Making Use of Herbs

Herbs are easy to grow and add can transform a meal with their amazing flavours and can add fragrance and life in a posy with cut flowers. Often, they grow so well, that they grow faster than we can possibly use. Here are a few ideas to make good use of these amazing plants.

Drying Herbs - air drying is not only the easiest and least expensive way to dry fresh herbs, but this slow drying process can also help retain the essential oils of the herbs, which helps to maintain their flavour. Simply tie up the stems with string and hang them upside down in a cool, dry, well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight. They can also be dried oven-baking or in a dehydrator. 

Herb butters - this is simply butter that has been mixed with fresh or dried herbs It’s very easy to make fresh herb butter, you start with a good brand of fresh butter and leave it at room temperature until it is very soft. Dried or fresh herbs are used to season the butter. If using fresh herbs, rinse them thoroughly and allow them to air dry for several hours prior to chopping. It can then be formed into a log, chilled until firm and sliced to serve. 

Freezing - unlike dried herbs in which concentrates their flavour, frozen herbs (once thawed) can be used in the same proportion as fresh ones. Freezing herbs as individual leaves requires a little more time upfront to separate each leaf. However, when it comes time to cook with them, the herbs are easy to measure and can be used almost identically to freshly cut herbs. They can be frozen separately on trays and then placed in storage bags and returned to the freezer. Because they're already frozen, the leaves won't stick together in the bags. 

Herbs in Ice Cubes - you can freeze herbs in ice cubes. If using for cooking, you can pack the ice cube with herbs and put a small amount of water to fill. If using for drinks, just add a few leaves to the water. Mint or lemon balm, mixed with a few edible flowers, are ideal for summer drinks. 

Herbal Teas - herbal tea can be relaxing, medicinal, healing or invigorating. Nothing beats unwinding with a tea made from fresh herbs. They are easy to make: put a handful of fresh herbs (about ¼ cup) per cup of tea into a pot. Pour boiling water over the herbs, cover, and steep for three to five minutes. Strain before serving. Delicious! 
 
These are just a few ways to use and preserve your herbs. Herbs are such wonderful plants, and their uses are vast. Not only are they useful but they add beauty and diversity to your garden