Tag: Preserving herbs

According to recent studies, the specific method used for drying basil significantly impacts its final nutrient profile. This raises the question: does drying basil change its nutrients, and if so, how can we preserve the most health benefits?

Indigenous peoples in South America have used stevia leaves to sweeten medicines and foods for centuries. If you've just harvested or purchased fresh stevia leaves, you can harness this natural, calorie-free sweetness to enhance beverages, create concentrated liquid extracts, or preserve them for long-term use.

Cleavers (Galium aparine) has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly noted for its diuretic and lymphatic-cleansing properties. This common springtime plant, known for its sticky stems, is most potent when harvested and preserved properly, ensuring its therapeutic benefits are available year-round.

Preserving herbs is an ancient practice, with freezing and drying being two of the most popular methods for extending the shelf life of your harvest. When it comes to the best way to preserve fresh thyme, the choice between freezing or drying depends largely on your intended use and desired outcome.

Lovage, a perennial herb with a robust celery-like flavor, has been used in European cooking for centuries. Due to its potency, understanding how to consume lovage properly can add a unique depth to your dishes without overwhelming them. All parts of the plant, from the leaves to the roots, are edible when prepared correctly.

According to the American National Institute of Health, sumac boasts one of the highest antioxidant levels of any superfood, with 312,400 ORAC units per 100g. To harness these benefits, it is crucial to properly dry and prepare the foraged red berries, ensuring a vibrant, tart spice for your pantry.

Historically known as the "herb of the angels," angelica has been used for centuries for both its culinary and medicinal properties. From its fibrous stems to its aromatic roots, knowing how do you eat angelica safely and deliciously unlocks a new world of flavor, especially when paired with tart fruits like rhubarb.