Culinary Herbs

Drying Herbs

12/11/2012

Dried Chamomile

You can easily dry the herbs you grow in your garden to use later in the year. Just follow these easy steps and store your herbs in clean, sterilized jars. Use them in cooking or herbal teas.

While there are a few different methods that can be used to dry your herbs, sun drying is not recommended because the herbs can lose flavor and color.

You will get the most flavor if you harvest your herbs right before the flowers first open. Cut your herbs after the morning dew has evaporated from them. Try to avoid bruising the leaves. Rinse the freshly cut herbs in cool water, then gently shake to remove the excess water. Do not use any bruised, soiled or imperfect leaves and stems.

Dehydrator Drying-is a fast and easy way to dry high quality herbs because temperature and air circulation can be controlled. Pre-heat dehydrator with the thermostat set to 95°F to 115°F. In areas with higher humidity, temperatures as high as 125°F may be needed. After rinsing under cool, running water and shaking to remove excess moisture, place the herbs in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Drying times may vary from 1 to 4 hours. Check periodically. Herbs are dry when they crumble, and stems break when bent. Check your dehydrator instruction booklet for specific details.

Less Tender Herbs -The more sturdy herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme, summer savory and parsley are easy to dry. Tie them into small bundles, and hang them inside to air dry. This will take a week or two.

Tender-Leaf Herbs -Basil, oregano, tarragon, lemon balm and mints all have a higher moisture content and can mold if they are not dried quickly. Hang these herbs (or herbs with seeds) in small bunches placed inside paper bags to dry. Tear or punch holes in the sides of the bag and close the top with a rubber band. Hang the herbs where air currents will circulate through the bag. Collect the leaves and seeds that fall into the bottom of the bag.

Lose Leaf Herbs- works very well for mint, sage or bay leaf. Remove the leaves from the stems and lay them on a paper towel. Do not allow the leaves to touch. Cover the herbs with another paper towel. You can dry up to 5 layers of herb leaves at one time using this method. Dry herbs in the oven. Do not turn the oven on. The light of an electric range or the pilot light of a gas range emits enough heat for overnight drying. The leaves dry flat and retain a good color.

When the leaves are completely dry and crumple easily, they are ready to be packaged and stored. Store dried leaves may be left whole or coarsely crumpled. Remove seed husks by rubbing the seeds between the hands and blowing away the chaff. Place herbs in airtight containers and store in a cool, dry, dark area to protect color and fragrance.

Dried herbs are usually 3 to 4 times stronger than the fresh herbs. To substitute dried herbs in a recipe that calls for fresh herbs, use 1/4 to 1/3 of the amount listed in the recipe.

Did you know the latest fad in selling your home is not a spectacular remodeled kitchen or bath, it's a garden. Herb gardens as well as vegetable gardens and fruit trees are something homebuyers are now looking for in a backyard.

Herbs are easy to plant and can easily be inserted into already landscaped yards. Herbs are generally not invasive (mint is pretty invasive), they grow quickly and are not big, so they won't take up too much space. You can buy transplants for a couple of dollars each and set them out as soon as the danger of frost has passed.

Culinary herbs like rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley, chives, etc. are a pretty addition to the yard and can be used when cooking. Chamomile and mint (plant mint in a container because it can grow very quickly) can be planted and used to make your own tea. Lavender can be used for its beauty and scent. Even if you're not planning on selling your home, herbs make beautiful and practical landscape plants.

Dill

3/14/2012

Dill

Dill is a very easy to grow herb. It's attractive wispy leaves are beautiful in the garden and both the leaves and seeds are edible. The botanical name for dill is Anethum graveolens. Dill grows up to 4 feet in height. The feather-like leaves are green to blue green in color. The tiny yellow flower clusters resemble an umbrella. They blossom in midsummer and are highly aromatic.

