Growing your own herbs can be an enjoyable pastime that also can save you money. Growing herbs is also one of the many ways that you can guarantee that your family is eating as healthily as possible. If you are new to growing herbs, then here are some helpful suggestions when it comes to harvesting, as well as preserving the herbs you worked hard to grow!
Harvesting Your Herbs
- Harvesting is best done on days that are hot and dry. Do so in the morning but not so early that there is still dew on your plants.
- When harvesting make sure to snip off the top growth of the plant (approximately 6 inches of the stem).
- Clean leaves do not require washing, as this can wash away oils which are vital for the herb’s health.
- If the leaves are a little dusty, then simply give them a quick rinse in cold water.
- To dry the herbs properly, hang bunches of them upside down in an area of your home or garage that is dry and warm, as well as ventilated.
- Make sure they are not exposed to too much sunlight or strong indoor lighting.
- To prevent the accumulation of dust on the herbs as they dry, place them in a brown paper bag but remember to punch holes in it for air circulation.
- An alternative to hanging herbs is to dry them minus the stems on a baking sheet or a towel.
Preserving Your Herbs
- When storing herbs, keep them whole for the sake of the oils that they require, and then crush the leaves shortly before use.
- Store herbs in dark glass jars or tins. Keep them in an area that is cool where there are no strong lights.
- Herbs lose their effectiveness after a year. Keep them no longer than that!
- Always blanch your herbs before you freeze them. With the help of tongs, hold the herbs by the stems and dip them for a short period of time in boiling water. Swish them around in the water. When the color of the herbs begins to look more brilliant, take them out of the water. Blot them dry with a towel and then take the stems off. You can chop the leaves up if you wish or leave them whole.
- Roll dried herbs in wax paper, and place them in freezer bags in preparation for freezing.
