Aromatic Herbs Gardening – Lavender, Sage, Thyme and Oregano

For many years, natural herbs have been used to enhance the flavor of our favorite cuisine. These tasty gifts of nature have also been used to provide medicinal healing for relief of common ailments. However, there is so much more these delectable plants can offer us, such as aromatic therapy for the spiritual, emotional and physical well being of our minds, bodies and souls.

The most commonly thought of herb is the elegant and refreshingly scented Lavender. This herb is a native of the Mediterranean and offers beautiful and lush purple flowers. It is often used as a border in a lavish flower garden as its aromatic scent and beauty attracts the Black Swallow-tailed Butterfly. The lovely and feminine scent this herb emanates makes it the perfect herb for sachets, perfumes and soaps.

Sage is another common herb that has been widely recognized and popular all over the world. It is not commonly known that this aromatic herb derives its wonderful scent from being a direct descendant of the mint family. Sage was originally grown in Asia Minor, but has vastly become a favorite among aromatic enthusiasts who wish to partake in its wonderfully stimulating aroma. Anyone wishing to grasp a quick sniff need only rub the leaves between thumb and forefinger to discover a scent that is sure to invigorate the senses.

Caraway-Scented Thyme is another herb well known for attracting nature’s wonders such as butterflies and bees; making it an absolute must for any gardening enthusiast. This herb displays the look of a small bush which produces delicate pink flowers in the summer months. This herb is another member of the mint family; however this delectable plant features a more spicy scent that is sure to bring a lively spring into your step.

Not to be confused with its cousin, Oregano, the spicy scent of the Sweet Majoran is another herb that is a member of the mint family. For centuries, this aromatic delight has been used in producing sweet smelling soaps; however, it is also an excellent addition to any potpourri mixture.

Preserving these aromatic delights is actually quite a simple task. One method for preserving the beautiful scents is to place the herbs in a jar of cold water and then place them in the refrigerator. This method allows the herbs to remain fresh for up to a week. Another simple way to preserve these aromatic scents is to place the herbs in a jar of oil. In order to do this, the herbs must first be washed thoroughly and then allowed to dry completely. The drying process usually takes about one hour. After this has been completed, place the herbs in a jar of specialized preserving oil. Implementing this method will allow the herbs to stay fresh for two to an amazing three month period.

Thankfully, there are additional methods for preserving these miracles of nature which will ensure they last for much longer periods of time. The first method is to wash and dry them thoroughly and then place them into freezer storage bags and place them in the freezer. Another process involving freezing the herbs would be to chop the washed and dried plants and place them into ice cube trays. Both of these methods will allow the herbs to retain their freshness for up to four months or longer, as long as they are not exposed to air. The last method is to preserve the herbs in a jar of vinegar. This simple process ensures the fresh scents will last for up to a year.

Many herbal enthusiasts enjoy using these herbs in potpourri. For this method, the herbs must be dried. Hanging the herbs in a cool, yet shady area will ensure the plants dry to aromatic perfection. However, it is important to note, not to allow the herbs to dry for too long, as prolonged exposure to air allows the oils which create the delectable scents to evaporate, taking those beautiful smells with it.

To ensure the essential oils of the herb plants do not evaporate, it is best to keep them stored in an air tight storage bag until you are ready to use them in a potpourri jar or sachet.

All of these stimulating, aromatic herbs offer a fragrant adventure into the wonders of nature. If the preservation process is done properly, you are sure to enjoy their delectable scents for many weeks to come.

         

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