Tag: herb preservation

How to Store Fresh Mint: Preserving Aromatic Flavor

Ricardo Davis

How to Store Fresh Mint:

– Leave fresh mint on the counter in water, changing the water when it gets cloudy. This can make the mint last about a week.
– Store fresh mint in the refrigerator by placing it in water inside a jar or glass and covering it with a plastic bag. The water does not need to be changed, and the mint can stay fresh for about three weeks.
– Store mint in the refrigerator without water by wrapping the leaves in moistened paper towels and placing them in a zip-top bag that is not sealed. The mint can remain fresh for at least three weeks.
– Store mint in an airtight container in the refrigerator with moistened paper towels to protect it from being bruised and keep it fresh for about two weeks.
– Freeze mint by rinsing and chopping the leaves and distributing them among the compartments of an ice cube tray. Freeze the mint leaves in ice cube trays filled with water, then store the cubes in a container or zip-top bags in the freezer. These mint ice cubes can be kept for up to six months. Alternatively, freeze whole fresh mint leaves on a baking sheet for 30 minutes, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container.

Recipe Ideas for Using Mint:
– Green Jasmine-Mint Iced Tea with Lemon
– Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese
– Grape-Pineapple Mint Fizz.

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Drying Basil: Preserving Flavor and Maximizing Nutritional Benefits

Ricardo Davis

– The article discusses different methods for drying basil, including air-drying, using the kitchen oven, or using a dehydrator.
– It also provides instructions and visuals for each method.
– This article provides step-by-step instructions for drying basil leaves using the microwave and/or the oven methods.
– The author mentions that drying basil can help prolong its life and preserve its flavor.
– They also suggest alternative methods for preserving the flavor closest to the fresh form, such as making and freezing pesto, freezing fresh basil leaves, or freezing basil as herb bombs.
– The article states that the homemade version of dried basil is better than storebought.
– The required ingredients for drying basil include basil leaves and a microwave oven, a regular oven, or a dehydrator oven.
– The article also provides tips for picking basil and recommends removing the stems before drying.
– The article provides instructions on how to dry basil leaves using an oven or microwave.
– When drying in an oven, preheat to the lowest setting possible (around 175°F) and spread the basil leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet.
– Dry for about 2.5 hours, checking every 15 minutes to prevent burning.
– The leaves should sound crunchy and change color to a dark green when done.
– In the microwave method, place a towel on a microwavable plate, arrange the leaves in a single file, and place another towel on top.
– Microwave in 30-second bursts, checking after each burst.
– The leaves should shrivel.
– The microwave method produces lesser flavor compared to oven or air-drying.
– To maximize flavor, store dried basil as whole leaves and crush them right before use.
– When substituting dried basil for fresh, use ¼ to ⅓ of the amount called for in the recipe.
– One tablespoon of fresh herbs is approximately equal to one teaspoon of dried herbs.
– Dried basil leaves last at least a year when stored in an airtight container in a cool and dark place.

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