As the frenzy of fall gives way to the quiet ways of winter, we often turn an introspective eye towards preparing for the coming year and changing weather that the seasons bring. There is a lot you can do to easily incorporate herbs into your life, with an eye towards whatever life may bring.
Oh, the taste and smell of basil fresh from the garden may be a hazy, distant memory. Something we get only during the growing season. But the taste is something we can enjoy all year round if we prepare for the upcoming seasons. Just as we are preserving fruits and vegetables for our winter use, we can preserve some of our favorite herbs for later use, too. We’ll have them handy for all sorts of uses from culinary to keeping our homes fresh and keeping insects at bay, to handling any winter illnesses that come our way, to crafting our own custom bath and skin products for gifts and personal use.
A variety of methods for preserving herbs can be undertaken during the fall months. Gather those last few sprigs of green from the garden beds before the first frost and get started!
Drying typically brings to mind our pioneer mothers with bunches of herbs hanging in the kitchen ready for use. Using the sun, you can dry herbs on racks, or hang them in bunches with or without paper bags. Lavender, great for bath and skin, as well as in linen closets and chests, is easily preserved this way. Use a dehydrator at low temp and watch the time, spreading herbs out to increase air flow – also a great method for sage, not only a culinary herb, but also a terrific treatment for sore throats.
Freezing herbs is another easy way to preserve them, either as individual herbs or in combos. Woody herbs are best frozen whole. Put stems of rosemary, thyme, savory or sage in a plastic freezer bag. Herb paste or pestos, after being ground, can be frozen in ice cube trays, muffin tins, or small jars. Layer herbs in the bottom of freezer bag, roll bag tightly & rubber band, then place in the freezer to create herbal “cigars” or rolls. When wanted,, open the bag and cut off desired amount, using as if fresh & add at end of cooking.
Finally, look to herbs that will serve you into the winter season, supporting you in wellness. That catnip that you’ve been protecting from the neighborhood cats all season? Be sure to grab some for fevers and as a stress reliever this fall and winter – it’s a terrific tea! Thanksgiving often brings tummy troubles, so choose some peppermint for a soothing after dinner tea. Don’t forget to stir local honey into any herbal teas you concoct – it’s got its benefits too!
Erin Harwood and Eloyce O’Connor are the herbal enthusiasts behind Garden Delights Herb Farm in Brush Prairie, WA
For more info. gardendelightsfarm.com
