Herb Harvest and Preparation Guide

Posted On : Nov-20-2009 | seen (91) times | Article Word Count : 504 |

There are certain things you can do to maximize the freshness of herbs. Read this helpful tips on herb harvesting and preparation.

The reason why herb-growing hobbyists engage in it is the many uses they can make of them for flavoring in their cooking. Herbs are considered as natural flavorings for food and they are safe to use as such. So, if you are an herb-grower yourself, know how to care for them as well as the various harvesting and preparation guides applicable to the different classes of herbs.

The first guiding rule to observe is when to harvest the herbs such that the maximum beneficial effect from them is assured. It is best to do your harvesting when there is no wind and heat, for these are factors that deplete the essential oils in herbs which give them that property as good flavoring additives to your food. So, see to it that you harvest them only in dry mornings in midsummer. You only harvest certain portions of the herb plant that are already usable in the kitchen – allow the rest of the plant to grow some more for later harvests.

The harvested herbs are normally preserved for future use and there are three ways of doing this: by drying, by freezing or by preserving them in a medium either of vinegar or salt.

In drying herbs, bundle up six to twelve stems of the plants by first removing the foliage and leaves from the bottom of the stems. Tie the bundle with string and hang this up in cold temperature outside the house. Ensure that the bundle is free from insects by putting it in a screened container. The bundle of herb stems can also be dried using dehydrators, microwave or ovens.

The second technique in preservation is by freezing the herbs. Cut the herbs into ¼-inch sizes and bundle them up in a baking sheet lined with wax paper. This is then placed in the freezer until frozen. The frozen herbs are then put inside airtight containers before placing them back in the freezer.

Third, herbs can be preserved by immersing them either in vinegar (herb types like basil, tarragon and mint) or by using salt as a preserver. Herbs preserved in a vinegar medium can last for months and can still be good for culinary use. The use of salt as a preserving medium is done by putting stems of herbs in layers alternating with layers of the salt. The stems are then dried and stored away in airtight containers.

The important thing in herb preservation is ensuring that they are clean when you first harvest them from the plant. Do this by putting them in a bowl of water mixed with salt since the salt drives away the insects and predators without causing harm to the herbs. Then hang them up to dry.

Herb-growing is a fulfilling pastime. You have to take care of them well and practice correct harvesting and preserving methods to maximize the benefits from them. Follow the guidelines outlined in the above paragraphs.

Re-Publish this Article

<h1>Herb Harvest and Preparation Guide</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Vicky Josephino.aspx'>Vicky Josephino</a> The reason why herb-growing hobbyists engage in it is the many uses they can make of them for flavoring in their cooking. Herbs are considered as natural flavorings for food and they are safe to use as such. So, if you are an herb-grower yourself, know how to care for them as well as the various harvesting and preparation guides applicable to the different classes of herbs.

The first guiding rule to observe is when to harvest the herbs such that the maximum beneficial effect from them is assured. It is best to do your harvesting when there is no wind and heat, for these are factors that deplete the essential oils in herbs which give them that property as good flavoring additives to your food.  So, see to it that you harvest them only in dry mornings in midsummer. You only harvest certain portions of the herb plant that are already usable in the kitchen – allow the rest of the plant to grow some more for later harvests.

The harvested herbs are normally preserved for future use and there are three ways of doing this: by drying, by freezing or by preserving them in a medium either of vinegar or salt.

In drying herbs, bundle up six to twelve stems of the plants by first removing the foliage and leaves from the bottom of the stems. Tie the bundle with string and hang this up in cold temperature outside the house. Ensure that the bundle is free from insects by putting it in a screened container. The bundle of herb stems can also be dried using dehydrators, microwave or ovens.

The second technique in preservation is by freezing the herbs. Cut the herbs into ¼-inch sizes and bundle them up in a baking sheet lined with wax paper. This is then placed in the freezer until frozen. The frozen herbs are then put inside airtight containers before placing them back in the freezer.

Third, herbs can be preserved by immersing them either in vinegar (herb types like basil, tarragon and mint) or by using salt as a preserver. Herbs preserved in a vinegar medium can last for months and can still be good for culinary use. The use of salt as a preserving medium is done by putting stems of herbs in layers alternating with layers of the salt. The stems are then dried and stored away in airtight containers.

The important thing in herb preservation is ensuring that they are clean when you first harvest them from the plant. Do this by putting them in a bowl of water mixed with salt since the salt drives away the insects and predators without causing harm to the herbs. Then hang them up to dry.

