by Vicky Josephino

Created on: November 20, 2009   Last Updated: November 21, 2009

One reason why so many people are engaging in garden herbs is because of the many uses they can provide in the kitchen. Herbs are considered as natural flavorings for food and they are safe to use as such. So, if you are an herb-grower yourself, know how to care for them as well as the various harvesting and preparation guides applicable to the different classes of herbs.

The first guiding rule to observe is when to harvest the herbs, such that the maximum beneficial effect from them is assured. It is best to do your harvesting when there is no wind and heat, for these are factors that deplete the essential oils in herbs which give them that property as good flavoring additives to your food.

So, see to it that you harvest them only in dry mornings in midsummer. You only harvest certain portions of the herb plant that are already usable in the kitchen - allow the rest of the plant to grow some more for later harvests.

The harvested herbs are normally preserved for future use and there are three ways of doing this: by drying, by freezing or by preserving them in a medium either of vinegar or salt.

In drying herbs, bundle up six to twelve stems of the plants by first removing the foliage and leaves from the bottom of the stems. Tie the bundle with string and hang this up in cold temperature outside the house. Ensure that the bundle is free from insects by putting it in a screened container. The bundle of herb stems can also be dried using dehydrators, microwave or ovens.

The second technique in preservation is by freezing the fresh herbs. Cut the herbs into inch sizes and bundle them up in a baking sheet lined with wax paper. This is then placed in the freezer until frozen. The frozen herbs are then put inside airtight containers before placing them back in the freezer.

Third, herbs can be preserved by immersing them either in vinegar (herb types like basil, tarragon and mint) or by using salt as a preserver. Herbs preserved in a vinegar medium can last for months and can still be good for culinary use.

The use of salt as a preserving medium is done by putting stems of herbs in layers alternating with layers of the salt. The stems are then dried and stored away in airtight containers.

The important thing in herb preservation is ensuring that they are clean when you first harvest them from the plant. Do this by putting them in a bowl of water mixed with salt since the salt drives away the insects and predators without causing harm to the herbs. Then hang them up to dry.

Herb-growing is a fulfilling pastime. You have to take care of them well and practice correct harvesting and preserving methods to maximize the benefits from them. Follow the guidelines outlined in the above paragraphs.

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