The Harvesting and Drying of Our Homegrown Herbs

There's a special kind of satisfaction that comes from harvesting our own herbs, a time-honored ritual that allows us to pay homage to the fruitful summer and prepare for the flavorful autumn. The roster is as aromatic as it is diverse - mints with their refreshing whisper, the citrusy notes of lemon balm, thyme with its earthy undertone, and oregano, the quintessential tomato-sauce whisperer.

Our herbs are the pinnacle of readiness just as they're about to bloom, and that's when we swoop in, garden shears at the ready. We might miss a few blooms, but that's part of the charm. We've learned that it's crucial to harvest before they get carried away with flowering and seeding, which would lead to a decrease in their flavor potency.

Each sprig is sorted with care, then assembled into small, neat bundles. The bundles are then hung out to dry, not in the harsh haste of heated air, but leisurely, in the gentle cradle of a few summer days. The slow drying process allows the herbs to mature, enhancing their flavor further. You may wonder where to hang these fragrant clusters. Look no further than our chandelier - it's airy, convenient, and as it turns out, it's the perfect drying rack!

The sight of herbs swaying gently from the chandelier is a sight to behold, and their aromatic whispers perfume our home, making it all the more inviting. After a week or so, we'll carefully chop the dried herbs and transfer them to glass jars for safekeeping.

As autumn sets in, these jars become our secret weapon, adding depth to our hearty stews and casseroles. But the real magic lies with the mint and lemon balm. When steeped in hot water, they create an invigorating herbal tea that becomes our go-to comfort drink, warming our hands and hearts alike.