How to Preserve Seasonings: Herbs Today, Preserves Tomorrow

What do you do when you have bunches of herbs reaching maturity at the same time? Preserve them!  

Preserving herbs for seasonings involves traditional techniques that use salt, oil, sugar, alcohol, vinegar, and a few other simple ingredients. 

The following is an excerpt from Preserving Food without Freezing or Canning. It has been adapted for the web.

Preserve Seasonings in Vinegar

Basil

• Basil
• Cider vinegar
• Small jars and lids

To keep basil fresh for salads, all you have to do is chop some and place it in a small jar with some good cider vinegar. Store the jar in a cool place, and enjoy this valuable seasoning anytime!

Jacqueline Clossett, Belgium

Preserve Pickled Garlic

• 1 lb. garlic
• 1 quart water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• Bay leaves
• Black peppercorns
• 1 cup vinegar<
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• A saucepan
• Small jars and lids

Peel the garlic. Boil one quart of water with one tablespoon of salt. Add the garlic and continue to boil for three to five minutes. Drain the garlic.

Fill small jars with the garlic, one bay leaf, and five black peppercorns.

Boil the vinegar along with one-half cup of water and sugar, pour this mixture over the garlic, and immediately close the jars. The garlic will keep for a very long time, and is particularly tasty in salads.

Ted Braam, Hagraulet-Du-Gers

Preserve Sage or Rosemary-Scented Vinegar

• 1 lb. dried sage or rosemary flowers
• 1/2 quart wine vinegar
• A glass jar or bottle with cork or lid
• A fine cloth
• Bottles with corks or lids

Soak the dried flowers in a glass jar filled with wine vinegar. Close the jar and leave it in the sun for eight to ten days. Then filter the contents through a fine cloth, twice. Store this fragrant vinegar in tightly closed bottles.

Michel Guerville, Dannes

Recommended Reads

Tips & Tricks for Harvesting and Drying Herbs

Mastering the Actions of Herbs