Growing Dill

Dill is an annual herb. It needs full sun and protection from the wind. In spring plant dill seedlings directly into soil 1/4-inch to 1/2 inch deep after the last frost. Space plants 8 to 10 inches apart in rich, well drained soil. Dill self seeds, so if you plant it in summer it will self seed and grow another crop in fall. Dill should not be planted near fennel because it will alter the flavor. Dill does do well in containers just make sure to plant it in rich soil and use large pots 6-7 inches in diameter. Harvest dill when young and tender. Collect seeds after flowering heads turn brown. Hang the flowers upside down and catch the seeds with a cloth. Seeds will last 3-10 years.

History of Dill

The ancient Egyptians used dill as a soothing medicine. Greeks used dill to cure hiccups. In biblical times dill was so highly regarded it was used to settle tax payments. In the Middle Ages dill protected against witchcraft. Dill was also used in wine as an aphrodisiac.

Cooking with Dill

Dill seeds are wonderful to use in pickling and flavoring vinegar. Leaves are sometimes referred to as dill weed and can be used both fresh or dried. Dry dill leaves have a very diminished flavor.

Cosmetic Uses for Dill

Chew fresh dill leaves to freshen breath.
Infuse dill leaves to use in a nail bath to strengthen nails.

Medicinal Uses for Dill
(Make dill tea by infusing 1/2 ounce dill seeds in 1 cup hot water.)

Dill seeds are rich in mineral salts.
Drink 1 tablespoon dill water to aid with hiccups, indigestion, stomach cramps.

Basil

1/2/2012

Basil

Basil is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking. It is a summer annual that is native to Africa and Asia. Basil has the botanical name Ocimum. Sweet basil, which is most commonly used, has the botanical name Ocimum basilicum. This highly aromatic herb grows up to 2 feet in height with leaves 1-2 inches long. Basil leaves come in many shades of green and purple. It's long, spiky flowers can be either white or purple, but keep these pinched back to continue leaf production.

Growing Basil
Plant basil seeds in early spring after all danger of frost has passed. Basil seeds can be sown directly in the ground or in pots. If planted in ground, space seeds 10-12 inches apart. Basil requires warm sun, protection from the wind and well-drained moist soil. Basil needs 1 inch water per week and prefers to be watered in the middle of the day. Water from the top down once in a while to keep leaves vibrant. These herbs should be fertilized once with a complete fertilizer. Basil makes a wonderful potted indoor plant.

History of Basil
It is said that basil was found growing around the tomb of Jesus after his resurrection. Some Orthodox churches set basil out around church altars and use it to prepare holy water. In Africa and Asia basil is said to have a quality of divine essence. Indians swear their oath in court on basil and Mexicans use basil to try to attract money.

Cooking with Basil
Basil has a sweet, pleasant mild flavor that really enhances tomatoes, salads, fish, pastas, eggs, and cheese. When cooking with herbs remember 1 tablespoon fresh herbs=1 teaspoon dried herbs. Here are some recipes using basil.

Basil in Skin Care

Infuse basil in hot water and add to your bathwater for an invigorating experience.

Household Uses for Basil

Basil helps to deter flies.

Medicinal Uses for Basil

Make a tea using basil to aid in digestion.
Steep basil in boiling water and inhale the steam to help with mental fatigue

Chamomile

12/26/2011

Chamomile

The most common garden chamomile has the botanical name Chamaemelum noble (Anthemis nobles). The name Chamomile comes from Greek meaning "Ground Apple". This is because, the scent was compared to apples. It also inspired the proverb "like a chamomile bed, the more it is trodden the more it will spread."

Growing Chamomile
Chamomile grows in all climates. It is a perennial herb. Chamomile plants like full sun and a light well drained soil. Leaves are light, bright green and aromatic. It has daisy like white flowers with yellow button centers. Sow seeds in spring 12 inches apart. Water moderately. Divide mature plants in spring. You can plant a chamomile lawn by placing seeds 4-6 inches apart and mowing plants once they are grown. Harvest the leaves anytime, but pick flowers only when fully open.

History of Chamomile
Chamomile was one of the nine sacred herbs in ancient Anglo-Saxon times.It was worshipped by the Egyptians for its healing properties. Greeks used chamomile to cure fevers. It was also used to flavor light sherry. The Romans used chamomile in beverages, as well as, incense. People used chamomile to make beer before hops took over as the predominant herb for beer making.

