Drying herbs...

[lesa]

Thought I would pass this along, since I am sitting here thinking about herb gardening- 3 months away! Some of my herbs dried perfectly, just hanging in the attic. However, my basil (which is my absolute fav) doesn't dry that way. Tried it in the dehydrator, and it turned black. Somewhere I had seen the idea of drying basil in the microwave on a paper towel. It works perfectly!!! The leaves stay nice and green and the flavor is great. I just store it in a mason jar.
Can't wait to have tons of basil this summer and to store up!

 

[algopurple]

Don't know if I will ever get around to growing basil but thanks for posting that just in case I ever need to know!

 

[lesa]

If you enjoy basil- you really should grow it. The smell is out of this world, and of course, the taste is so much better than the dried up spice jar stuff...
Just walking out to the garden and picking it, gives me such a thrill! I know it doesn't take much to make me happy!

 

[journey11]

Cool tip, I will try it this year! The oils in basil are very volatile. It is hard to keep it strong. I've been freezing mine, but I'd rather have it dry.

 

[digitS']

I have wondered about this, Lesa.

There had to be some other way than tossing basil in with tomatoes, cooking and freezing them. DW actually bought some the other day just so that we could have it without the tomatoes!

And no, we don't care much about the dry stuff on the supermarket shelves . . .

Here are the directions that I found on several Cooperative Extension sites after I read your post : "Microwave drying is a quick and easy method to dry small amounts of herbs. Lay a single layer of clean, dry leaves between dry paper towels and place them in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes on high power. Drying will vary with the moisture content of the herb and the wattage of the microwave oven. Let the leaves cool. If they are not brittle, reheat for 30 seconds and retest. Repeat as needed."

Buy plenty of seed and it is very easy to have basil in the garden thru the growing season - quick ! It is also easy to leave it in the greenhouse right thru the growing season and beyond. I just open up the greenhouse in the summer and basil takes the heat. Tossing a few more seeds in potting soil late, allows for basil in there for several weeks after frost. But, I don't turn the heat on in the greenhouse thru the winter. When it gets cold enuf, the sad sight of a flat of dead basil will be the result .

Steve

 

[lesa]

Yep, that is what I did Steve and it really worked great! You are so right- there is no sadder sight than basil that is frostbitten! So, you think I can grow some basil in the greenhouse for summer- good to know!! I am thinking about trying sweet potatoes in there for extra warmth- what do you think?

 

[digitS']

That might have been the better choice for my Japanese sweet potato experiment, Lesa.

They started out life in the greenhouse in 6" pots; which, of course, is probably a bare minimum amount of soil. After a couple months, they went out into the open garden.

Where they did . . . almost nothing. Basil usually does okay in the open garden but I might be better off keeping the melons in the greenhouse if I want any different than the very earliest varieties. I could use plastic tunnels in the garden, I suppose. The possibilities of them flying away deter me . . .

The greenhouse is in a very protected area and flats of this or that can sit near the open door. But, I've also had basil growing in the ground in there. It does quite well . Maybe, I should try sweet potatoes like that.

Steve

 

[lesa]

I was thinking of planting the slips in some barrels that I have. I tried them outside with limited results...but in the greenhouse they would be warmer and I could keep a closer eye on them.
Good idea on the melons too. I am trying to figure out ways to use the greenhouse after seed starting is finished. I really can't see having it sit empty all summer.
I won't have the option of planting in the ground- but I think I can work around that....

 

[RickF]

Why not just grow it indoors during the winter (for those of you that have winter)..? Seems like it would be just as happy -- particularly if it gets some light while you're awake -- perhaps a small grow bulb would be sufficient.. At least with it indoors it's less likely to have the dog use it for -- uhh.. a bathroom..

 

[lesa]

I have grown basil indoors- it will grow, but it is not mighty happy. I find most garden plants really want to be outside! Now that I have a greenhouse I am hoping to extend the seasons, a bit!