One of the best ways to show fresh herbs in the kitchen is to place them in a decorative herb planter. Herb planters come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, so there is something for every kitchen. You can even DIY your own herb planter by purchasing a planter box, soil, and some clay pots, or decorating a mason jar with some twine.
Additionally, you can hang a herb garden off of the wall or shelf. All you need is some string and scissors to hang the garden, and then you can fill it with herbs of your choice. Another great way to add herbs to your kitchen is to place them in a vase or jar.
Add some pebbles at the bottom of the jar and then fill it up with water and your herbs of choice. Lastly, if you have any extra room in your freezer, storing some of your herbs in there is a great way to keep them fresh for longer.
Simply place your herbs in a plastic zipper bag with some water and seal it up before placing it inside of your freezer.
How do you display herbs?
There are a few different ways to display herbs depending on the purpose and look you are trying to achieve.
One of the most basic ways to display herbs is by placing them in a vase or container on a windowsill. This is an easy and effective way to bring a natural, earthy feel to the space. If you want to add visual interest or show off specific types of herbs you can use different sizes or shapes of containers, or consider using containers made from different materials like glass, ceramic, or metal.
To keep the herbs looking fresh, make sure they have access to sunlight and water as needed.
If you want to put your herbs on full display, consider using a hanging herb garden. This is easy to do by attaching mason jars, or pots with drainage holes, to a wall or a fence. You can also create a wall mounted planter by affixing your chosen herbs in pots to a wooden board.
For those who want the warm, rustic look of a garden, a vertical living wall is a great way to display herbs. These can be installed inside or outside and provide a great visual impact to the space.
Herbs can also be incorporated into more creative and whimsical displays. Try adding herbs to a terrarium, arranging them into a wreath shape, or creating a mobile as a piece of functional art.
No matter what type of display you choose, herbs are a great addition to any space and make for a lovely decor statement.
Where should I put herbs in my kitchen?
When deciding where to put herbs in your kitchen, it is important to think about where you will have the most access and convenience. Herbs, whether fresh or dry, need to be kept in a cool and dry place to preserve their flavor and nutrient content.
The best place to store herbs is in a pantry, cabinet, or shelf that is away from any direct heat sources, moisture, and sunlight. The ideal temperature should be around 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit. If a pantry or cabinet is not an option, the refrigerator is an alternative.
The herbs can be placed in the warmest part of the fridge, which is usually located at the top. If using a kitchen window sill, make sure they are out of direct sun and provide the herbs with plenty of air circulation.
Which herbs do not go together?
As some herbs can overpower others. Basil, oregano and thyme are among the most commonly used herbs, and should not be combined. Other herbs that should not be combined include bay leaf and marjoram, and rosemary and sage, as their pungent and aromatic flavors can clash.
In general, several strongly flavored herbs shouldn’t be combined, and when cooking with fresh herbs, the specific varieties should be kept to two or three at a time. Additionally, when making a pesto, spinach or other soft leafy herbs should not be combined with strong herbs.
What herbs can be planted together in same container?
Productive garden. Herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, parsley, chives, and dill all work well together. It is also beneficial to plant herbs like sage, mint, lavender, and lemon balm together as they have a good companion planting relationship.
Additionally, it is a great idea to plant taller herbs, like rosemary and thyme, on the sides of the container, leaving room for smaller herbs, like basil, oregano, parsley, and dill, to be planted in the middle.
However, it is important not to overcrowd the pot and make sure that the herbs have sufficient drainage and exposure to both sun and water. Allowing the herbs to grow together in the same pot can create a healthier environment and help to ward off pests and disease.
Lastly, herbs can also be planted alongside vegetables such as peppers, green beans, and cabbage, as they can help to keep away the vegetable’s pests.
What kind of pots are for herbs?
Herbs generally require pots that are well-draining and somewhat shallow. Since herbs prefer a dry environment, porous pots that allow for proper draining and air circulation are best. Clay or terracotta pots are ideal for herbs since they allow for better airflow than plastic pots, but need to be watered more often.