Cosmetic Uses For Chamomile

Infuse in hot water to make a facial steam.
Infuse in hot water, allow to cool, soak hands to soften skin.
Make a teabag and use on eyelids to reduce fatigue shadows.
Add the warm bathwater to revive yourself.
Boil flowers in water for 20 minutes, strain and use as a hair rinse to lighten and condition blond hair.

Household Uses For Chamomile

Boil the flowers for use as a yellow-brown dye.
Use in potpourri or scented pillows and sachets.

Medicinal Uses For Chamomile

Make a tea, using the flowers for a good night sleep.
Use in bathwater to help relieve sunburned skin.
Use as a compress to help relieve eczema.

Chives

12/18/2011

Chives

Chives are a relative of onions, leeks and garlic. The botanical name for chives is Allium schoenoprasum. Chinese chives, also known as, garlic chives have the botanical name Allium tuberosum. Chives are easy to grow. They are perennial and can grow up to 2 feet in height. They have fragrant thin stems and clusters of purple flowers. Chives make a nice boarder for a flower or herb garden. Chinese chives have a garlic flavor. These chives have white flowers with a sweet scent. The stems and flowers from both types are edible.

Growing Chives
Chives grow in all climates, but if grown in cold climates chives will go dormant. Chives like a a moist, rich soil. They prefer a sunny location, but will do well in partial shade. Start seeds indoors or outside in early spring. Seeds germinate when temperatures are between 60 degrees and 70 degrees. Established clumps of chives should be divided in spring every three years. Chives grow well in greenhouses. Chives are also good container plants. Plant seeds in containers in late summer and grow out doors, then move indoors and place the container near a sunny window when the weather gets cold. Chives need 1 inch of water every other week. To keep generating leaves for harvest, snip off the flowers as soon as they appear. Leaves can be harvested when they reach 6 inches in height. When cutting leaves, keep 2 inches of leaf for regrowth. Harvest chives as needed.

Chives in History
The use of chives dates back 4,000 years in China. Marco Polo enjoyed chives so much there that he helped inspire there use in the west. Chives became a favorite herb in western cultures.

Cooking with Chives
Remember when cooking with herbs 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon dried herbs. Here are a variety of recipes using fresh chives.

Household Uses For Chives

Grow chives in the garden as a great deterrent for aphids and mildew.
Grow chives near roses to increase the scent of roses and under peach trees to control leaf curl.
Infuse a handful of chives in 2 cup hot water, let cool and spray on plants to control aphids and mildew.

Medicinal Uses For Chives

Chives in food are used to stimulate appetites and aide in digestion.
Chives ca also be eaten to use as a mild laxative.

Coriander and Cilantro

12/10/2011

Cilantro

You may not realize it, but coriander and cilantro come from the same plant. This herb was cultivated more than 3,000 years ago for both medicinal and culinary uses. It has been mentioned in Egyptian writings, as well as, in the Bible. It's botanical name is Coriandrum sativum, other common names are Chinese Parsley and Mexican Parsley. Coriander is an annual herb and can grow well in all areas. It grows up to 15 inches high with white or pinkish flowers that begin blooming in early summer. It is known for it's very aromatic leaves.

Growing Coriander and Cilantro
In mild climates, plant seeds in autumn or early spring every where else. This is a quick growing herb. Be sure to plant coriander away from fennel. The fennel doesn't do as well around it. coriander/cilantro does very well grown indoors in pots. Make sure you give it a good draining soil and full sun. When harvesting the leaves, make sure to only pick them as needed because they don't keep well for long. When seeds turn brown they can be harvested and stored in glass jars.

History of Coriander and Cilantro
The Chinese put coriander into aphrodisiacs and used them as love potions. They also believed it gave them immortality. The Romans mixed coriander with cumin and vinegar and used it as a preservative for their meat. Coriander has also been used by tribes in Central and South America.

