Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...
Fresh herbs and spices have a
stronger aroma and flavor than
commercial dried herbs and spices.
They are prized by food lovers and
gourmet cooks. Dried herbs and
spices are used more often than fresh
because they are more readily
available and convenient to use.
Although some flavor is lost when
they are dried, it becomes more
concentrated because excess
moisture is removed. Most herbs
contain 70 to 85 percent water. Eight
ounces of fresh herbs will yield about
one ounce dried.
The flower, seeds, leaves and stems of herbs can all be used for seasoning.
Leaves and stems should be gathered early in the morning before the heat of
the sun dissipates the flavoring oils.
Leaves should be harvested before the plant begins to flower and while still
tender. Snip stems at base, taking care to leave sucient foliage for the plant to
continue growing. The new leaves at the tip of the plant have the most
concentrated flavor.
Plants usually survive three or four major harvests and, depending on climate,
may produce all year round. Cold frames extend growing season and a sunny
kitchen window will allow potted herbs to produce all year long.
Gathering Herbs
28 29
To be certain that herbs are
suciently dry, place in an airtight
container for several days. If
condensation appears on the
inside of container, they need
further drying.
To dry small-leafed herbs, like thyme,
place on a tray that is lined with a Clean-
A Screen
®
accessory that is available
through www.nesco.com. This helps
keep dried herbs from falling through
the tray. As small herbs dry, they may fly
around inside the dehydrator. If this
happens, place another Clean-A
Screen
®
over drying herbs to keep
them in place.
If flowers are to be used in teas, dry them
whole. Wash and separate petals and
remove any tough or discolored parts.
When seedpods have dried, their outer
covering may be removed. Rub seeds
between palms of your hands to remove
husks. Place larger seeds on a Clean-A-
Screen
®
sheet. Place smaller seeds
loosely on a fruit roll sheet. Dehydrate
until there is no moisture evident. If
seeds are to be used for planting, dry at
room temperature to maintain
germination ability.
Preparation
Testing for Dryness
Herbs are dry when they snap and crumble
easily. Stems should be brittle and usually
need additional drying time after they are
removed from the seed pods.
Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...