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The Herbal Pantry
Preserving your Herbs
IntroductionKaren Wortman
Owner, Hidden Springs FarmsOwner, Dancing Cow Creamery
Preserving Your Herbs
Herbs are simple to grow
Herbs add lovely color, textures and aromas to your garden
Preserving your own herbs gives you far superior results then using herbs that have been died and left in storage for a year or more.
Ways to Preserve
Vinegars/Oils
Butters
Dried Herbal Blends
Jellies, Flavored Honeys & Syrups
Herbal Sauces
Teas
Bath & Body
Drying Herbs
Drying is one of the simplest and most convenient way to preserve your herbs.
Hanging
Drying on Screens
Dehydrators
Freezing Herbs
Some herbs do not dry well and are better preserved by freezing
Very easy to do! Simply mince them up, toss in a bag, and off to the freezer.
Can also make herbal Ice Cubes: great for adding to soups & sauces
Freeze These HERBS:
Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Fennel, Parsely, and Sweet Cicely
Herbal Oils & Vinegars
Very Easy & Very Tasty!
Vinegars: place herbs in a large jar and pour vinegar over. Set bottle in sunny window for two weeks.
Oils: Basic recipe is 1 cup herbs to 1 quart of oil. Make sure all herbs are COMPLETELY covered with oil. Strain out herbs before using.
Herbal ButtersWho doesn’t like REAL butter?
Herbal butters are very simple. Just use unsalted butter at room temperature. Chop your herbs and
add to the softened butter. Mix well. Shape into a log or individual balls. Wrap it well and freeze. Cut off slices as you need them.
Basic Recipe:2 sticks unsalted butter
5 TBS chopped, fresh herbsSalt & Pepper to taste
Here’s a great combinations:Thyme, Chives, Oregano, and Parsley
Dried Blends
Herbal blends add interest and variety to your dishes.
Keep them in a cool, dry, dark place.
Think of the Cost Saving!
Dried Blend Ideas
Italian Seasoning1/2 Cup Oregano
1/2 Cup Basil1/4 Cup Parsley
1 TB Fennel seeds, crushed1 TB hot red pepper flakes,
(optional)
Popcorn Herbs1/4 Cup Ground Cumin
1 TB Cayenne3 TB Oregano
Poultry Herbs1 TB Marjoram2 TB Tarragon
1 TB Basil1 TB Rosemary1 tsp Paprika
Jellies, Honey, and Syrup
All of these are simply to make and store very well long term.
Play with different combinations
A great replacement for store-bought items.
Quick & easyQuick Herb Jelly
1 1/2 pint good quality apple jelly1 1/2 TB water
Sprigs of Rosemary, Lavender or other flavorful herbs
Combine jelly and water in a saucepan, heat over low heat
until jelly melts completely. Skim off foam. Put lightly bruised
herbs in a clean jar and pour hot jelly over them.
Basic Herb Honey1 cup honey
2 sprigs of your favorite herbheat honey over low heat. Place slightly bruised herbs in a clean jar. Pour warm honey over and seal. Let mellow for at
least one week before using.
Basic Syrup3 C water
1 C fresh herbs2 Cup Sugar
Make an infusion with water and herbs. Infuse over several hours.
Strain, keep liquid and add sugar. Boil and cook until
thickens. Keep refrigerated
Cup of Tea Anyone?
Man has been drinking herbal infusions for centuries.
The flowers, seeds, and even roots and bark are used to make teas.
Herbal teas have been said to have health benefits.
Easy to make, store, and use.
They say….
BasilPromotes alertness, eases motion & morning sickness
ChamomileRelaxing and aids in
digestion
Lemon BalmCounteracts stress, soothes
nerves
ThymeEases tension headaches &
sore throats
MintsRelieves Nausea and
sweetens breath
Let’s Make Some Tea
Zesty Lemon: lemon Balm, Lemon Thyme, Lemon Verbena, Lemon Grass, and Lavender
Spicy: Lemon Verbena, Chamomile, Orange Peel, Rosemary, and Cinnamon
Therapeutic: Thyme, Sage, and Ginger
Bath & Body
Herbal remedies were once a mainstay of a family’s medical care. (Great Grandma didn’t have Walgreens!)
Balms are simple to make and take few ingredients. (Oil/Fat, herbs, and Bee’s Wax)
Custom Blend your OWN Potpourri and save TONS of money
Great for Gift-giving!