Ayurveda characterizes the digestibility, nutritional value and medicinal actions of several hundred substances which are edible and drinkable in nature. Herbs like basil, mint etc are one of that groups which strengthened by the way they are prepared or cooked. By the way in which they are combined with other foods or the qualities in which they are taken or the season and local climate where they are consumed. I encourage you to make a simple herbal garden and keep them the part of your life by storing them for a long time.
You can refer to setting up a herbal garden simply by referring
https://annanathasha.substack.com/p/it-is-easy-to-start-a-herbal-garden
It is easy to start a herbal garden
Here 7 methods I am giving to store herbs for a long time.
Bundle Method (Air Dry)
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
REQUIREMENT:
- Bundle of herbs
- Air-tight container or zip-lock bag
- Mason jar
METHOD:
Take the herbs and tie them with kitchen twine. Hang them upside down (use a hanger ). Make sure the herbs are in a cool dry area. Care for the elimination of chance mould formation. Keep it for two weeks. Once dry, store them in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag. You can Stock in a clean mansion jar too.
Caution: Always try to keep it in a dry area to prevent moulding.
2. Frozen Method:
Requirements:
- Herbs:,(Wash and dry with a soft cotton towel.)
2. Paper towels
Method :
Layer herbs, wrap them well with paper towels and keep them in a freezer.
Once they are frozen fully, you can store them in ziplock bags in the refrigerator and consume them over 7–10 days.
3. Ice Cubes
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Here is the most simple technique:
Mince the herbs and spread them in an ice cube tray (1 tsp in each cube), fill with water, and freeze.
You can use the cubes in dishes or beverages.
4. Microwave Herbs
a simple and quick method
Photo by Gentri Shopp on Unsplash
But make sure you are not keeping them as long as to scorch the leaves. Before placing them in the microwave remove excess water by shaking the herbs and place them in a microwave-safe paper cover and microwave for 20–30 sec. on high.
5.oil preservation
- Using olive oil
- Photo by Roberta Sorge on Unsplash
It’s another simple way to preserve herbs
Method: Dry herbs, put them in a bottle, add olive oil, and seal the opening using cork lids. Keep it in a dry and dark place. In 7–8 weeks, you will have your own flavoured herb oil! you can use it on salad and Italian dressing.
6.Olive Oil Cubes
- Keeping herbs in olive oil cubes is another excellent option for storing them for a long time.
- Photo by micheile dot com on Unsplash
Method: Take an ice tray, add sliced herbs of your choice, top it up with olive oil, and keep them in the freezer.
Once they are frozen, you will have individual cubes of olive oil instilled with herbs that you can later use while frying. The cubes can be shredded over salads or toppings too!
7.Freezer method:
- Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Freezing herbs in a ziplock or paper bag will also do the trick to keep the flavour and aroma intact for a long time. Take them out of the freezer for 10–15 mins before using them to bring them back to room temperature.
So keep your herbs for a long time, enjoy them with salads, teas, and different dishes or simply for giving a positive mood by smelling them.
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Bye
AnnaNathasha
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