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Aromatic Herbs

by: LeeDobbins
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Herbs typically bring to mind seasonings to make foods taste better or home remedies to heal what ails you. Few people associate herbs with the sensational dried leaves of potpourri or the sweet aromas drifting up their nostrils on a walk through a garden. Oils found in aromatic herbs make them popular in cooking. The same oil that the recipe calls for can fill your house with luscious scents. Even herbs that may never see the kitchen can reward a nearby nose.

When we think of these types of herbs, Lavender comes to mind. Native to the Mediterranean region, its tiny purple blossoms are lovely to behold and just as enjoyable to smell. Perfect for perfumed sachets, it also works splendidly scattered around the edges of a garden where it will also lure Black Swallowtail butterflies!

With origins in Asia Minor, sage, a derivative of the mint family, is often planted for its sensational scent. By rubbing it's leaves between your thumb and index finger, you'll gain a true appreciation for the herb's fragrance.

Another wonderful addition to the garden would be caraway-scented thyme. The spicy fragrance is a favorite among herbalists, and this eye-catching bush will also attract butterflies and bees. Early summer will bring pink blossoms from this herb, which is in the mint family.

Sweet Marjoram another one of the aromatic herbs from the mint family has been used for centuries. It is frequently an ingredient in perfumed soaps, but many people enjoy its spicy scent ground up in potpourri. Don't confuse it with Origanum Vulgare, its wild cousin also known as Oregano.

It is easy to keep them preserved. Keep fresh stems in jars of cool water in the fridge, they will last for a week or so. Otherwise, store them in oil. Wash them and let them dry for an hour, then place them in a jar with preserving oil. They will stay fresh that way for two to three months.

If you want to store them for longer, it is a good option to keep them in the freezer. After washing, remove the water and then store in a plastic bag in the freezer. Another way is to chop them and keep the pieces in the ice cube tray. Unexposed to air they will retain the freshness for more than 4 months. For longer storage keep them in a jar of vinegar after cleaning and drying.

Herbs must be dried to be used in potpourri. Oils in the herbs are what provide the aromatherapy benefits. So when you hang your herbs in a cool, dry place to dry; do not leave the plants exposed to air for extended periods. This will cause all of the precious oils to evaporate and lose their fragrance.

Though that is ideal for a potpouri jar or satchet bag, in order to extend the life of the herbs other methods are necessary. One way to accomplish this is to use an airtight bag. These bags prohibit oil from escaping the plants and prolong their life.

Many common aromatic herbs respond well to the drying process. Thyme, mint, sage, and marjoram are among those that, when done properly, will remain fragrant for weeks.

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To learn more about aromatic herbs as well as get tips on basic herb gardening, please visit http://basicherbgardeningtips.com/

Aromatic Herbs

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