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How To Preserve Fresh Herbs

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Dogear

You Will Need

  • Fresh herbs
  • Twine
  • Airtight containers
  • Cookie sheet
  • Ice cube trays
  • Food processor
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Vinegar
  • Sealable jar
  • Coffee filter
  1. Step 1

    Air dry the herbs until they are crumbly

    Use twine to tie small batches of herbs and hang them in a cool, dry place until they are dry and crispy. Store them in air-tight containers until you are ready to use them.

  2. Tip

    Use one-third of the amount called for if you are substituting dried herbs for fresh.

  3. Step 2

    Dry herbs in an oven set to 180 degrees

    Place herbs on a cookie sheet in an oven set to 180 degrees, keep the oven door open, and let them dry for about four hours. When they are crispy, store them in air-tight containers.

  4. Step 3

    Make a seasoning salt

    Mix a variety of dried herbs to make a special seasoning salt. Freeze it in small batches until you are ready to use it.

  5. Tip

    Add dried herbs to a dish when the food is fully cooked and still hot. The steam will help rehydrate them and bring out more of their natural flavor.

  6. Step 4

    Freeze chopped herbs in ice cubes

    Chop herbs and place them in ice cube trays, fill the trays with water, and freeze. Add the herb ice cubes to a dish while you're cooking.

  7. Step 5

    Make herb-infused butter

    Combine chopped fresh herbs with butter. Freeze the butter in ice cube trays and add the cubes directly to a dish you're cooking.

  8. Step 6

    Make a paste

    Place 2 cups of herbs in a food processor with ⅓ cup olive oil and blend until you have a paste. Store the paste in a small container in the fridge or freezer.

  9. Tip

    Try different combinations of herbs in your ice cubes, butter cubes, and pastes. Create Italian season flavors by mixing basil, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, and thyme.

  10. Step 7

    Make herb-infused vinegar or olive oil

    Combine herbs with white, cider, or wine vinegar or olive oil in a tightly-sealed jar, and store in a cool, dry place for two weeks. Strain the mixture through a coffee filter.

  11. Fact

    Ancient Egyptians wrapped bodies in strips of linen soaked in lavender oil and asphalt to give the bodies a hard shell after drying in the sun.

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