How to Preserve Herbs

The key to preparing delicious and nutritious meals that are low in fat and high in nutrients is to boost the natural flavors of main ingredients. Using fresh herbs in your favorite recipes will enhance natural flavors without adding undesirable fats and salt. Fresh herbs may not be available during the winter months, but you can preserve fresh herbs to use all year round.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fresh herbs
• Paper towels
• Rubber band
• Plastic freezer bags
• Food dehydrator
• Cookie sheet
• Ice cube tray

Drying Herbs

1. Select robust healthy herbs before they have bloomed and cut the desired amount. It is best to work with one type of herb at a time.

2. Inspect herbs for any insect damage and discard any discolored or damaged leaves.

3. Wash in cold water and shake to remove excess water. Dry by covering with paper towels and squeezing out any excess moisture.

4. Create small bundles of herbs and secure the stems with a rubber band. The rubber band will allow for shrinkage of the stems and eliminate the need to tighten the bundle. It is better to dry several small bundles than one big one. Smaller bundles allow more air circulation and decreases drying time.

5. Hang by the stem in a cool dry area that is well ventilated. It may take anywhere from several days to a week or more for the bundles to dry adequately. Leaves should be brittle when they are dried.

6. You may wish to use a food dehydrator to dry your herbs. To do so, simply skip steps 4 and 5 and layer fresh herbs in the dehydrator. Follow manufacturers directions for drying time.

7. Remove leaves from the stems and store in an airtight container. It is vital that your dried herbs remain dry and moisture free to prevent mold.

8. Use in any recipe that calls for fresh herbs. Bare in mind that the flavor in dried herbs may be more concentrated than fresh herbs and adjust the quantity accordingly.

Freezing Herbs

9. Select and clean fresh herbs that you wish to freeze.

10. Layer clean fresh herbs on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer. Once they have frozen, remove the herbs and store in a freezer bag or other airtight container.

11. Freeze fresh herbs in ice cube trays for a quick addition to soups or gravies. Simply chop herbs and drop into sections in the ice cube tray. Fill with water and freeze. Once frozen, remove and store in a freezer bag. When ready to use, drop into the soup or sauce and let them melt right in the recipe.

Tips & Warnings

• Always properly label dried or frozen herbs. It is easy to confuse similar herbs once they are dried or frozen!