How do I preserve herbs?

[aloncke]

My husband and I love trying new recipes. While our meals are always interesting and varied, so are the ingredients that we have to have available. However, because we are always trying different recipes, I find that we are never able to use up any of the fresh herbs that we buy from the grocery store. While they aren't that expensive for a bunch (cilantro, mint, basil, etc), it seems a shame to waste them (by the time we get around to needing them for a new recipe, they have spoiled and we need to buy fresh ones). Does anyone have any tips on how to preserve fresh herbs besides the crisper drawer in the fridge? Does freezing them work? Thanks!

[--mary--]

Try washing and drying the fresh herbs, then place them loosely in a jar. You don't need to cut them up. Close it up and freeze it like that! I do it with my parsley, oregano, and all the other goodies in my herb garden! It works quite well, however you will find that some of the herbs don't really stay the same once they have been frozen. I have found that if you clean them well and make sure there is no water left on them when you freeze the fresh herbs they will keep their shape, flavour, etc. alot more than if they are damp. They don't last forever in the freezer but it's so much nicer to use fresh than dried!

Another idea that I am seriously considering for this winter is a small indoor herb garden. They're pretty cheap, and about the size that you could keep it on your kitchen windowsill. There are some places where you can get the ones that have a little growing light attatchment or even the kind that don't even need any soil!

[mom2hannah47]

Mary beat me to it ... I was going to suggest a windowsill herb garden. I have one with three small pots, but you can buy pots that have multiple openings for a greater variety. Herbs are very easy to grow - keep them moist, keep them warm, give them sunlight - and having a fresh supply at hand means I can try new recipes on a whim.

[aloncke]

Thanks to both of you for your great suggestions! The next time we buy fresh herbs, I plan on trying the freezer option but I will keep the garden idea in mind for the next time I sprout a green thumb!

[jimcarry]

that is really nice suggestion fresh herbs is real nice for health. but when your want to use some herbs so you have to get herbs information when i need the any in formation about herbs so i have blog for herbs information. i go there and get information here

[url=herbs-information.blogspot.com]Herbs Information[/url]
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[url=herbs-information.blogspot.com]Herbs Information[url]

[tartwoman]

Putting the herbs in a food processor with a little oil and making somewhat of a pesto is a really good idea and then freeze it. I found ice cube trays at IKEA that make really small tiny ice cubes that I fill them with, then after they're frozen, I take them out and package in freezer bags and label. They are great for adding to soups, stews & pasta sauce!

[bhjprescott]

I grow herbs in the summer....for most herbs (I don't like frozen chives)...I either:
a) dry them in my dehydrator
b) roll them into "sausages" in foil then put those rolls into freezer bags
c) use the blender to make a slurry of herbs and veggie/chicken stock, then freeze in ice cube trays.
d) I bring some of my herbs into the sun room in pots in the fall....I get fresh herbs until Christmas in Southern Ontario.
e) its a shame that we have to buy so much in a bunch in the grocery stores, I wish they could sell it by the ounce or some solution...for most people the large amounts are very wasteful when you only need a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs for a recipes.

[aloncke]

That is my predicament! I hate to see the delicious herbs go all brown and slimy!