What to do with herbs from the garden? This is a question many gardeners face come harvest time. There are so many options, it can be hard to know where to start!
In this comprehensive guide, we will answer all of your questions and give you some useful tips on how to use your herbs for the best results. Whether you are looking for culinary inspiration or want to find new ways to use medicinal herbs, we have you covered.
Things to Make with Too Many Herbs
Freeze Them
One way to make sure your herbs don’t go to waste is to freeze them. This is a great option if you’re growing more than you can use or if you want to enjoy homegrown herbs year-round.
To freeze herbs, wash and dry them thoroughly. Chop them into small pieces, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for several hours, or until the herbs are frozen solid.
Once they’re frozen, transfer the herbs to an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to six months. When you’re ready to use them, simply remove as many as you need and let them thaw at room temperature.
Freezing is a great way to preserve herbs, but it’s not the only option. If you’re looking for other ways to use up your herbs, read on. [1]
Chop Them
This is a great way to add flavour and nutrition to any dish, and it’s also a great way to use up any herbs that are starting to wilt. Simply chop the herbs as finely as you’d like and add them to whatever you’re cooking. You can also chop them and store them in a sealed container in the fridge for later use.
Another way to use your herbs is by making a pesto. It is a delicious sauce made from herbs, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. It’s great on pasta, sandwiches, or even just as a dip.
To make pesto, simply combine all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. You can also add other things to the pesto like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives. [1]
Dry Them
This will keep the flavour and aroma of the herb intact for a longer period of time. You can dry herbs in a number of ways including air-drying, oven-drying, or using a dehydrator.
To air-dry your herbs, simply tie them together in small bundles and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated area. It usually takes about two weeks for the herbs to fully dry.
If you want to speed up the drying process for your herbs, you can oven-dry them. Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (usually around 200 degrees Fahrenheit) and spread out your herbs on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the herbs dry for about an hour.
If you want to dry your herbs, you can use a dehydrator.
Once your herbs are dry, you can store them in an airtight container and keep them in a dark, cool place. Dried herbs will retain their flavour for six months to a year.
Drink Them
One of the most popular ways to use herbs is by making them into a drink.
You can make anything from iced tea and lemonade to cocktails and mocktails. Get creative and experiment with different flavours to see what you like best. You can even add fruit or vegetables to create unique flavour combinations. [1]
Make Oils and Vinegars
One of the most popular ways to preserve herbs is by making oils and vinegars. This method can be used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
To make an herb-infused oil, start by chopping up your fresh herbs. You’ll want to use about one cup of chopped herbs for every two cups of oil. Once your herbs are chopped, add them to a pan along with the oil. Gently heat the mixture for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After the allotted time has passed, take the pan off of the heat and let it cool. Then, use a cheesecloth to strain the herbs out of the oil. Pour the finished product into a dark glass bottle and store it in a cool place where it will be safe from direct sunlight.
Making an herb-infused vinegar is simple. Start by chopping up one cup of fresh herbs and adding them to two cups of vinegar. Heat the mixture on low for 30 minutes, then remove it from the heat to cool. Strain the herbs out and store the vinegar in a dark glass bottle.
Herb-infused oils and vinegars make great gifts, so be sure to label them clearly with the type of herb used and the date it was made. [1]
Make Bouquets
You can use a single herb or several different kinds of herbs. Some common herbs that work well in bouquets include lavender, rosemary, oregano, and thyme. Trim the stems and arrange them like any other flowers. Add a pretty ribbon or twine, and you’re done!
You can take this idea one step further by drying the bouquet. Hang it upside down in a cool, dark place for about two weeks. Once the herbs are completely dried out, you can remove them from the stems and use them in potpourri, sachets, or any other craft projects. [1]
Make Butters
This is a great way to add flavour to your food without using processed ingredients. To make herb butter, simply cream together softened butter and chopped herbs. For herb oil, infuse olive oil with fresh or dried herbs by adding them to a jar and letting them sit for a week or more. Strain the oil before using.
Herbs can also be used to make tea. This is a great way to get the health benefits of herbs without taking supplements. To make herb tea, steep fresh or dried herbs in hot water for several minutes. Strain the tea before drinking it.
Exciting Things to Do With Herbs
Throw Them with Booze
Herbs are the perfect addition to any mixed drink. Not only do they add flavour, but they can also act as a garnish or stirrer. If you’re feeling fancy, muddle some herbs in the bottom of your glass before adding your liquor of choice. Or, if you’re looking for something a little lighter, try adding some herbs to seltzer or tonic water.
Here are a few herbal combinations to get you started:
- Rosemary and gin
- Thyme and vodka
- Mint and rum
- Basil and whiskey
- Sage and tequila
- Fresh Home Décor
One of the best things about having an herb garden is being able to use the herbs to spruce up your home décor. Make a fresh herb wreath for your front door. You can also use the herbs to make potpourri or scented sachets. These are great for placing in drawers or closets to make them smell nice.
If you have fresh herbs that you need to use up, one of the best things that you can do is to dry them. This will help to preserve them so that you can use them later on. There are a few different ways that you can dry herbs.
