Backyard sustainability
Seafood blend For grilled, poached and baked fish – either before or after cooking.
• • • •
1 Tbsp thyme 1 Tbsp fennel seeds 1 Tbsp sage 1 Tbsp marjoram
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1 Tbsp chives 1 Tbsp onion flakes 1 Tbsp chopped bay leaf 1 Tbsp cardamom pods
Grind all together in a coffee grinder or blender. Store in an airtight container.
Tomato blend • • • • •
2 Tbsp basil 1 Tbsp marjoram 1 Tbsp oregano 1 Tbsp parsley 1 Tbsp chives
Grind all together in a coffee grinder or blender. Store in an airtight container.
Lemon pepper • • • • •
5 Tbsp lemon balm or lemon verbena 1 Tbsp thyme 1 Tbsp coriander 100g black or white pepper Dried, chopped peel of 6 lemons
Grind all together in a coffee grinder or blender. Store in an airtight container. www.sweetlivingmagazine.co.nz
Drying your own herbs To keep yourself in supply of homegrown herbs yearround, you can dry fresh herbs to use during winter or for use in herb blends. Herbs are usually best harvested just before a plant is in full bloom, however mints are more intense in flavour when picked during flowering. If you are harvesting the flowers of herbs, do so just as they are opening. Seeds of various herbs (dill, fennel, cardamom, caraway, cumin, etc) can be collected too. Let herbs flower then pick the seed heads when they turn brown and harvest the seeds. Cardamom seed heads need to be harvested before they are fully ripe, or the pods will split open and you’ll lose the seeds. Tie a piece of muslin or a paper bag around the seed heads and hang them to finish the ripening process. The seeds will fall out when ready. Store seeds in an airtight container. The seeds must be completely dry before storing or they may start to rot. Harvest stems for drying on a warm, dry day, tie in small bunches and hang upside down in a warm (not hot), dry, well-ventilated room out of direct sunlight. If rooms are too hot, the essential oils may dissipate. Keep the bunches small and well spaced so the herbs dry evenly and quickly. You don’t want any humidity as the herbs won’t dry properly. On humid days you may need to use a dehumidifier. Once dry, remove the leaves and store in an airtight container out of light.
Issue 8
May - August 2014 sweetliving
Page 85