When do I pick herbs for best quality and aroma?

by | Mar 9, 2013 | Ben and Lisa | 0 comments

Field grown, fresh harvested

Field grown, fresh harvested

Herbs are best picked when nearly dry, after the morning sun has had time to mop up the dew! Nip soft herbs with clean fingers and use sharp shears or pruners to clean-cut woody herbs. For culinary herbs, a quick, clean water rinse and spin in the lettuce spinner will remove most outdoor contaminants. Many fresh cut herbs will keep for a day or two at room temperature in water, in a glass container on the counter. I often initially add an ice cube or two to the water container!

Generally, herbs “breath” better if not completely covered when they are refrigerated. Lightly wrap your herb bundle or herb pieces in a paper towel and place loosely in a bag without completely closing the herbs off from air circulation. Darkening and softening are signs of moisture and microbially-induced decay.

Remarkably, herbs have high antioxidant stability, particularly when used fresh. Adding herbs to cooking near the end of the process means you are adding valuable nutrients and phytochemicals that will retain chemical potency and activity!

Stayed tuned. Next week — some tips on specific herb drying!
Thanks for stopping by……….

Heavenly!

Sitting on the porch that is the definition of home-grown comfort, Amy brought out a dish of pecans to snack on with our lavender iced tea. The pecans were sweet with a hint of salt and ... smoked! (Patrick throws a lot of stuff on the grill and in the smoker and the results are always spectacular.) The pecans were like heaven.

Between the lavender everywhere, the porch, the view, the company, and the pecans, we might just as well have been in heaven.

Jan Perry

You'll want to go back again and again!

Among the gardens and 100-year-old farm house is a picturesque red barn where Amy and Patrick not only sell their merchandise but also entertain and/or put on workshops. I have had the pleasure of attending several of these events ranging from cookie making, to lavender harvesting and arranging, to yoga classes.

I am always looking for what they have available because once you experience the sheer beauty and peaceful feel of White Hills Farm you too will want to go back again and again.

Audrey Doyle

For me, it's a place tied to fond memories

White Hills Farm is the perfect backdrop for any occasion -- it has this way of enveloping and elevating meaningful celebrations. For me, it's a place tied to fond memories and an eagerness to return. Year round, its something to behold, a slice of heaven run by the best of people.

Allison Vrtachnik