Rosemary can be easily grown as part of an herb garden. You can have it in a pot on the kitchen window. Below we offer you tips for harvesting, drying and preserving it.

You cannot describe the fragrance of this Mediterranean herb, but just by adding a few leaves of this aromatic plant to roasted potatoes or seitan dotab to the plate of a sublime flavor. You can also use it to prepare rosemary oil, ideal for salads and legumes.

If you already have your rosemary pot on your kitchen window or on your balcony or garden, and you want to know the best way to cut and dry the herb, we can help you.

How to harvest rosemary?

To cut the rosemary so that it continues to grow healthily, take only what you will need. If you have it in a pot, you can cut just a twig. But don’t do it just any way.

• Always use pruning shears so that the cut is clean.
• Cut the greenest and most tender stems just above two little leaves.
• You can also cut the ends of the long branches. You can, for example, cut above 20 or 30 centimeters.

This method ensures two things.

1. When you cut the green stems instead of woody ones, You help new shoots grow.
2. Also you promote healthy growth of the plant and you will prevent it from becoming too tall and not very leafy.

What is the best time to cut rosemary?

There is an optimal time to cut rosemary: just before it bloomsbecause this is when the aromatic oils are at their maximum concentration point. This way, you can get the tastiest branches for cooking.

There is also a more suitable time of day. Is in the morning, when the dewdrops have just dried. If you let a few hours pass, the leaves will have dried out a little and will be less fragrant.

How to dry rosemary correctly?

Fresh rosemary leaves can be used in cooking instantly, but if you want to dry them to have them in the coming weeks and months, There are many methods to choose from. In any case, remember to wash the rosemary sprigs well before drying them.

• Very easy method: If you’ve only cut a twig or two you can leave them on the kitchen counter for a day to dry.
• In paper bag: You can put the rosemary sprigs in a brown paper bag and leave it for up to three weeks in a warm, dry, well-ventilated room.
• Hang a bouquet of rosemary: You can make a bouquet of rosemary sprigs by tying it with kitchen twine. Hang it for two to three weeks in a cool, well-ventilated place.
• Use a dehydrator: You can dehydrate entire twigs or just the leaves. Place them in dehydrating trays with enough space at 35°C for 8-10 hours.
• Go to the oven: place the twigs on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Set it to the lowest temperature possible. This helps the herb dry to brittleness, rather than baking. You will have to check it constantly as oven times vary.

How to save rosemary so that it is preserved?

You should store herbs in an airtight container. in a cool, dark place so that they retain their flavor. Dried rosemary keeps much longer than the fresh variety, but it is best not to use it after a year. To avoid this, put the packaging date on the jar.