Let's talk...HERBS! Fresh ones, not dried. Got some Q's!

1-What are your staple herbs that you always have in the house?

2-How do you store them?

3-What herbs do you pluck from the stem and what herbs do you chop the stem? I know, a weird question, but I always pull the leaf part off of every herb and saw Giadda the other day chopping parsley and chopping the stem, too.

Message edited 11/26/2009 9:10:46 AM.

Re: Let's talk...HERBS! Got some Q's!

Not much of a fresh herb person - but I will tell you this: DO NOT PLANT MINT IN THE GROUND. It spreads worse then weeds.

Re: Let's talk...HERBS! Got some Q's!

I don't usually have fresh herbs around.

I do keep dried ones in bottles in the cupboard:
rosemary
thyme
sage
bay leaf
fennel seed

I pluck the leaves from the stem for fresh rosemary and fresh thyme. Most of the other ones, like cilantro and parsley, I don't bother getting rid of the stem.

Message edited 11/25/2009 9:23:56 AM.

Re: Let's talk...HERBS! Got some Q's!

I grow rosemary, parsley, thyme, lavender, sweet basil and mint. When I have them outside, I leave them until I need them - and pick them fresh. I also love fresh sage, fresh dill and chives - but I don't grow them.

When I buy herbs from the store I will put them stems down in a glass so the bottoms are submerged in water. I usually put a damp paper towel on them and cover the top with a plastic baggie.

I chop parsley and dill as a whole.. I don't strip the leaves. Chives kind of IS a stem so I snip it with scissors as a whole. The rest I strip from the stem - but unless the stem is woody (like thyme, lavender and rosemary) I don't think it makes a difference. And actually - when I make a bouquet garni I leave the stems in tact on everything!

My staple dry herbs are: Bay leaf, oregano, fennel, coriander and mustard (are those last 2 herbs or spices??). I usually also have a bottle of Herbes de Provence and Greek Seasoning around as well.

Message edited 11/25/2009 9:28:53 AM.