One of the biggest issues I ran into my very first year with a big garden was the immense surplus I had of herbs.
What a problem to have, huh? lol.
There I was, hitting the end of my growing season.
I had big, beautiful bushes of almost every major herb you can think of- and no conceivable way of using them all up!
The thought of all those herbs dying over the winter literally could have made me cry.
Luckily though- there are some seriously awesome and simple things you can do with that over abundance to carry you through the long winter months!!
Check out these awesome, simple tips!
1: Freeze them!
Yes, it's really that simple. Cut them, store them in freezer safe zip locks, label them and toss them in the freezer!
2: Dry them!
The obvious answer, I know. But what's the best way to dry them? And what do you do with them after?!
I like to grab a spare hanger, use a little string, yarn, ribbon or whatever else I happen to have handy and dry my bunches upside down in a dark place. Trust me that a dark place is better for this. UV light tends to break down the properties of those herbs! I usually just stick it in a closet or the basement. Somewhere out of the way for a couple weeks.
3: Create your own Herbs de Provence or Sel de Provence with them!
What's that, you ask? It's a combination of herbs that typically grow in Provence (the South of France), that are used in cooking! It's particularly good on grilled meats and in stews.
I personally like to use Rosemary, Sage, Lavender, Oregano, Marjoram, Thyme and Savory in mine. If you're missing any one of these ingredients though you can still make it without!
Dry all these herbs (roughly equal quantities) and toss in a grinder.
Alternatively you can make Sel de Provence the same way by adding this ground combination of herbs to sea salt.
4: Make Olive Oil & Fresh Herb Ice Cubes!
This is literally exactly what it sounds like! Toss a little fresh Rosemary or other herb or choice in an ice cube tray. Fill up each cube mold with EVOO and freeze. Store in zip lock baggies in the freezer and just toss one in while you're cooking!
5: Make Cocktail Cubes!
Alternatively, you can also make these with water and use them to create cool custom cocktails! Spearmint or Lavender are particularly good choices for this. Seriously elevates your drinking game and can seriously impress your guests!
6: Create Custom Tea!
Using dried herbs- you can combine them (or not!) and create your own customized hot teas! Lavender and your mint varieties are particularly good for this, as well as Chamomile- but you can also make fresh teas or iced teas during the summer months with these fresh herbs!
Moroccan Mint Tea is delicious, can be served hot or cold, and it can be sweetened with sugar if you like. Simply pour your hot water over a bunch of fresh mint and let it steep for 5-10 minutes!
Lavender Tea, or adding Lavender Sprigs or Mint Sprigs to your summertime lemonade is another excellent option!
Rosemary is often overlooked and can be a little bitter if used dry- but it can also be sweetened, and is excellent for soothing upset stomachs.
Chamomile is a crowd favorite and blends nicely with both Lavender and Mint and is known for it's soothing effects.
What's your favorite way to use your herbs?
What's your favorite herbal tea?
Let me know in the comments!!
Current mood/diffuser blend: 4 drops Lemon and 3 drops Lavender. Energizing and calming!
