Herb preservation was necessary for indigenous peoples and settlers during the winter months. These flavor enhancers made meat and vegetables more palatable. Growing herbs, drying bundles, and storing them guaranteed a feeling of abundance and prosperity.
When I worked at my grocery store job long ago, fresh basil would always be the most popular. Availability was a concern, as was cost and freshness. I worked in the cheese department and had access to wooden cheese boxes from England. To build an herb garden, I upcycled the boxes into large shelving units to hold four plastic flowering pots. After six weeks, the tiny seedlings started to sprout. I loved it. Who knew tending to a small collection of cilantro, thyme, and basil could be relaxing?
But Chef, I don't have any space to start an herb garden. What are other options?
Your windowsill can house a simple plastic cup if it gets adequate light. Alternatively, see if your city offers a community garden, rent an available plot, and start a small herb and vegetable garden. Yes, they do exist!
How do I keep my herbs fresh after I buy them?
Take your herbs, roll them in a wet paper towel, and place them in a tall glass of water. Switch out the water daily. They will stay a bit fresher than leaving them on the counter.
How do I dry my herbs out?
You can place them on a clean paper towel or a sanitized bendable plastic cutting board. Trim the tops of your fresh herbs, keep the leaves (basil) or the stems with the smaller leaves (thyme and cilantro), and dry them on a paper towel for weeks. If you lift a strand and it doesn't turn to dust, it needs to dry longer. Once your herbs are dehydrated, gather them, and place them in your labeled spice jars. If you have bunches of herbs (lavender), tie the strands together at the ends and hang them to dry.
Why do I need to make bundles, Chef?
Lavender bundles are bulky and hold more moisture. They can rot in the middle if not appropriately handled.
There's a large amount of available material on herb drying and preservation. I can give you some quick tips for pairing dried herbs with unique dishes. In my next blog, I will cover how and what kind of herbs to use together.