food

4 Ways to Preserve Herbs

Never let your herbs go to waste again! Here are 4 flavorful ways to preserve them.

food

4 Ways to Preserve Herbs

Never let your herbs go to waste again! Here are 4 flavorful ways to preserve them.

Supplies

Dried Herbs

  • Several bundles of woody herbs
  • Clean string

Herb Oil

  • 2 cups fresh basil
  • 3/4 cup canola oil

Herb Salt

  • 1/2 cup coarse salt
  • 3 tablespoons of woody herbs, roughly chopped

Herb Butter

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons herbs of your choice, finely minced

Steps

Dried Herbs

  1. Gather small bunches of herbs and wrap the stalk ends with string. Attach the bundles on another piece of string. Hang the herbs in a clean, dry spot for 1-2 weeks, until fully dried.

Herb Oil

  1. Remove basil leaves from the stems. Blanch in rapidly boiling water for about 2 minutes, or until bright green. Remove with a strainer and quickly cool down in an ice bath. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out as much water as possible. Blend with canola oil, until fully combined. Pass through some cheesecloth and store in a clean container.

Herb Salt

  1. Place herbs and salt in a blender or food processor, and blend for about 5 seconds. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow to dry out overnight or in the oven on the lowest temperature setting for 1 hour. Transfer to a clean container.

Herb Butter

  1. In a bowl, combine softened butter and minced herbs. Transfer to a sheet of wax paper and form into a log. Seal and secure the ends and chill in the fridge.