Herbs are a staple in the kitchen.
I love the “cut and come again” herbs such as basil, chives, parsley, cilantro, mint and many more. They are easy to maintain plants and you can grow them indoors or outside. If you want to dry them for storing them away, here’s how!
You want to harvest the herbs just as the first flower buds begin opening, this is because the oils in the leaves are most concentrated at this time so the herbs will maintain their flavor. Then just cut some sprigs or branches and tie them together at the cut ends. Hang them upside down in a warm, dry place with good ventilation and no direct sunlight. When the leaves crumble readily you can strip them off of the stems and store them away in air tight containers.
Another way is to take the leaves off right away and place them spread out on a screen or sheet. Leave them in a dry, airy place with no direct sunlight and stir them around every few days as they dry.
For herbs grown for their seeds you can harvest the seed pods or heads once they’ve turned brown. Just dry them in a paper bag until you’re able to shake the seeds loose. Store your seeds in air tight containers to use whenever you’re ready.
Happy gardening!