Additionally, since herbs don’t require a lot of root depth, they can be planted in shallow, wide-brimmed pots. Large strawberry planters or strawberry jar planters are great for growing herbs in either outside or indoors.
Hanging pots or window boxes are great for those in limited growing space. You can even use unused items such as old dressers, stairs, and more to give a unique, personalized look to your herb garden.
Can I store herbs on the counter?
Yes, you can store herbs on the counter. Before storing your herbs, it’s important to make sure they are completely dry (you can pat them lightly with a paper towel to help). Then, you can store the herbs in a wide-mouthed jar or container on the counter, in a cool and dry place.
Be sure the herbs don’t get too much sun and are away from any sources of heat, like the oven. If your humidity is high, you may want to consider placing a packet of silica gel or activated charcoal in the jar with your herbs.
To increase their longevity, you can also use a reusable food storage bag or a loose-fitting, breathable pot and place it on the counter. This way, some of the moisture that builds up from condensation can escape, helping to keep your herbs fresher longer.
Should herbs be stored in high or low humidity?
The best place to store herbs is in an area of low humidity. Keeping herbs in an area with too much humidity can cause them to lose their flavor and nutrients faster, as well as cause them to spoil quickly.
Too much humidity may also cause mold and bacteria to form on the leaves. Herbs can be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place, such as a cupboard or pantry. You may also want to store them in the refrigerator, wrapped in a paper towel or in a sealed plastic bag.
Make sure to keep the herbs away from direct sunlight or other sources of heat.
Should fresh herbs be refrigerated?
Yes, fresh herbs should be refrigerated if you are planning on using them within a few days. This will keep them fresh and flavorful for longer. Wrap the herbs in damp paper towels and then place them in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator.
This will help retain moisture and protect the herbs from drying out. Make sure to change out the paper towels every few days. If you plan on keeping the herbs longer than a few days, you can freeze them.
Start by washing and drying them thoroughly, then place them in a freezer-safe bag and pop into the freezer. Frozen herbs can last up to six months.
Do dried herbs need to be air tight?
Yes, dried herbs should be stored in air tight containers. Exposure to air degrades the quality of herbs, reducing their flavor and aroma. Storing them in air tight containers will help to keep them fresher.
Additionally, they should be stored in a cool, dark place, since exposure to light and heat can also reduce their longevity. Finally, if possible, store herbs separately from each other, as their aromas can mix if kept together.
What herbs can I hang in my kitchen?
Hanging herbs in the kitchen can be a great way to add some freshness and flavor to your culinary masterpieces. Some of the best herbs to hang in the kitchen are Basil, Oregano, Dill, Mint, Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme.
Basil and Oregano are both robust herbs with lots of flavor and can be a great flavor addition to many dishes. Dill adds a nice, mild flavor that pairs great with fish and egg dishes. Mint is a versatile herb that adds a great flavor to many dishes and is also quite hardy.
Rosemary has a very intense flavor and pairs very well with poultry and lamb dishes. Sage is a great herb for adding depth to dishes, and pairs well with vegetables, pork, dark meats, and fish. Thyme has a strong flavor, and it adds a great fragrance and flavor to soups, stocks, and sauces.
All of these herbs can be hung in the kitchen as a bouquet or individually in a basket – whichever you choose, they’ll look beautiful and add great flavor to your dishes.
Which herbs should not be dried?
Most herbs should be able to be dried without issue, as long as they have been properly harvested and stored. However, there are a few herbs that are not suitable for drying and should be used fresh, either dried fresh or frozen.
These include basil, chervil, chives, cilantro, dill, lemon balm, lovage, marjoram, oregano, parsley, and tarragon. These herbs are more delicate and tend to lose their flavor and aroma upon drying. In addition, these herbs also tend to darken when dried and can become bitter in taste.
For these reasons, it is best to use these herbs fresh.
Should you wash herbs before drying?
