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15 Uses for Herbs – Besides Cooking! DIY Botanical Cologne. Create your signature scent by mixing some of your favorite herbs and spices with vodka. Herb-Infused Hair Rinse. Insomnia Remedy. Aromatic Wax Firestarters. Dryer Sheets. Homemade Dish Soap. Bath Soak. Homemade Soap.
How do I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A good rule of thumb is 1 tablespoon fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon dried herbs. Some herbs season better than others in their dried form – dill, thyme, and sage among them. Others are better only used when fresh: Parsley, I’m looking at you!.
How long can dried herbs be stored?
Dried herbs and spices have relatively long shelf lives that range from 1–4 years, although the exact length of time varies depending on the type of spice and how it’s processed and stored.
What can I do with used herbs?
Here are 10 ways I plan to use my herbs now and preserve them for later. Freeze Them. Freezing is the best way to store the more delicate (and, in my case, most overabundant) herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley and mint. Chop Them. Dry Them (in the Microwave!) Drink Them. Drink Them. Make Scrubs. Make Oils. Make Butters.
Are dried herbs better than fresh?
Dried herbs tend to have a deeper, spicier flavor than fresh herbs. For that reason, you can usually add less dry herbs than you would fresh herbs. That way, those strong flavors won’t overpower your dish. For example, if a recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of fresh rosemary, use 1 teaspoon of dried.
Are dried herbs as healthy as fresh?
Dried herbs are easy to keep on hand, and they are at least as beneficial as fresh, if not more so, because the drying process actually concentrates the polyphenols and flavors.
Should dried herbs be refrigerated?
Always wash herbs with cold water and dry them properly to ensure there is no moisture lingering that could easily lead to decay and automatically reduce the lifespan of the herbs. Transfer them to a jar with about an inch of water filled in the bottom. Seal the jar with the lid and store in the refrigerator.
When should you throw out seasonings?
Ground spices lose their freshness the quickest and typically don’t last past six months. The best freshness test for ground spices is to give them a whiff — if they smell like nothing, then it’s time to say goodbye. Whole spices, on the other hand, can be fine for up to five years.
What can I do with old herbs and spices?
What To Do With Old Spices After They Expire Freshen carpets. Keep cockroaches away. Make DIY Potpourri. Make a nontoxic fungicide for plants. Make homemade soaps. Repel insects. Infused oil. Natural cleaning products.
Which herbs do not go together?
Carrots and anise (Pimpinella anisum, USDA zones 4-9) should be kept separate, and rue and basil make poor companions for plants in the Brassica genus. Rosemary should be kept away from other herbs as well as all potatoes, carrots and members of the Cucurbita genus.
What is the best way to preserve herbs?
Freezing herbs Place a few sprigs or leaves in freezer wrap or in an airtight freezer container. Spread on a tray or cookie sheet and place in the freezer. When frozen solid, pack into airtight containers. To use in soups or stew, dice washed herbs and pack into ice cube trays. Fill the spaces with water.
How do you liquify herbs?
Use about 1 teaspoon of herbs and one cup of cold water. Put your herbs and water into a pot, then bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and let it simmer from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on how hardy the plant is. Strain the liquid, then drink or use it in your culinary recipes.
Why do you hang herbs upside down?
Hang the bunches upside down in a dark warm dry place with good air circulation. This preserves the essential oils which, in turn, preserves the flavor. The herbs are ready when all of the moisture is gone and they are crisp enough to crumble (one to two weeks in most cases).
Can you eat dried herbs raw?
Certain herbs are always better fresh and lose their distinctive flavor when dried. Delicate, leafy herbs like parsley, tarragon, and chives are always superior when fresh, and should typically be avoided when dried since they don’t add much flavor to a dish. They’re also best when raw or cooked for just a few minutes.
When should herbs be added to cooked dishes?
Herbs may be added near the end of cooking for more distinct flavor, or at the beginning for more blended flavors. Ground spices and herbs release their flavors readily. In long cooking dishes, such as stews, add these near the end of the cooking time to minimize the “cooking off” of its flavors.
What are the disadvantages of herbal medicine?
Herbal medicines can have dangerous side effects, research reveals. Herbal medicines can cause kidney failure and liver damage in some consumers because they contain toxic chemicals or heavy metals, or react harmfully with other drugs, a study has found.
Are herbs more nutritious than vegetables?
Since herbs are plants just like vegetables, they are physically, biochemically and nutritionally quite similar to leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach and kale. And, herbs can pack in just as much nutrition as vegetables! Just like green leafy vegetables, fresh herbs contain large amounts of vitamins A, C and K.
How do you dry thyme at home?
How to Dry Thyme Leaves: Place 1 paper towel flat on your plate. Lay out Thyme sprigs in a single layer on the paper towel, then add another paper towel on top. Microwave 1 minute and 30 seconds, then in 15 second increments until dry. After leaves are dry and crunchy, remove and discard stems.
