How and when to cut and dry rosemary?

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

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

If you already have your rosemary pot on your kitchen window or in 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 in such a way that it continues to grow in a healthy way, take only what you will need. If you have it in a pot, you can cut just a twig. But don’t do it anyway.

Always use pruning shears so that the cut is clean.Cut the greenest and most tender stems just above two leaflets.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.

when you cut the green stems instead of woody ones, you help new shoots to grow. promote healthy growth of the plant and you will prevent it from becoming too tall and sparse.

What is the best time to cut rosemary?

There is an optimal time to cut the rosemary: just before it blooms, because it 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 up. If you allow a few hours the leaves will have dried out a bit and will be less fragrant.

How to dry rosemary correctly?

Fresh rosemary leaves can be used instantly in the kitchen, but if you want to dry them for weeks and months to come, 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 sprig or two you can leave them out on your kitchen counter for a day to dry.In paper bag: You can put the rosemary sprigs in a brown paper bag and leave it up to three weeks in a warm, dry, well-ventilated room.Hang a bouquet of rosemary: you can make a bouquet of rosemary twigs by tying it with kitchen string. 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 on dehydrator trays with enough space at 35°C for 8-10 hours.Return to the oven: place the twigs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set it to the lowest possible temperature. This helps the herb to dry to brittle, instead of baking. You will have to constantly check it since oven times vary.

How to save rosemary so that it can be preserved?

You should store herbs in an airtight container. in a cool and dark place to keep their flavor. Dried rosemary keeps much longer than the fresh variety, but it’s best not to use it after a year. To avoid this, put the packing date on the jar.