Herb-growing is a fulfilling pastime. You have to take care of them well and practice correct harvesting and preserving methods to maximize the benefits from them. Follow the guidelines outlined in the above paragraphs.About the Author: My name is Vicky Josephino. I'm a writer and herb garden enthusiast living just outside of Long Beach, CA. Mostly, I spend my days either buried in my laptop or tinkering the organic garden I've set up a decade ago. For more tips on <a href="http://www.herbgardeningguides.com/herb-harvest-and-preparation/">fresh herbs</a> and organic gardening, check out my articles & free gardening e-course at <a href="http://www.herbgardeningguides.com/">http://www.herbgardeningguides.com/</a>. Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Herb-Harvest-and-Preparation-Guide_5746.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Herb Harvest and Preparation Guide_5746.aspx</a>

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Herb Harvest and Preparation Guide_5746.aspx

Author Resource :
My name is Vicky Josephino. I'm a writer and herb garden enthusiast living just outside of Long Beach, CA. Mostly, I spend my days either buried in my laptop or tinkering the organic garden I've set up a decade ago. For more tips on fresh herbs and organic gardening, check out my articles & free gardening e-course at http://www.herbgardeningguides.com/.

Keywords : Organic Herbs, Fresh Herbs, Garden Herbs, Herb Plants, Herb Harvest

Category : Home and Family : Gardening

Print this Article Send to Friend

* Rate This Article:

(5 is the best)

Post New Comment
* Your Name:
* Email:
Subject:
* Comment:
	Enter the code shown:

Latest Gardening ArticlesMore From Vicky Josephino

The Fundamental Rule of Great Lawn Care in Newark DE
By : shristy | 03-06-2010
When it comes to a beautiful home, inner beauty isn't the only thing that matters. In fact, experts agree that having a well manicured garden or lawn is one of the very first things a person will notice when visiting a friend's or relative's home.

Tips in Caring for Your Topsoil: What Garden Owners in Hockessin DE Needs to Know
By : shristy | 03-06-2010
Lawn care depends on a lot of things. But one of the biggest factors you need to consider in lawn care is the climate and how it can affect the quality of your soil. In fact, from your plants' point of view, the topsoil and its quality is one of the most important things that you need to factor in when it comes for their health.

Three Things to Check with Lawn Care Professionals in Hockessin DE
By : shristy | 03-06-2010
It is priceless to have a wonderful lawn. People are running short of time to fulfill commitments,attend events etc.

Things To Consider When Hiring A Landscaping Designer in Newark DE
By : shristy | 03-06-2010
A manicured and well maintained lawn is essentially a beauty to the eye. If you are after to pump up the price of your property in Newark, calling a landscape designer in Newark DE to do some miracle for your drought-victim housefront is one way to fuel up your property's market value.

Garden Furniture - Get The Right Look
By : Caz | 02-25-2010
Garden furniture is also known as patio furniture and it is specifically designed for outdoor use. It is generally made out of weather resistant materials.

The Art and Culture of Japanese Fountains
By : Johnathan Silverstone | 02-24-2010
Today, I want to reveal you some secrets on water fountains. However, to be honest, I want to go deeper, and I will share with you the cultural history and significance of Japanese bamboo fountains.

Build Your Patio Quickly and Within Your Budget
By : Johnathan Silverstone | 02-24-2010
I like the patio decks for my outdoor, and I really believe you will like them too. It brings a really nice atmosphere and luxe to your house.

How To Control Termites
By : Shanon Foster | 02-24-2010
Termites are small insects that can cause irreparable damage to your wooden furniture and other household items. Several measures have been taken so far. However, the results were meagre as of now. The main reason attributed to this failure is because of lack of awareness in controlling the spread of termites and controlling their population.

Five Native Texas Plants That Can Enhance Your Landscape Design
By : Joe Cline | 02-19-2010
By using native plants in their landscaping plan, homeowners can be assured that their plants will thrive in the dry, sunny Texas climate.

Top Four Advantages of Artificial Plants over Natural Plants
By : jeff1 | 02-15-2010
Gone are the days when artificial plants used to look so… well… artificial! Today’s artificial plants and flowers are designed, moulded and painted in such a way that they look and feel real.

Author Information

Vicky Josephino has 6 Published Articles

United States of America,
CA,
Lakewood,
Sunfield,

Herb Harvest and Preparation Guide

Article Submission