how to use up fresh herbs
This list of tips for how to use up fresh herbs will give you some great ideas on ways to use things up before they go bad.
Living a simple life is all about making do with what you have so you can keep more of your money in your pocket. And thrifty tips in the kitchen is the best way to do that!
When I first started gardening, herbs were my main plants to experiment with. They are small and need little space, do amazingly well in containers and can be grown either inside near to a sunny window or outside in a flower pot or even a garden. What’s not to love?
The only problem is when your herbs grow faster than you can use them and the last thing you may want to do is toss those cuttings in the trash.
If you are looking for ways to use up your fresh homegrown herbs before they go bad, this list will help. From culinary tips to unique ways to put those beauties to work, you are sure to find something that works for you.
How long to fresh herbs last?
Fresh herbs can last for a few days up to a few weeks, depending on the herb type and how you store it. Woody herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage can last longer than delicate herbs like basil or cilantro.
Tips to extend the shelf life of your fresh herbs:
#1. Proper storage: Trim the stems and place the herbs in a jar or glass of water, as you would a fresh cutting of flowers. Then, loosely cover them with a plastic bag and keep them in the refrigerator.
How to use: Cut as needed for any recipes you are making.
#2. Freeze them: You can also freeze fresh herbs by chopping them up and placing them in an ice cube tray with some olive oil. Once frozen, store the cubes in a freezer-safe container for future use. Get more tips on how to freeze herbs here.
How to use: Add frozen cubes to soups, stews, or sauces.
#3. Dry them: Hang your herbs upside down in a warm, dry place or use you can use a dehydrator. Once dried, store them in an airtight container. Get more tips on how to dry herbs here.
How to use: Chop or strip and use as you would any store-purchased dried herbs.
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how to use up fresh herbs
There are many fun and easy ways to use up fresh herbs on this list, give a few of them a try to see which ones you love best.
In the Kitchen
The most common place to use fresh herbs is in the kitchen. Try out a few of these easy and fun ideas.
#1. Pesto
Pesto is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to use up fresh herbs. Chop up your choice of herbs and mix with garlic, olive oil, nuts, and parmesan cheese to create a flavorful paste. Pesto can be used as a sauce for pasta, pizza, or as a spread for sandwiches.
Best herbs to use: Parsley, basil, dill, cilantro, tarragon, chives, chervil, sorrel, even mint.
#2. Herb Butter
Another simple way to use up fresh herbs is to chop and mix them with softened butter. Store in the fridge and use on bread, when cooking vegetables, or as a topping for grilled meats.
Best herbs to use: Thyme, oregano, rosemary and basil.
#3. Herb Infused Oils and Vinegars
You can also infuse oils with fresh herbs to add extra flavor to your dishes. Heat the oil to a simmer in a saucepan. Remove from the heat and add your desired herbs. Once the oil is cool, use a strainer to remove the herbs. Oil is now ready to use.
Best herbs to use: Parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, chives, mint, and tarragon.
#4. Herb Salt
Herb salt is another great way to add flavor to your dishes while using up fresh herbs. Chop herbs and mix them with course sea salt. Let the salt mixture sit for a few days before using.
Sprinkle on vegetables, meats, or anything else you’d like to add extra flavor.
Best herbs to use: Parsley, dill, mint, sage, thyme, oregano, cilantro, and rosemary.
#5. Herbal Tea
There is nothing better than a hot cup of herbal tea and you can make a lovely blend with your fresh herbs. Steep 1 tbs of herbs in 8 oz of hot water for a 7-8 minutes. You can also add in other ingredients like ginger, lemon, or honey for sweetness or more flavor.
Best herbs to use: Basil, chamomile, fennel, jasmine, lavender, and lemon balm.
#6. Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a popular Argentinean sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil. It’s great to use as a marinade for grilled meats or as a dipping sauce. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your choice of herbs and spices. You can find many recipes online or try this chimichurri sauce.
Best herbs to use: Parsley, oregano, paprika, and cilantro.
#7. Herb Marinades
Fresh herbs are also great for making marinades for meats and vegetables. Mix together chopped herbs, garlic, oil, and other seasonings to create a flavorful marinade for grilling or roasting.
Best herbs to use: Basil, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, tarragon, and chives.
#9. Smoothies and Juices
Fresh herbs can also be blended into smoothies and juices for added flavor and health benefits. Herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro add a refreshing touch to fruit-based smoothies, while parsley can be added to vegetable juices for extra nutrition. Have fun and experiment to see what you live best.
Best herbs to use: Basil, mint, cilantro, dill, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and parsley.
