Summer Herbs

So it's the first day of Spring!  I don't know about you guys, but I've already started my basil plants indoors, in Chobani Yogurt cups no doubt ( I saw this in a magazine).  ...I'm so excited!!...    The picture at the right has fresh herbs frozen in olive oil, in ice cube trays.  This is one of many ways to preserve your fresh herb harvest!     Fresh herbs are so much more flavorful than dried herbs in most cases.  Some oily herbs such as Rosemary actually get more potent with drying however!  With a little research you can find which method works best for which herb

SO... HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BOUGHT PARSLEY or CILANTRO FOR A RECIPE, NOT USED IT ALL AND LET THE REST OF THE BUNCH GO BAD IN THE FRIDGE?  This is one of my big mistakes...see preserving in water below to save these herbs for another recipe and SAVE your cash $$.

http://www.organicgardening.com ~ great resource for gardening!

Herbs like Thyme, Basil and oregano, are better fresh.  These three herbs are staples in my home.  I use them almost on a daily basis!  So preserving my harvest is especially important for time sake and in order to save money. 

For instance I bought basil seeds for $1.79 for a packet.  I have my first round of basil coming up now, I planted them in six Chobani Yogurt cups about a week ago.  I'll use these fresh and save some in butter or olive oil.  The sprouts are coming up now.

I can also transfer these to larger pots or into the garden.

Then I will replant another round of seeds in cups at June 1st or so. That way I will have them throughout the season and can preserve some via freezing for the winter months and not have to buy them.  Very economical considering the price of these fresh herbs and dried herbs for that matter.

Preserving herbs is SUPER EASY!!

You can freeze in many mediums, WATER, BUTTER, OLIVE OIL, CANOLA OIL.

WATER METHOD...

1.  Rinse and Discard Stems of herbs

2.  Finely Chop with knife

3.  TIGHTLY Pack into ice cube trays

4.  Carefully and slowly put water into cube trays with herbs. 

5.  Freeze for 24 hours.

6.  Pop out of cube trays and store in freezer baggie w/date on the label.

These methods keep herbs well for up to 6 months.

****GARLIC LOVERS.. oh you know I love me some garlic!!  You can store chopped garlic in oil as well.