The grow your own herbs bug bit! You  now find yourself with a bounty of herbs, but not quite sure how to use them. If you have never harvested and used fresh herbs, it can be a little intimidating. Do I need to dry them? How? How do I use them? Are they safe to consume? Relax! Once you begin to play with herbs, the more ways you'll find to use them. This is a journey you will enjoy more each day.

Herb Plants

Note :Prior to using herbs, especially for the first time or when taking prescription or over the counter medications-check with your physician or pharmacist. Some herbs interact with medications or render them useless. Always advise your physician of any herbs you are using or consuming on a regular basis. He can only effectively treat you if he has all the information possible.

Never take a chance on wild herbs! What may look like a safe herb could easily be a dangerous plant, only similar in appearance.

If you must spray chemically- carefully read all labels. Use only products safe for food products and follow the directions. More is not better.

  Harvesting

Harvest leaves and flowers just after the dew has dried. If you have a dehydrator-great! You are already familiar with drying foods and flowers. Most will dry quickly-just be careful not to overdry them. If you don't have a dehydrator, don't run out and buy one. Herbs will dry very nicely either hung upside down in bunches or laid flat seperately in a cool, dry area out of the sun with good air flow.Once dry, crumble or break into small, useable pieces. Dried herbs are best stored in glass jars.Dark glass is the best, but clean baby food jars are great and usually available free from a family member or neighbor (most moms hate to throw them away but soon end up with more than they will ever need!). Metal is not a good choice since some herbs may react to the metal. Plastic will absorb the wonderful fragrance of your herbs which means you have lost a large portion of fragrance/flavor.

Basil is if one of the few herbs which do not dry well. But basil is easily preserved in oil, vinegar, pesto, and frozen.

Harvest seeds such as dill, fennel, coriander, etc just as it begins to dry and darken. Lay seeds on a paper towel or in a shallow cardboard box to complete drying. Shake occasionally to dry evenly. When dry, store in glass jars.

Harvesting roots: This can be a little trickier, but you can handle it! As a general rule, plants should be 3 years old before harvesting roots, but you can usually safely harvest in the second year if you are like me and impatient. Gently loosen soil around base of plant. Continue working soil  until plant can be lifted without too much resistance-you don't want to rip the plant out and leave the roots in the soil and damage the plant's future. Gently divide and return 1/2 -2/3 of root mass with plant back to planting area. Until there is a substantial root mass, it is best not to remove more than 1/3 of root. If your plant have developed a large root structure since planting you can harvest more at one time. Brush away as much soil as possible, rinse and lightly scrub  with a soft veggie brush. Roots may be cut into sections or 1/4" slices for faster easier drying. May be dried in a dehydrator or on a rack covered with paper towels. Store in a glass jar.

Is your herb safe to consume?

If this is an herb you are not already familiar with- if in doubt, don't! Check it out. Ask your seller when you purchase your plant.Check it out on the internet. Seed/plant catalogs are great sources of information on the uses and cultivation of herbs-collect them for reference! 

Again, if this is a herb you have not used before, check with you doctor or pharmacist be be certain there will be no interaction with your medications.

Never use herbs which you suspect or know have been sprayed with toxic chemicals. I'd always rather see a spot or two which have been nibbled by an insect than a perfect plant. Picture perfect plants make me nervous.

Let's have some fun!

What to do with all these wonderful herbs? The more you experiment-the more adventurous you'll become!

Try growing herbs in fun containers indoors-they're always handy for cooking, beverages, baths or just to brush the leaves and enjoy the fragrance!

In the kitchen

First- save that basil! While basil loses color, flavor and fragrance when dried, it freezes beautifully. Simply harvest and cut into small pieces.Fill ice cube trays with chopped basil and add just enough water to cover basil. When herb cubes are frozen, pop out into a zip bag and store in freezer. Chicken stock can be substituted for water.

Basil oil or vinegar is fabulous for cooking and salads. Pack fresh basil into a clean jar or bottled. Cover with white or rice vinegar, olive, canola or sunflower oil. Cap. Shake daily for about two weeks.Strain and store in bottle or jar. Try this with a dark leaf or flavored basil for outstanding color or a unique flavor. This works well with almost any herb or combination of herbs. Basil vinegar is also great for your skin!

Knowing which herbs to use with which foods can best be determine by personal preference. Most cookbooks and herb books have a basic guide for the most common uses. Begin there and play. Try adding a spring if mint in a beef dish! Sound strange? That tip came to me from a chef of a local exclusive restaurant-its wonderful!

Herb Books

Herbs for the bath

This is a must for anyone who has any type of stress, dry skin, sore muscles-just because you're worth it!

These are so easy! Use fresh or dried herbs. Place selected herb(s) in a cheesecloth or thin cotton drawstring bag( you can use a square of cloth tied with string or yarn). Hand from tub faucet under water flow or float bag in tub. Allow to steep in hot water for about 5 minutes then add  water to prefered temperature. Dry or itchy skin? use Chamomile, especially effective for eczema. Even the inexpensive Chamomile tea bags from the local dollar store work great-just toss in 4-5. Lavender is perfect for relaxation.Rosemary for clearing the mind. Sore muscles? Try Thyme.For a cold, congestion, achy muscles- try  lemon or lime thyme, mint, lemon grass or lemon balm and eucalyptus.    If you like it-use it!

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are a treat for the spirit as well as the body. Catnip tea is wonderful before bed, thyme for a cough, mint, dill or fennel for indigestion, chamomile to relax. Caffeine free, sweetened with a bit of stevia they are also calorie free.

Welcome to the wonderful world of herbs! More to come~

Feel free to contact me to share favorite herbal delights or ask questions!

Copyright © 2006 ladybugburns