Need Tips for Harvesting Herbs?

Are you like me and need tips for harvesting herbs? I’m not sure where all of these herbs came from this year…but, man are they abundant!

I tried to get ahead and harvest early at the peak season for their beauty and before they began to bolt. I did well on some; but, not so much with others.

So, today, I’d love to tell you about some tips for harvesting herbs that I have learned. Like the chocolate mint post that I shared, I think each herb is different in the way you harvest.

And, who knows? You may have a much better way to harvest or an amazing dehydrator or method. Feel free to share. I’m always listening!

Tip 1- Harvest Herbs at their Best

You know when that herb looks amazing and hasn’t begun to flower? That perfect timing is a tip for harvesting your herbs. For me, after the blooms appear with some varieties, their taste is affected; but, not all herbs are the same.

So, learn which type of herb varieties you have and take note of flavor changes when flowering begins so that you pinch those blooms back and harvest at the best flavor.

Although leaves will be easy to remove after drying, I find it easier to deal with before I process.

And if you are freezing herbs, that’s a great idea, too. I really don’t like to pull out stems after cooking. However, some people love to toss the thyme into recipes, stem and all. So, if that’s you, prepare according to your preference.

This summer I realized that I needed to let my cilantro go to seed and then harvest those coriander seeds to use for later. I simply let the seeds dry on the plant and then cut the stalks off and laid them on a tray to catch all of the seeds as I removed them from the stalk. When dry, add them to a spice jar and label. I can’t wait to give them a try in recipes.

Tip 2- Choose Your Method

My favorite method of “puttin’ up” most herbs, (and if you need a definition of that you can find more here), has been microwaving. Again, that’s your choice.

And, in reality, when I began this new found project, I took paper bags and hole punched them for air flow and labeled each before tucking produce in to dry.

Start with washing and then laying herbs out to dry.

For me, the microwaving on paper plates in 30 second increments until dry is genius for most herbs.

Again, you have to think about those essential oils and how each method affects their flavor.

So, for each herb you grow, test the method that achieves the best results for you!

Guess what I found? When I compared the paper bag method with the microwave method of drying???

Check out the brightness on the right of the microwave herbs? The paper bag ones were simply not as bright. But, with some, the smell of those dried in paper bags was AMAZING!!

This year we purchased a food dehydrator. So I was all in to begin the drying process with them in it. The dehydrator is giving the microwave method a reconsideration.

I do realize that some people also use their oven to dry them, so whichever you prefer is perfect. It is such a fast and easy process and still maintains the oils with great results with either the dehydrator or the oven.

Some people love to freeze herbs into ice cubes and toss into recipes, as needed.

A mixture of rosemary, thyme, and oregano added to water in ice cubes is great for sauces. That’s also my favorite way for chocolate mint found here. Different types of basils are also great in the freezer.

Tip 3- Select Storage Containers

Oh, my goodness!! There are some great containers…at Walmart (don’t you just love that font?). Michael’s (love these chalkboard tops!). Amazon (check out this cute set with the sweet funnel!)

But, for me, I wanted my jars to be the same size as my favorite Savory Spice jars here. I had no clue that you could simply order their jars. Amazing, right?

I love the lid that has holes on one side and measuring spoon opening on the other.

Tip 4- Create a Label

Here’s where your creativity will abound! I stood in the aisle of Office Depot with the Avery labels trying to figure out the size and shape that I would love.

Oh, my! There are clear ones and round ones and oval ones in all sizes. I decided that the 2″ square ones would allow me to fit the font I wanted and be simple with my labeling.

But, feel free to go crazy in this department!!! See what I mean here? Bunny hole warning…it’s a deep one!

And the font choices are limitless! I found a free font called moon flower and love it…Again, creativity allowed. I love how mine turned out.

Tip 5- Fill and Store

Just take your dried herbs, either whole or crushed–again your preference–and fill the jars.

A great tip is to always store those new bottles away from heat and light. Although they are handy next to the stove, their flavor and quality may be reduced in that location.

But, choose the best rack, storage method and location that works for you.

Have fun, friends. This truly is a joyful way to save those herbs that you have loved growing all summer.

It’s also a great reminder as you use them through the winter months of the joy they give back.

And, gifting these jars is always a great way to handle the overflow of what you can share.

Now to tuck them into that new spice organizer! Happy harvesting!!

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