Herb Gardening - Preserving Herbs by Freezing

Enjoy Fresh Herb Flavor All Year

By Marie Iannotti, About.com Guide

Many gardeners dry herbs from their herb garden, so that they'll be able to enjoy their fresh herbs for a few months longer. Drying herbs is an easy, efficient means to preserve fresh herbs, but herbs with a high water content seem to mold before they ever dry. To preserve herbs with a high water content, like basil, chives lemon balm, mint and tarragon, fresh freezing is a better option. The herbs will become limp in the process, but their flavor will be intact.

Frozen herbs will keep their flavor for several months. Unlike dried herbs, where the flavor gets more concentrated when drying, frozen herbs can be used in the same proportion as fresh herbs.

To Freeze Herbs:

Method 1:

1. Harvest the freshest, healthiest leaves.
2. Wash, if necessary, and pat dry with paper towels
3. Spread the individual leaves on a small tray or cookie sheet. Freezing the leaves flat and individually will prevent them from freezing together into a brick.
4. Cover and place the tray of leaves into the freezer
5. When frozen solid, place in airtight containers and return to the freezer. Once frozen individually, the leaves will not meld together.

Method 2:

1. Harvest the freshest, healthiest leaves
2. Wash, if necessary, and pat dry with paper towels
3. Stuff 2-3 individual leaves or a spoonful of chopped herbs in ice cube trays.
4. Fill the tray half way with water. Make sure the leaves are down into the water, as best you can. They will tend to float, but we'll fix that with the next step. Place the half filled tray in the freezer.
5. Once the ice cubes are pretty much frozen, finish filling the try with water. The leaves will no longer be able to float and should be completely surrounded with water. Now place the tray back into the freezer to freeze solid.
6. Once the ice cubes are frozen, remove from the tray and store in zip closure bags.
7. When ready to use, toss the whole ice cube into your favorite stew or dish.

Herb Gardening - Preserving Herbs by Freezing

Enjoy Fresh Herb Flavor All Year

By Marie Iannotti, About.com Guide

Many gardeners dry herbs from their herb garden, so that they'll be able to enjoy their fresh herbs for a few months longer. Drying herbs is an easy, efficient means to preserve fresh herbs, but herbs with a high water content seem to mold before they ever dry. To preserve herbs with a high water content, like basil, chives lemon balm, mint and tarragon, fresh freezing is a better option. The herbs will become limp in the process, but their flavor will be intact.

Frozen herbs will keep their flavor for several months. Unlike dried herbs, where the flavor gets more concentrated when drying, frozen herbs can be used in the same proportion as fresh herbs.

How to make your own homemade hair conditioner

Lemon Delight


¼ cup of plain yogurt (Here’s your chance to splurge. Bypass the nonfat yogurt) 1 egg yolk
2 pinches of lemon rinds

Mix up all the ingredients. Rub the mixture gently into your hair, starting at the scalp before washing your hair. The lemon rinds will help to bring out the shine, and the yolk and yogurt work really well together to add elasticity and moisture to your hair. You don’t have to wait very long before you shampoo this conditioner out. Just be sure to do a thorough job of massaging it into your hair. This conditioner is revitalizing and is a great treatment for you to give yourself on a sunny spring day!

Avocado Hair Spa

1 avocado
1 egg yolk

Mash up the avocado either using a blender or potato masher. Add the egg yolk and mix until the two ingredients are well combined. Gently apply the mixture to your hair, making sure to spread it evenly. When you are done applying it to your hair, sit back and relax for approximately 15-20 minutes. Then, rinse the mixture out with warm water and shampoo as usual. The natural oils of the avocado do a really nice job of moisturizing drab and dull hair. For an added treat, give yourself a mud mask while waiting for the conditioner to do its trick!

Tropical Dandruff Conditioner

3 tbsp pure lime juice
¼ cup coconut oil

This conditioner is an awesome for treating dandruff without making your hair feel too oily. Simply mix the two ingredients and massage into your scalp. Wait about 1 hour and then shampoo your hair with a gentle shampoo. While waiting for this treatment to work its magic, treat yourself to some tropical fruit, or maybe even splurge on a margarita or a pina colada for the ultimate tropical spa in your own home!

Bananas and Honey

1 banana
½ cup of honey

Puree the banana in a blender, or mash it up really well. Mix it with the honey until the mixture is well combined. Try as you may, but you know you’re going to taste this one! Go ahead! Shampoo your hair first. Apply the mixture to your wet hair. Leave it on your hair for about 40 minutes before rinsing it again.

Finally, there are a few incredibly useful ‘one ingredient’ recipes that can condition your hair nicely. Plain white vinegar works really well as a clarifying rinse. If you have an itchy scalp, you can try massaging a little peanut oil on your scalp before shampooing. Have fun exploring your kitchen, and don’t be afraid to freely swing those deliciously shiny locks when showing off to your friends!