Not many fresh herbs to harvest from outdoors this time of year. Good time to put all those dried herbs to use then. Of course, we use them all the time in the many value added products we make. So what to do with dried herbs? Here are a few suggestions.
Soups, Stews and Teas
Cooking would seem obvious for using dried herbs. Warm steaming soups and stews with savory flavors and aromas not only warm the tummy but the soul. A big pot of soup is often found simmering on our stovetops with plenty to last not only for supper but as a good lunch pick-me-up. Since we are both tea drinkers, there are quite a few varieties the two houses. Some for calming or stress relief, others for a morning wakeup and a little energy. Even frozen veggies can get a boost with a good dose of herbs. Flavoring with herbs is one time we believe that more is better. Check out this blog for why we say, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon, we tend to go for 1 Tablespoon.
Colds and Coughs
Winter time seems to be when sneezing, coughing and germs abound. Dried herbs are useful in making disinfecting sprays to cleanse surfaces or sprays for soothing sore throats. Herbs are also found in Fire Cider and Elderberry syrup which help lessen fevers and other symptoms of winter illness.
Home and Crafts
For the gray winter days, there are several uses for dried herbs that can brighten homes and even cars. Potpourris in baskets or bowls placed in rooms provide aromas to soothe or revitalize homes. Smaller portions of potpourris can be placed in cloth bags or sachets to be placed in drawers, closets, and even cars. Grind some potpourris and add it to baking soda to create a carpet freshener – sprinkle on carpet and vacuum.
Winter also brings dry skin and it feels good to do a little exfoliating. Two simple herbal scrubs can do the job. Here’s a blog that explains just how to make your own.
Don’t have a supply of dried herbs? We keep a goodly amount in a big basket on the bottom shelf at our display in Urban Basics (209 E Main St in Battle Ground). There are bags of dried herbs for all sorts of herbal projects, whether culinary, medicinal, home and beauty or even pets. Let imagination take hold and put some dried herbs to use.
Soups, Stews and Teas
Cooking would seem obvious for using dried herbs. Warm steaming soups and stews with savory flavors and aromas not only warm the tummy but the soul. A big pot of soup is often found simmering on our stovetops with plenty to last not only for supper but as a good lunch pick-me-up. Since we are both tea drinkers, there are quite a few varieties the two houses. Some for calming or stress relief, others for a morning wakeup and a little energy. Even frozen veggies can get a boost with a good dose of herbs. Flavoring with herbs is one time we believe that more is better. Check out this blog for why we say, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon, we tend to go for 1 Tablespoon.
Colds and Coughs
Winter time seems to be when sneezing, coughing and germs abound. Dried herbs are useful in making disinfecting sprays to cleanse surfaces or sprays for soothing sore throats. Herbs are also found in Fire Cider and Elderberry syrup which help lessen fevers and other symptoms of winter illness.
Home and Crafts
For the gray winter days, there are several uses for dried herbs that can brighten homes and even cars. Potpourris in baskets or bowls placed in rooms provide aromas to soothe or revitalize homes. Smaller portions of potpourris can be placed in cloth bags or sachets to be placed in drawers, closets, and even cars. Grind some potpourris and add it to baking soda to create a carpet freshener – sprinkle on carpet and vacuum.
Winter also brings dry skin and it feels good to do a little exfoliating. Two simple herbal scrubs can do the job. Here’s a blog that explains just how to make your own.
Don’t have a supply of dried herbs? We keep a goodly amount in a big basket on the bottom shelf at our display in Urban Basics (209 E Main St in Battle Ground). There are bags of dried herbs for all sorts of herbal projects, whether culinary, medicinal, home and beauty or even pets. Let imagination take hold and put some dried herbs to use.