Guest post by Cathy Raymond
Hello, all! I’m not a gourmet cook, but I do have a few helpful tidbits to share. First of all, I like growing herbs. I know it’s easier to buy what you need and use, but it’s more fun and the fresh or dried herbs are more fragrant and tasty than the store-bought ones. Don’t have a green thumb? No worries! Herbs are resilient to those of us who are just learning or are forgetful.
Take mint for example. Mint is the easiest and most forgiving herb there is. Just take a cutting of a live plant, and stick it in water. Once it starts to root (which it will!), place it in some soil and put it on your window sill. Water it occasionally, and waalaa! You’ll have a mint plant that will continue to grow as long as it has light and water. It will eventually start to grow large enough to trim back. That will be your chance to use the leaves!
Don’t be afraid to take cuttings from your plants! In the regular plant world, it’s called pruning, but to the “herby,” it’s harvest time! Here’s how for mint: Trim a stem back by cutting it at least halfway but not all the way to the base, pluck the leaves from the stem, rinse them, and brew yourself a cup of aromatic mint tea. Or let them dry to use in other dishes. Other herbs are harvested similarly, but a few are different. Make sure you know what to do before cutting by doing a quick Internet search.
That’s where my obsession with saving everything comes in handy. Since I do grow and dry herbs, I’m always looking for storage containers. And because everyone recycles (of course you do), I receive all sorts of nifty jars and such. Baby food jars are my favorite, because they’re the perfect size for storing small amounts of dried herbs. Paint the lid or attach a ribbon, then pile a few into a bag or basket, and you’ve got the perfect gift. Using a recyclable and giving something homegrown. What could be better?
So start your own herb garden, or have a few on your window sill to use for cooking. It’s fun, GREEN, and oh so delicious! Happy herbing!
