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Preserving and Storing Herbs from Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens are a fantastic way to grow herbs in limited spaces, providing a bountiful supply of fresh flavors right at your fingertips. However, as the growing season comes to an end, it’s essential to preserve and store your herbs properly to enjoy their goodness throughout the year. Here are some options for preserving and storing herbs from vertical gardens:

Drying

Drying herbs is one of the oldest and simplest methods of preservation. It involves removing moisture from the herbs, allowing them to retain their flavor and aroma for an extended period. To dry herbs from your vertical garden, follow these steps:

• Harvest the herbs in the morning when their essential oils are at their peak.
• Remove any damaged or discolored leaves.
• Tie small bunches of herbs together with twine or rubber bands.
• Hang the herb bundles upside down in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
• Leave the herbs to dry for about two weeks or until they are brittle to the touch.
• Once dried, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

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Freezing

Freezing herbs is an excellent option for preserving their vibrant colors and flavors. Here’s how to freeze herbs from your vertical garden:

• Harvest the herbs and wash them thoroughly.
• Pat the herbs dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
• Chop the herbs into desired sizes or leave them whole.
• Place the herbs in ice cube trays, filling each compartment about halfway.
• Pour olive oil or water over the herbs to cover them completely.
• Place the trays in the freezer until the herbs are frozen solid.
• Transfer the herb cubes into labeled freezer bags or airtight containers.
• Store the herbs in the freezer for up to six months.

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Infusing

Infusing herbs in oil or vinegar is a fantastic way to capture their flavors and create delicious dressings, marinades, or flavored oils. Here’s how to infuse herbs from your vertical garden:

• Harvest the herbs and wash them thoroughly.
• Pat the herbs dry with a clean towel.
• Place the herbs in a clean, dry jar.
• Fill the jar with your choice of oil or vinegar, ensuring the herbs are fully submerged.
• Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks.
• After the infusion period, strain the herbs from the oil or vinegar using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
• Transfer the infused oil or vinegar into sterilized bottles or jars.
• Store the infused herbs in a cool, dark place for up to six months.

By utilizing these preservation methods, you can extend the life of your herbs from vertical gardens and continue to enjoy their fresh flavors long after the growing season has ended.

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Keywords: vertical, gardens, flavors, vinegar, preserving, garden, harvest, remove, freezer