Hello everyone!
I have a question! How can you preserve herbs, and what should you keep in mind when drying them? I hope you can share some tips with me. I usually use herbs fresh, but then I have to buy herbs in winter, even though I have enough to last all year.
Best regards,
sennor 🙂
I have a question! How can you preserve herbs, and what should you keep in mind when drying them? I hope you can share some tips with me. I usually use herbs fresh, but then I have to buy herbs in winter, even though I have enough to last all year.
Best regards,
sennor 🙂
G
Gartenbauer7 Jul 2008 22:32Preserving in Oil or Vinegar
Hello sennor!
There are various methods to preserve herbs. Even herbs that stay green during winter, such as rosemary or sage, are pruned in the fall. So it’s important to think about preserving herbs in order to enjoy the aromatic flavors of summer throughout the winter.
One option is to preserve herbs by infusing them. This means taking a clean bottle (preferably sterilized by boiling) and filling it with the desired herbs. Almost any herb is suitable for this, whether basil, sage, lavender, or thyme. Then, fill the bottles with vinegar or oil, making sure that the herbs are completely covered by the oil or vinegar. This is crucial because any exposed parts of the plant can mold. The bottles (or small flasks) should be stored in a warm place. Avoid direct sunlight, but it should be warm. Let it steep for at least one month, ideally two to three months. Afterward, you can either strain out the herbs or leave them in the bottle. If you leave the herbs in, the oil or vinegar should be used up more quickly. Small, attractive bottles are best suited for this purpose.
Best regards,
Gartenbauer 🙂
Hello sennor!
There are various methods to preserve herbs. Even herbs that stay green during winter, such as rosemary or sage, are pruned in the fall. So it’s important to think about preserving herbs in order to enjoy the aromatic flavors of summer throughout the winter.
One option is to preserve herbs by infusing them. This means taking a clean bottle (preferably sterilized by boiling) and filling it with the desired herbs. Almost any herb is suitable for this, whether basil, sage, lavender, or thyme. Then, fill the bottles with vinegar or oil, making sure that the herbs are completely covered by the oil or vinegar. This is crucial because any exposed parts of the plant can mold. The bottles (or small flasks) should be stored in a warm place. Avoid direct sunlight, but it should be warm. Let it steep for at least one month, ideally two to three months. Afterward, you can either strain out the herbs or leave them in the bottle. If you leave the herbs in, the oil or vinegar should be used up more quickly. Small, attractive bottles are best suited for this purpose.
Best regards,
Gartenbauer 🙂
Hi,
first of all, thanks for the detailed information. There are really many things to consider when making an herbal oil like this. And it also takes some time until it is "ready." But then the quality is good, meaning it’s worth the effort! I’m looking forward to more tips... 😉
Cheers,
sennor 🙂
first of all, thanks for the detailed information. There are really many things to consider when making an herbal oil like this. And it also takes some time until it is "ready." But then the quality is good, meaning it’s worth the effort! I’m looking forward to more tips... 😉
Cheers,
sennor 🙂
G
Gartenbauer8 Jul 2008 18:32Hello sennor!
Now let's move on to a very important process, which is usually the first step: drying the herbs! It is generally best to harvest the herbs just before full flowering. You can also dry parts of the herbs, such as the seeds, flowers, leaves, or roots, but you can also dry the entire plant, which is best tied together. After that, simply hang the plant upside down in a dry place. The location should not be humid, as this can lead to mold growth. Moldy herbs must be discarded. If you have a house, the attic or loft is an excellent place for the drying process, which should proceed quickly. Air circulation is also important in this regard. Drying in direct sunlight is not recommended because valuable active ingredients, which are the main focus, may be lost. It is also perfectly possible to dry herbs indoors, as long as you take the factors mentioned above into account.
If you only harvest parts of an herb, such as just the leaves, the same applies as with the whole plant, except that you cannot hang the parts. Therefore, drying by laying the parts out on a clean surface is suitable. If you have a mesh screen or something similar, that can be used well, as it allows air to circulate from underneath. One more important thing: never stack the herb parts on top of each other; always lay them out in a single layer.
Best regards,
Gartenbauer 🙂
Now let's move on to a very important process, which is usually the first step: drying the herbs! It is generally best to harvest the herbs just before full flowering. You can also dry parts of the herbs, such as the seeds, flowers, leaves, or roots, but you can also dry the entire plant, which is best tied together. After that, simply hang the plant upside down in a dry place. The location should not be humid, as this can lead to mold growth. Moldy herbs must be discarded. If you have a house, the attic or loft is an excellent place for the drying process, which should proceed quickly. Air circulation is also important in this regard. Drying in direct sunlight is not recommended because valuable active ingredients, which are the main focus, may be lost. It is also perfectly possible to dry herbs indoors, as long as you take the factors mentioned above into account.
If you only harvest parts of an herb, such as just the leaves, the same applies as with the whole plant, except that you cannot hang the parts. Therefore, drying by laying the parts out on a clean surface is suitable. If you have a mesh screen or something similar, that can be used well, as it allows air to circulate from underneath. One more important thing: never stack the herb parts on top of each other; always lay them out in a single layer.
Best regards,
Gartenbauer 🙂
M
Maier GmbH8 Jul 2008 19:30Hello!
I’d like to add a few things... 😉
Here’s the deal: If you want to dry roots, there are a few important steps to follow. Once you’ve dug them up, they will obviously be covered in soil. That’s why the first step is to thoroughly and carefully brush off the roots with a brush. Any remaining soil that typically sticks to the roots should be rinsed off under running cold water. After that, it’s crucial to dry the roots as quickly as possible. To do this, first cut them into thin slices. If the roots are very thin, you can skip this step. If you have a warm and dry place where the roots can dry quickly, that’s ideal. If not, you’ll need to use the oven. Set it to about 30-40 degrees Celsius (86-104 degrees Fahrenheit), but don’t go any higher. Keep the oven door open so that the moisture can escape easily. If you have a dehydrator, that’s even better. The drying process takes several hours and uses energy. Finding a good drying spot can save you quite a bit.
Best regards,
Garden Design 🙂
I’d like to add a few things... 😉
Here’s the deal: If you want to dry roots, there are a few important steps to follow. Once you’ve dug them up, they will obviously be covered in soil. That’s why the first step is to thoroughly and carefully brush off the roots with a brush. Any remaining soil that typically sticks to the roots should be rinsed off under running cold water. After that, it’s crucial to dry the roots as quickly as possible. To do this, first cut them into thin slices. If the roots are very thin, you can skip this step. If you have a warm and dry place where the roots can dry quickly, that’s ideal. If not, you’ll need to use the oven. Set it to about 30-40 degrees Celsius (86-104 degrees Fahrenheit), but don’t go any higher. Keep the oven door open so that the moisture can escape easily. If you have a dehydrator, that’s even better. The drying process takes several hours and uses energy. Finding a good drying spot can save you quite a bit.
Best regards,
Garden Design 🙂