Dried Herbs

We are happy to be able to offer dried herbs (and some fresh herbs) seasonally or while they last.

These herbs are cut right from my garden boxes on the same day they go to the dehydrator.  This means they are as fresh as they can be, packing a rich flavor.  We never spray anything on our garden, we use all organic practices.

Basil and cilantro fresh-picked from the garden.

The first time I ever used my own dried herbs, I made a sauce with oregano.  My husband commented that I went much heavier on the oregano than usual.  I told him I had used the same measurements I always use for that recipe.  Then it occurred to me, I had used my own dried oregano rather than the store bought type I used to buy.  I found I only needed ½ has much for each recipe because the flavor is so much stronger in my home-grown herbs. 

 

Currently, we are offering the following:

 Dry Basil –$4.00/Jar

This is a great addition to any sauce, stew or salad.  It’s even yummy when sprinkled on cheese.  Dry basil’s flavor profile really comes out in recipes with long cooking times as in a marinara sauce, where the sustained simmer brings out its mild sweetness. 

Did you know?.....

1.       Dry basil leaves are a great source of iron.  One serving contains 25% of the daily recommended dose.  Iron is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the blood in the body.

2.       Basil contains the flavonoids orietin and vicenin, plant pigments that shield cell structures from oxygen and radiation damage.

3.       Basil contains eugenol, an oil that has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help individuals with arthritis and other inflammatory problems.

So now you can see why Basil is the top of my list for growing.  Plus, I get the bonus of a wonderful smell in the garden while I harvest it, and the aroma throughout the house as I dehydrate it!

Dry Cilantro –$4.00/Large Jar 

Cilantro is a leafy herb that has been used in cooking for centuries.  Its leaves and stem pack a fresh, boldly pungent and citrus-like taste that adds a great flavor to any dish that uses it.  I use it in ALL my Mexican food dishes, and in my guacamole!

Additionally, the many health benefits of cilantro include strong antioxidant activity, anxiolytic effects and as a natural protectant against cardiovascular disease.

Parsley and Oregano are also available for the same price, as of 2015. 
 

TIP: It is always best to store your herbs in glass jars, in a cool, dry place.  You should be able to keep them for a year if stored properly.  (At our house, they never last that long before they are eaten!)