How to Preserve Herbs for Zero-Waste Cooking
Cooking with fresh herbs can elevate a dish from good to extraordinary. Their flavors are vibrant, and they’re packed with healthy nutrients. However, herbs tend to go bad quickly. You might find yourself throwing away wilted herbs, which is not only a waste of money but also not great for our planet. The concept of zero-waste cooking aims to reduce our kitchen waste, and a big part of that is learning to preserve our herbs. Luckily, preserving herbs is both simple and requires very little in terms of tools. Let’s explore some easy methods to keep your herbs fresh and vibrant for longer, ensuring you have a zero-waste kitchen.
1. Drying
Drying is one of the oldest and simplest methods of preserving herbs. You don’t need any special equipment, and dried herbs can last for months, if not years.
How to do it: Tie the stems of your herbs into small bunches and hang them upside down in a warm, airy place away from direct sunlight. If your environment is very humid, or to protect your herbs from dust, you can also place them inside paper bags with holes poked in for ventilation. It takes about 1-2 weeks for the herbs to fully dry. Once dried, crumble the leaves and store them in an airtight container.
2. Freezing
Freezing herbs is an excellent way to preserve their flavor and maintain a bit more of their fresh color and texture.
How to do it: There are a couple of methods for freezing. One way is to chop the herbs and place them in ice cube trays covered with water or olive oil. Once frozen, you can pop the cubes out and store them in freezer bags. Another method is to freeze whole or chopped herbs directly in freezer bags. Make sure to push as much air out of the bag as possible to prevent freezer burn.
3. Making Herb Pastes
Making herb pastes is a great way to have ready-to-use herb mixes on hand for your cooking.
How to do it: Simply blend your herbs with a bit of olive oil or water until they form a paste. You can also add garlic or nuts, depending on the flavor profile you’re aiming for. Store the paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or freeze it in ice cube trays for long-term storage.
4. Preserving in Salt
Salt is a natural preservative that can extend the life of your herbs while also adding to their flavor.
How to do it: Layer the bottom of an airtight container with salt. Add a layer of herbs, then cover with another layer of salt. Repeat until the container is full, ensuring that the herbs are completely covered with salt. Seal the container and place it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use the herbs, simply rinse them to remove the salt.
5. Infusing in Vinegar or Oil
Infusing vinegar or oil with herbs not only preserves the herbs but also creates flavorful condiments that can add an extra layer of taste to your dishes.
How to do it: Fill a clean jar with fresh herbs and cover them with vinegar or oil, making sure there are no air bubbles. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for a few weeks to allow the flavors to infuse. Once ready, strain the liquid and store it in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Preserving herbs is an easy and effective way to reduce kitchen waste while ensuring you always have herbs on hand to make your dishes more flavorful. Whether you choose to dry, freeze, make pastes, preserve in salt, or infuse in vinegar or oil, these methods can help you save money and minimize waste. Plus, you’ll take a step further in your zero-waste cooking journey by utilizing the full potential of your herbs, keeping them from ending up in the trash. So next time you find yourself with a surplus of fresh herbs, remember these simple preservation techniques and enjoy your herbs for months to come.