Cooking with Coriander and Cilantro
Coriander is the fruit, or seed and is considered a spice. These seeds are used either whole or ground. Coriander is used in curries, pickles, soups, and stews. Cilantro is the Spanish word for coriander and refers to the tender lower leaves. It is considered an herb. It is used fresh because dried cilantro does not have nearly the same scent or flavor. Fresh cilantro is a major ingredient in Mexican and Chinese cooking. Here are some recipes showcasing Coriander and Cilantro.

Coriander and Cilantro in Skin Care

Steep cilantro leaves along with mint leaves to make a toner. Apply it to the face to help with acne.

Medicinal Uses for Coriander and Cilantro

Make a tea out of the coriander seed to aide in digestion or use as a mild sedative.
Use to add flavor to medicines.

2011 Copyright

Fennel

12/4/2011

Fennel

The botanical name for common fennel is Foeniculum vulgare. Fennel is usually grown in summer as a perennial herb. It has a similar appearance to dill. Fennel grows up to 5 feet in height. It has finely cut feathery, yellow-green leaves and yellow flowers that grow in clusters. Fennel is very aromatic and has both culinary and medicinal uses.

Growing Fennel
Fennel likes full sun and a well drained soil. It is drought tolerant. Plant seeds directly into soil in late spring to early summer. Once fennel is established, it will self seed. Do not grow fennel near dill, they will cross pollinate and it will reduce the seed production of the fennel. Removing seed heads will give better leaf production. Fennel does not do well grown indoors. Pick fennel leaves as needed, the seeds can be harvested when ripe and the bulb should be dug up in autumn.

Fennel's History
Fennel was highly valued by the Romans. Gladiators ate fennel daily and wore a wreath made from fennel when winning battles. Roman worriers ate fennel to stay in good health. Women ate fennel as an appetite suppressant. Anglo-Saxsons held fennel sacred because of it's power against evil. Fennel was an essential herb for herb gardens as early as 820 AD because of it's healing properties.

Cooking with Fennel
Fennel seeds are used in breads, puddings, and sauces. The leaves are used in salads, soups and stuffings. Fennel bulbs can be eaten raw grated into salads, sandwiches and stuffings. Fennel leaves also accent chicken, fish and pork dishes. Here is a very flavorful pork recipe using fennel seed.

Fennel in Skin and Hair Care

To moisturize dry skin: In a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons of boiling water to 1 teaspoon fennel seed. Let steep for 10 minutes. Remove the fennel seeds and allow the liquid to cool to room temperature. Mix 1 tablespoon ground oatmeal, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon fennel tea in a bowl. Apply the mixture to your face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse well with warm water.
Deep cleansing: In a large bowl, mix a handful of fennel leaves in a pint of hot water. Put facce over steaming vapor and use as a facial steam.
Freshen breath: Chew fennel to freshen breath.

Medicinal Uses For Fennel

Drink as a tea to aid in digestion and constipation.
Chew fennel leaves to help relieve hunger.
Fennel can be used to help relieve the effects of alcohol.

2011 copyright

Garlic

11/27/2011

Garlic

Garlic is a perennial that goes by the botanical name Allium sativum. The Chinese call garlic the "jewel among vegetables." It is said garlic has wonderful healing powers, the stronger the smell of the garlic the stronger the healing properties. The garlic bulb is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking. Garlic has flat solid green leaves that grow to 24 inches high and very small white to pink blossoms. The white bulb is divided into cloves and grows underground.

Growing Garlic
Garlic like a sunny location and rich, moist well-drained soil, however, it will tolerate partial shade and poorer soil. In areas with mild winters plant mother bulbs in October through December. If planted where winters are cold, plant in early spring. Break the bulbs up into cloves and plant the base down about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Garlic needs 1 inch of water per week.

Harvesting Garlic
Harvest garlic about 3 weeks after the leaves turn yellow. If leaves do not yellow by midsummer knock the leaves over yourself and leave to yellow. Pull the plants out, cut off the roots and allow them to dry in an airy, dry place. Store garlic bulbs in a cool dry place.

