The Herbal Pantry. Preserving your Herbs

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1 The Herbal Pantry Preserving your Herbs

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3 Introduction Karen Wortman Owner, Hidden Springs Farms Owner, Dancing Cow Creamery

4 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.

5 Ways to Preserve Vinegars/Oils Butters Dried Herbal Blends Jellies, Flavored Honeys & Syrups Herbal Sauces Teas Bath & Body

6 Drying Herbs Drying is one of the simplest and most convenient way to preserve your herbs. Hanging Drying on Screens Dehydrators

7 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

8 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.

9 Herbal Butters Who 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 herbs Salt & Pepper to taste Here s a great combinations: Thyme, Chives, Oregano, and Parsley

10 Dried Blends Herbal blends add interest and variety to your dishes. Keep them in a cool, dry, dark place. Think of the Cost Saving!

11 Dried Blend Ideas Italian Seasoning 1/2 Cup Oregano 1/2 Cup Basil 1/4 Cup Parsley 1 TB Fennel seeds, crushed 1 TB hot red pepper flakes, (optional) Poultry Herbs 1 TB Marjoram 2 TB Tarragon 1 TB Basil 1 TB Rosemary 1 tsp Paprika Popcorn Herbs 1/4 Cup Ground Cumin 1 TB Cayenne 3 TB Oregano

12 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 storebought items.

13 Quick & easy Basic Herb Honey Quick Herb Jelly 1 cup honey 1 1/2 pint good quality apple jelly 2 sprigs of your favorite herb 1 1/2 TB water heat honey over low heat. Place slightly Sprigs of Rosemary, Lavender or bruised herbs in a clean jar. Pour warm other flavorful herbs honey over and seal. Let mellow for at Combine jelly and water in a least one week before using. saucepan, heat over low heat until jelly melts completely. Skim Basic Syrup off foam. Put lightly bruised 3 C water herbs in a clean jar and pour hot 1 C fresh herbs jelly over them. 2 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

14 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.

15 They say. Basil Promotes alertness, eases motion & morning sickness Chamomile Relaxing and aids in digestion Lemon Balm Counteracts stress, soothes nerves Thyme Eases tension headaches & sore throats Mints Relieves Nausea and sweetens breath

16 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

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18 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!