Yes, it is generally recommended to wash herbs before drying them, as this can help to remove dirt and debris that may be present on the leaves of the herbs. Although it is not necessary to dry herbs that have been washed, it is still a beneficial step in the process.
Washing herbs may also help to preserve some of their freshness as the extra moisture helps to keep the leaves from becoming too dry. Additionally, when herbs are washed, any insects or other pests that could be present on the herbs are removed.
This additional step is especially important for herbs that will be stored for extended periods of time. After drying herbs, it is important to store them in an airtight container to ensure they do not become spoiled.
Why do you hang herbs upside down?
Hanging herbs upside down is a traditional way of drying the plants for storage and consumption. When hung correctly moisture and air can be kept out which helps herbs maintain their flavor and aroma.
Oftentimes, herbs will fade in flavor and aroma when ground up or chopped, so drying them and storing them can help preserve the flavor of the herbs. The process of drying herbs also helps to preserve their medicinal properties as many herbs are used for this purpose.
Hanging the herbs upside down is beneficial, because it allows the full plant structure to remain intact. This is important as it will help retain their flavor and aroma, as well as their medical properties.
Furthermore, it is easier to process the herbs if they are hung upside down. Simply shaking the herbs will cause the leaves and buds to fall off easily and it is easier to package the herbs for storage this way.
Overall, hanging herbs upside down is an effective and traditional way of drying and storing herbs that helps retain the flavor and aromas, as well as their medicinal properties.
Where is the place to hang herbs to dry?
The best place to hang herbs to dry is in an airy, dark location away from direct sunlight. To find a suitable spot, look for an area with good ventilation and large windows to diffuse sunlight, such as a porch, garage, or an attic that isn’t too hot.
Avoid warm and humid areas, such as bathrooms, laundry room, and kitchen, as these areas are usually damp and not ideal for drying herbs. Hanging herbs is simple and all you need is some string, thread, or twine and a few clothespins or paper clips.
Bundle up small batches of herbs in muslin or cheesecloth, attach the cloth bundle to the string and hang it in the dark, airy location. Make sure to keep the bundles several inches apart so the herbs can circulate properly and dry evenly.
Some herbs like to have good air circulation, so you may want to consider using a fan to allow some air flow if needed. Allow the herbs to hang and dry until they become brittle, which can take anywhere from a couple of days to a month depending on the herb.
Once completely dry, store the herbs in airtight containers in a cool, dark cupboard until needed.
Should herbs be dried in the dark?
Yes, herbs should be dried in the dark because light can cause herbs to become discolored and degrade their flavor and aroma. When herbs are exposed to light, some of the volatile oils, which contain flavor and aroma, can easily be lost.
To preserve freshness and flavor of herbs, it is best to dry them in the dark. You can suspend them using cotton thread or hang them on a drying rack in a cool, dark and ventilated room. You can also dry herbs in a brown paper bag, which will protect them from light.
Once the herbs are completely dry and brittle, store them in an airtight container away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
How do I make a hanging herb planter?
Creating a hanging herb planter is a great way to add a decorative touch to any outdoor area. Here are the steps to make your own hanging herb planter:
1. Gather your materials: One large clay pot, a planting bag or liner, soil, small rocks, and the herbs of your choice.
2. Line the inside of the pot with your planting bag or liner. This will help prevent soil from leaking out of the pot.
3. Next, add some small rocks to the bottom of the pot. This will help to create additional drainage for the pot.
4. Fill the pot with soil and plant your herbs. Make sure that you plant the herbs deep enough so that the roots are completely covered by the soil.
5. Now it’s time to hang your planter. Choose an area with plenty of sunlight to hang the planter from with rope or chains. Make sure the pot is securely fastened so it doesn’t come tumbling down.
6. Water your herbs regularly, but do not overwater as this can cause the herbs to rot.
7. Enjoy your hanging herb planter! You can prune the herbs for use in cooking and watch them flourish in the sun.