass jars.
3. How to Preserve Herbs with Salt
This is a simple method that involves using salt to quickly and efficiently dry your herbs. You can mix the herbs and salt together when preparing different foods, and you don't need any special type of salt for this. You can use the regular table salt in your pantry or the salt shaker in your kitchen. There are two options for storage with salt:
- First, use fresh herbs as much as possible, and wash and dry them well before chopping them with a knife or food processor. Then, put them in sealed glass jars with one teaspoon of salt for every four teaspoons of spice. Gently mix the contents and store them in the refrigerator to preserve their flavor and freshness for several weeks to months.
- Second, fermenting herbs with salt is a technique similar to pickling vegetables. If you've pickled food before, it's an easy process. First, remove the leaves from the stems, wash and dry them thoroughly. Put them in a glass jar and add a glass of mineral water mixed with a teaspoon of salt for every 40 grams of herbs. Mix well and place the jar on a windowsill or balcony for 5 to 10 days. This will keep the herbs fresh for several months at room temperature. Once you open the jar, the herbs will be good for use up to two weeks.
4. How to prepare raw materials from herbs and spices
This method requires more work than previous techniques. However, it helps maintain the freshness and flavor of herbs for a longer period.
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Homemade spice vinegar lets you add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes and keeps the herbs fresh long after they've been picked. Preparing this vinegar is a breeze, but it's crucial to let the spices soak for a few days before use. Combine 2 cups of wine vinegar or 5 percent alcoholic vinegar with half a cup of fresh herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, dill, chives, or any other herb of your choice and let it sit in a cool, shady spot for 10 days. Filter the vinegar from the spices and store it in a labeled jar. Your seasoned vinegar will last up to 6 months, provided you use vinegar that hasn't been sitting in your pantry for too long.
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To make your favorite spices last for months, you can create a herbal paste. This is a simple and quick method that preserves the freshness of herbs. Soft-leaved herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, coriander, dill, and chives should be used, while hard-leaved herbs like rosemary and bay should be avoided. After separating the leaves from the stems, grind them in a food processor until they form a pulp. Slowly pour in olive oil while continuing to grind until a uniform paste is formed. Transfer the paste into glass jars and store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