History of Garlic
Egyptians and Romans alike ate garlic to keep them healthy and to provide them with strength. Clay models of garlic were placed in King Tut's tomb. Ancient Israelites referred to themselves as the garlic eaters. Garlic was highly regarded as a medicine in the Far East but it was not eaten as a food there.

Cooking with Garlic
Raw garlic has a very strong spicy flavor so use it sparingly. Cooking and roasting garlic makes it milder and sweeter.Try these recipes from showcasing everyones favorite culinary herb garlic.

Roasting Garlic
Roasting garlic creates a creamy, sweeter flavor. Here are four different methods for roasting garlic.

http://www.fresheasymeals.com/2/post/2011/08/cooking-tips-4-ways-to-roast-garlic.html

Medicinal Uses for Garlic

Eat garlic for protection from the common cold and to reduce blood pressure.
Garlic has antibiotic properties.

Mint

11/20/2011

Mint

Mint has been highly valued since biblical times. Pharisees collecting tithes would except mint as payment. Mint has the botanical name Mentha. It is a perennial herb and ground cover that can be quite invasive. Mint leaves are very aromatic and can be variegated, smooth, hairy or crinkled. The tiny purple or white flowers grow in 1-3 inch spikes.

Growing Mint
Mint will grow almost anywhere, but prefers semi-rich moist soil and partial shade. Once mint is established it is fairly draught tolerant. It likes full sun to partial shade. Plant seeds only if you don't care what type of mint your planting. Mint seeds are so easily to hybridize that a true plant is hard to produce through seeds. Buying transplants is the best method of ensuring you get the mint variety you want. Mint grows from the spread of underground stems. It is a very aggressive herb, plant it in a container or plant box to keep the stems from taking over other plants. Mint should be replanted every three years. Established mint can be divided in spring before new growth begins. Mint grows very well in cool greenhouses or in containers at least 10 inches deep. Make sure the soil in the container is rich and replant or divide your mint every year to keep it healthy. Mint needs 1 inch of water per week. Keep mint pinched back for a fuller, bushier plant. Do not allow the flowers to bloom because it will effect the flavor of the mint. Cut back to half the size every spring and fall, remember it is difficult to over prune this herb.

Mint's History
It is said in Greek mythology that Pluto's jealous wife turned his beloved nymph, Minthe into the aromatic herb mint. In biblical times Hebrews laid mint on the floors of the synagogues floors to show hospitality and to impart it's wonderful scent as it was stepped on. Romans used mint to flavor sauces. They also added mint to flavor their wine. Women used a paste of mint and honey to mask the scent of alcohol on their breath.

Cooking with Mint
(Remember when cooking with herbs, 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs=1 teaspoon of dried herbs.)

Steep a handful of fresh mint leaves in 2 cups of boiling water, let it steep for a few minutes and remove the leaves to make mint tea.
http://www.fresheasymeals.com/cucumber-sandwiches.html
http://www.fresheasymeals.com/roasted-mint-chicken.html
http://www.fresheasymeals.com/lemon-orzo.html

Mint in Skin and Hair Care

Adding mint to your bathwater creates an invigorating and refreshing bath leaving a wonderful scent.
Make a hair rinse by adding 1/3 cup mint and 1/3 cup rosemary to 4 cups boiling water. Allow to cool. Strain before using.
Mint can also be used to help chapped hands. Use 1 cup of mint with 2 cups of boiling water, allow to cool and soak hands in the refreshing mint water.

Household Uses For Mint

Scatter mint leaves around cupboards to keep out mice, or scatter the leaves around your pet's bedding to keep fleas away.

Medicinal Uses For Mint

Infuse in hot water to make a tea that helps with digestion.
Pack a glass jar full of mint leaves, cover with olive oil, seal the jar with a tight fitting top, shake every day for 2 weeks to mix it up and use as a massaging oil to help relieve migraines and muscle aches.

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Becky

Culinary Herbs

Hello, my name is Becky, I would like to welcome you to My Culinary Herb blog! You will find interesting facts about the most commonly used herbs. You will also find tips on how to use fresh herbs in cooking, skin care and hair care. You can also read more about me.

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