Did you know that within a single growing season, you can conserve enough herbs to last for years? All you need is a bit of research to provide proper care, a dehydrator, and some glass jars for storage. If you don’t have a dehydrator and are unsure about making that investment, you can still preserve your herbs, albeit a little slower. I started with the most inexpensive dehydrator I could find, and it wasn’t long before I realized a larger one would be a worthwhile long-term investment.
If you haven’t grown herbs before, I suggest starting with one or two. Choose the ones you use most frequently in your kitchen. I started with basil. One crucial tip is to do your research. I attempted to wing it in my first year, and while it wasn’t a complete failure, I wouldn’t call it a success either. I managed to preserve enough basil for a few homemade pizzas and a couple of jars of pasta sauce, which isn’t a lot. However, the research process took me less than an hour and was incredibly thorough. So, believe me when I say it’s worth it. I harvested an entire pint of freshly dried basil in just one growing season from a single plant. This quantity will last us for years, and we make a lot of homemade pizzas and sauces.
Before you begin, ensure you have answers to the following questions. Substitute your chosen herb for my basil.
On Planting and Harvesting:
– Where is the best place for basil to grow?
– How much water does basil require?
– When should I start harvesting basil?
– Where should I cut the basil during harvesting?
– Should I wash basil?
– How do I collect seeds from my basil plant?
If Using a Dehydrator:
– How should I arrange basil on the drying racks?
– At what temperature should basil be dried?
– How long should basil be dried at this temperature?
If Using the Hang Dry Method:
– How many basil leaves should be in a bunch?
– Where should I hang the basil?
– How often should I check the basil?
– How can I tell when the basil is completely dry?
What Now:
– Should I leave the dried basil leaves whole or grind them into smaller pieces?
– What’s the best way to store dried basil?
– How long will my dried basil last?
– How can I tell if my basil is still good?
Bonus:
– How can I use my freshly dried basil?
Now you’re ready to start preserving your fresh herbs. Before you know it, you’ll have a whole cabinet full of herbs that you can take pride in for all your hard work while saving money. I’d love to hear about your experiences and the herbs you’ve grown.