#10. Salad Dressings
Fresh herbs are great for homemade salad dressings. Mix your chopped herbs, oil, vinegar, and extra seasonings for a delicious and healthy salad dressing or as a marinade for meats.
Best herbs to use: Basil, chives, cilantro, dill, oregano, tarragon, and parsley.
#12. Rubs
Lastly, you can use up fresh herbs by making your own homemade rubs that are great for meats and even vegetables. Here’s a recipe to try. Add chopped herbs to a bowl and use a pestle to turn the herbs into a paste. Add the peppercorns and salt and mash together until you have a thick paste.
Finish by adding olive oil about 1 tbs. Use on meats such as steak or poultry.
Best herbs to use: Parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and rosemary but only in small amounts.
In the Home
Using fresh herbs in your home can help freshen up any smells or stale air.
#1. Add to a Bath
Adding fresh herbs to a warm bath at the end of a long day can be a relaxing experience. Herbs like lavender, rosemary, and chamomile can help soothe and calm the mind and body.
Best herbs to use: Lavender, rosemary, and chamomile.
#2. Make Potpourri
Dried herbs can be used to make homemade potpourri, which may be outdated but is still a great way to add freshness to a room. Mix your desired herbs, dried flowers, and essential oils in a bowl and place it in a decorative dish or jar for a natural air freshener.
Best herbs to use: Lavender, mint, rosemary, lemon balm, and lemon verbena.
#3. Natural Cleaning Products
Some herbs have natural antibacterial properties that can be used in DIY cleaning products. To clean surfaces in your home naturally, you can create an all-purpose cleaner using herbs, white distilled vinegar, and water.
Best herbs to use: Rosemary, lavender, thyme, mint, cloves, and marjoram.
#4. Natural Bug Repellent
Certain herbs like citronella, lemongrass, and basil have natural bug-repellent properties, which can be useful if you enjoy spending evenings outside. Create a homemade bug spray using these herbs to keep pesky insects away from your home.
Best herbs to use: Citronella, lemongrass, basil, rosemary, thyme, mint, and lavender.
#5. Carpet Freshener
Freshen up your floors by making a homemade carpet freshener. Mix dried herbs with baking soda and sprinkle it onto your carpets. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before vacuuming it up to leave your carpets smelling fresh and clean.
Best herbs to use: Lavender.
More Cleaning Guides:
#6. Natural Remedies
Herbs have been used for centuries as natural remedies. Ginger, turmeric, and echinacea can be used to make teas, tinctures, and salves that help boost the immune system and fight illnesses.
Best herbs to use: Turmeric, echinacea, lavender, and chamomile.
#7. Natural Beauty Products
Herbs can also be used to make face masks and hair treatments. Herbs like lavender, chamomile, and aloe vera are great for soothing and nourishing the skin and hair.
Best herbs to use: Chamomile, turmeric, rosemary, lavender, and thyme.
#8. To Freshen Clothes
Make your own natural sachets using herbs like lavender and rosemary to freshen up your clothes. Place them in drawers, laundry room, or closets to keep clothes smelling clean and fresh.
Best herbs to use: Lavender, rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus, lemon balm, mint, and chamomile.
#9. In Soaps and Candles
Herbs can be used to create natural soaps and DIY candles. They add a lovely scent and have therapeutic properties that can help to relax.
Best herbs to use: Lavender, rosemary, lemon balm, chamomile, and rose.
Outside the Home
Herbs can also be useful outside of your home.
#1. In the Chicken Coop
Herbs like mint, oregano, and thyme can be used in your chicken coop to help keep pests away and promote the overall health of your chickens. Place a few cuttings in nesting boxes and hang bunches in the corners of the coop. Herbs help with egg laying and respiratory health.
Best herbs to use: Fennel, marjoram, and parsley are best for egg laying. Dill, oregano, thyme, and fennel are best for respiratory health. Cilantro, sage, mint, and tarragon are best for overall health.
#2. To Deter Mice
Mint is a natural deterrent for mice. Dry mint cuttings and sprinkle in areas where you suspect mice may be entering such as your home, barn, or chicken coop.
Best herbs to use: Mint and cloves.
#3. To Deter Mosquitos
Lavender, citronella, and lemongrass are all natural mosquito repellents. Mix cut herbs with 20 drops of essential oils like rosemary, citronella, or tea tree. Add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of witch hazel. Keep in a glass spray bottle and mix lightly to incorporate the oils before spraying.
Best herbs to use: Lavender, mint, rosemary, and lemongrass.
Finding ways to use up herb cuttings is not only easy, it’s fun! Use any or all of these tips to put those herbs to use both inside and outside of your home. Bookmark this page so you can refer to this gardening 101 tip anytime you need tips on how to use up fresh herbs.
