Preserving Summer’s Bounty: How to Harvest and Store Your Herbs for Winter

/ Harmony Gardens & Gift Shop /

As the warm days of summer begin to fade, it's time to think about preserving the vibrant flavors of your garden herbs so you can enjoy them all winter long. Whether you have a thriving herb garden or just a few pots on your windowsill, preserving herbs is a simple and rewarding process that ensures you have fresh, flavorful additions to your meals throughout the colder months.

Harvesting Your Herbs

Before diving into preservation methods, it's essential to know when and how to harvest your herbs for the best flavor:

  • Timing is Key: Harvest herbs in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is too hot. This is when the essential oils in the herbs are most concentrated.

  • Cut Carefully: Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut stems, leaving at least 1/3 of the plant intact so it can continue to grow.

  • Best Herbs to Harvest: Some of the best herbs to harvest in late summer and early fall include basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage.

Preserving Methods

There are several ways to preserve your herbs, depending on your preferences and the herbs you’re working with:

  1. Drying Herbs

    • Best for: Rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, mint.

    • How to: Bundle a few stems together with a rubber band and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place. After 1-2 weeks, the leaves should be completely dry. Remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container.

  2. Freezing Herbs

    • Best for: Basil, parsley, cilantro, dill.

    • How to: Chop the herbs and place them in ice cube trays. Cover with water or olive oil and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a labeled freezer bag. Use the cubes directly in soups, stews, and sauces.

  3. Herb-Infused Oils

    • Best for: Rosemary, thyme, garlic.

    • How to: Place clean, dry herbs in a bottle and cover them with olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 1-2 weeks in a cool, dark place to infuse. Strain the oil into a clean bottle and use it in your cooking or as a salad dressing base.

Fall Recipe: Herb-Infused Olive Oil

Infused oils are a fantastic way to capture the flavors of summer herbs. Here’s a simple recipe you can try:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or basil)

  • 2 cups extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the herbs.

  2. Place the herbs in a clean, dry glass bottle.

  3. Heat the olive oil over low heat until warm (but not hot) and pour it over the herbs.

  4. Seal the bottle and store it in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks.

  5. Strain the oil to remove the herbs and re-bottle the infused oil.

  6. Use within 1-2 months for the best flavor.

Craft Tip: DIY Dried Herb Wreath

Preserve your herbs in style by creating a beautiful dried herb wreath for your kitchen or entryway:

  • Materials Needed: Wire wreath frame, floral wire, dried herb bundles (like rosemary, thyme, and sage), ribbon.

  • Instructions: Attach small bundles of dried herbs to the wreath frame using floral wire. Overlap the bundles to create a full, lush wreath. Finish with a decorative ribbon and hang in a cool, dry place. Not only will it look beautiful, but it will also scent your home with the wonderful aroma of herbs!

Kitchen Tip: Storing Dried Herbs for Maximum Flavor

To ensure your dried herbs maintain their flavor throughout the winter, store them in airtight containers, away from light and heat. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids work best. Remember, dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh, so use about one-third of the amount called for in recipes.

As you prepare your garden for the coming colder months, take the time to harvest and preserve the herbs that have flourished under your care. With these tips, you'll be able to enjoy the taste of summer all winter long.

Happy gardening!