Preserving Herbs

The Best Ways to Preserve Herbs for Year-Round Use

Fresh herbs add vibrant flavors and aromas to meals, but their growing season is often limited. Preserving herbs allows you to enjoy their benefits all year long. Whether you grow your own or buy fresh herbs in bulk, this guide will walk you through the best preservation methods, ensuring you have high-quality herbs ready for cooking, teas, and home remedies.

Why Preserve Herbs?

• Reduces Waste: Prevents unused herbs from spoiling.

• Saves Money: Store herbs instead of buying them out of season.

• Enhances Flavor & Potency: Properly preserved herbs retain their essential oils and nutrients.

• Supports a Year-Round Supply: Keeps your kitchen stocked with flavorful ingredients.

Best Methods for Preserving Herbs

Different preservation techniques suit different herbs. Some methods maintain texture, while others enhance flavor concentration.

1. Air Drying (Best for Woody and Leafy Herbs)

Best Herbs: Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Lavender, Mint

• How to Dry Herbs Naturally:

  • Gather herb stems into small bunches and tie with twine.

  • Hang upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight.

  • Drying takes 1-2 weeks, depending on humidity levels.

  • Once crisp, remove leaves from stems and store in airtight containers.

• Storage: Keep dried herbs in glass jars or resealable bags in a cool, dark place.

2. Dehydrator Drying (Fast & Efficient for Most Herbs)

Best Herbs: Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Cilantro, Chives, Mint

• How to Dry with a Dehydrator:

  • Arrange herbs in a single layer on dehydrator trays.

  • Set to 95°F–115°F and dry for 2-4 hours until leaves crumble easily.

  • Store dried herbs in airtight jars, labeling them with the herb type and date.

3. Freezing (Best for Soft Herbs & Maximum Freshness)

Best Herbs: Basil, Cilantro, Parsley, Dill, Chives, Mint

• Method 1: Freezing Whole Leaves

  • Wash and pat dry herbs.

  • Lay in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours.

  • Transfer to airtight containers or resealable freezer bags.

• Method 2: Freezing in Ice Cubes

  • Chop herbs and place in an ice cube tray.

  • Fill each compartment with water or olive oil.

  • Freeze, then pop cubes into a freezer bag for easy use in soups, sauces, and stews.

4. Herb Infused Oils (For Cooking & Salad Dressings)

Best Herbs: Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Garlic, Chives

• How to Make Herb Oils:

  • Lightly crush herbs to release their essential oils.

  • Fill a clean jar with fresh herbs and cover with olive or avocado oil.

  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or for longer storage, freeze into cubes.

  • Use for cooking, salad dressings, or dipping bread.

5. Herb Infused Vinegars (For Cooking & Medicinal Use)

Best Herbs: Rosemary, Thyme, Tarragon, Basil, Lavender

• How to Make Herb Vinegar:

  • Fill a sterilized jar with fresh herbs and cover with apple cider or white vinegar.

  • Let sit in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking occasionally.

  • Strain out herbs and store the infused vinegar in a sealed bottle.

  • Use in salad dressings, marinades, or medicinal tonics.

6. Making Herbal Butters (For Spreading & Cooking)

Best Herbs: Parsley, Chives, Dill, Basil, Thyme

• How to Make Herb Butter:

  • Chop fresh herbs and mix with softened butter.

  • Add garlic, lemon zest, or salt for extra flavor.

  • Roll into logs using parchment paper and freeze for up to 6 months.

  • Slice and use for cooking meats, vegetables, or spreading on bread.

7. Creating Herb Salt & Herb Sugar Blends

Best Herbs for Salt Blends: Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Basil Best Herbs for Sugar Blends: Lavender, Mint, Lemon Balm, Rose Petals

• How to Make Herb-Infused Salt & Sugar:

  • Mix finely chopped herbs with sea salt or sugar (1 part herbs to 4 parts salt/sugar).

  • Let dry for 24-48 hours.

  • Store in airtight containers for seasoning or baking.

8. Making Herbal Tea Blends

Best Herbs: Chamomile, Peppermint, Lemon Balm, Lavender, Sage, Thyme

• How to Dry and Store Tea Herbs:

  • Dry leaves and flowers using the air-dry or dehydrator method.

  • Store in glass jars or tea tins, away from heat and moisture.

  • Blend different herbs for customized tea mixes (e.g., chamomile + lavender for relaxation).

  • Use 1 tsp dried herbs per cup of hot water to brew fresh tea.

Tips for Long-Term Herb Storage

• Label Everything: Write the herb name and date on storage containers.

• Keep Away from Light & Heat: Store dried herbs in dark, cool places to maintain potency.

• Avoid Moisture: Ensure herbs are completely dry before storing to prevent mold.

• Use Within a Year: For best flavor and potency, use preserved herbs within 6-12 months.

Final Thoughts

Preserving herbs ensures you have access to homegrown flavors all year round. Whether drying, freezing, or infusing, each method allows you to extend the shelf life of your favorite herbs while maintaining their essence and benefits. Try different techniques and experiment with blends to discover what works best for your kitchen and wellness needs.

What’s your favorite way to preserve herbs? Share your tips in the comments below!