Tie them together with string and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place.
Lay them out on a cooling rack and put them in the oven on the lowest setting for about an hour. [2]
Up Your Skincare Regime
If you grow lavender, rosemary, or mint, congratulations! You already have the makings of a luxurious and fragrant homemade skincare regime. These herbs are all excellent for your skin and can be used in a variety of ways.
Lavender can be used to make a toner by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to water. Rosemary can be used in a facial steam to help clear congestion and brighten the complexion. Mint can be made into a cooling face mask by mixing it with some yoghurt and honey. [2]
Eat Sweeter Herbs
Most herbs are savoury, but a few—basil, mint, and lemon balm—taste sweet. Add them to fruit salads or iced drinks, or use them as substitutes for other sweeteners in recipes.
Muddle a couple of mint leaves in your next mojito or add some basil to your strawberry lemonade. You can also make a simple syrup with any of these herbs: cook equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves, then add your herb of choice and steep for 30 minutes before straining.
Lemon balm also makes a great tea on its own: just steep a few leaves in hot water for a few minutes. If you have a cold or are feeling stressed, this is the tea for you—it’s both calming and soothing.
Bake with Herbs
Herbs can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. When baking with herbs, it is best to use dried herbs because they are more potent than fresh herbs. To make an easy herb-infused oil, combine equal parts of your favourite dried herb with olive oil.
Place the mixture in a pan over low heat and allow the herbs to infuse the oil for about 15 minutes. This herb-infused oil can be used in a variety of recipes such as roasted vegetables, pasta dishes, or breads.
If you want to use fresh herbs, it is best to add them towards the end of cooking so they do not lose their flavour. Herbs can also be used as a natural food colouring. For example, adding a few drops of lavender oil to frosting will give it a light purple hue. [2]
Create Arrangements
Herbs can be used to create beautiful arrangements. You can use them indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference. To make an arrangement, start by picking a selection of herbs with different colours, shapes, and textures.
Once you have your herbs, trim them so they are all the same length. Then, arrange them in a vase or container of your choice. Add water and place the arrangement in a sunny spot. Enjoy your beautiful creation!
Whether you choose to use fresh or dried herbs, arrangements are a great way to add a touch of green to any space.
Sleep Easier
Some herbs can be used to make a natural sleep aid. Chamomile, lemon balm, and lavender are all good options. To make a sleep aid, steep two teaspoons of dried herb in eight ounces of boiling water for ten minutes. Drink the tea before bedtime.
Another option is to make a lavender-infused pillow. Just add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a cotton ball and place it in your pillowcase. The scent of lavender will help you relax and fall asleep. [2]
FAQ
How Do You Preserve Fresh Herbs From the Garden?
The best way is freezing them. To do this, simply wash the herbs and then pat them dry. Next, chop the herbs and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to label the bag with the name of the herb and the date it was frozen.
Another option for preserving fresh herbs is to dry them. Start by washing the herbs and then patting them dry. Next, tie the herbs together in small bundles and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place. Once the herbs are dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
What Can I Do With Leftover Fresh Herbs?
There are many things you can do with leftover fresh herbs. One option is to make herb-infused oils or vinegars. These make great gifts or can be used in your own cooking. You can also freeze leftover herbs in ice cubes and use them later in soups or stews. Finally, you can dry the herbs and store them in an airtight container for use throughout the year.
No matter what you do with your fresh herbs, be sure to enjoy them while they are in season! Fresh herbs add so much flavour to dishes and can really brighten up a meal. Try incorporating them into your cooking this summer and see how much you love them!
How Do You Harvest and Store Herbs from Your Garden?
There are a few simple steps to follow in order to harvest and store herbs. Cut the herb at the base of the plant using sharp scissors or pruning shears. Be sure to cut only what you need, as the herb will not continue to grow once it is harvested.
For storage, place the herbs in a dry, airtight container and store in a cool, dark place. Herbs can also be frozen or dried for longer storage.
What Do You Do with Herbs Once They Grow?
There are many ways to use the herbs you grow in your garden. You can dry them, freeze them, or even pickle them. But what’s the best way to use them?
Here are a few ideas:
- Drying herbs is a great way to preserve their flavour and aroma. Simply tie the stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place. Once the herbs are dry, strip the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
- Freezing herbs is another great way to preserve their flavour. Simply chop the herbs and place them in ice cube trays with a bit of water. Once frozen, transfer the herb cubes to a freezer bag.
- Pickling herbs is a great way to add flavour to dishes. Simply place the herbs in a jar and cover them with vinegar or brine. Let the herbs pickle for at least a week before using them.
Useful Video: Herbs from Garden to Table
Conclusion
Now that you know how to dry and store your herbs, what are you going to do with them? There are so many possibilities! You can add them to recipes, make tea, or use them in home remedies. The sky’s the limit when it comes to using homegrown herbs.
Have fun experimenting and discovering new ways to enjoy your fresh herbs. Thanks for following along on our herb journey!
References:
- https://www.thechoppingblock.com/blog/10-things-to-make-with-too-many-herbs
- https://blog.gardenuity.com/things-to-do-with-herbs/