Thank you to everyone who has been attentive to harvesting herbs in a mindful way! Please watch Ember’s informative and helpful video on “Harvesting Herbs the Right Way”. As a community, if we are all attentive to picking herbs carefully, there will be more than enough for everyone through the rest of the season. As a reminder, If you do not see a yellow star next to the name of the herb, that means the herb is not open.
The following plants are now open to harvest and enjoy:
The bigger Sage – look for the longest stems and cut 1/3 of the way down with scissors only or pinch back the top cluster of leaves. Sage helps relieve coughs, sore throats and digestive issues. It also makes a calming tonic to relieve muscle tension. You can even add sage leaves to a hot bath and feel its soothing and relaxing effects.
Chives – please do not cut them all the way to the bottom!
Edible Flowers – add a pop of gorgeous colors and unexpected flavors to summers salads. When you pick edible flowers, cut the stem along with the flower. Once you get home, bathe them gently in a bath of salt water to remove any dirt or grit, then perk up the petals by dropping them in a bowl of ice water for 30-60 seconds and drain on a paper towel. Store the flowers with stems whole in a glass of water in the refrigerator until you use them. They do not keep long.
Shiso & Basil – remember to pinch the top cluster of leaves when you pick.
Rosemary – harvest by snipping a 1″-2″ sprig or two with scissors. This herb pairs beautifully with many foods and is popular in Mediterranean dishes. Its citrusy and woodsy flavor is delicious when infused in olive oil or vinegar or roasted with meats. Rosemary has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and is thought to improve memory. It’s also been used as a symbol of remembrance and friendship for centuries.
Don’t forget, the flowers of all the herbs are completely edible. Also, feel free to hold a little handful and give the cilantro and dill a little “haircut”. Enjoy these treasures and you will benefit from their many medicinal properties!
