Okay, so most of you know, school started back last week for me. School means fall. I know the temperature outside right now is 98 degrees. Doesn’t matter. I am finished with summer and harvesting my stuff and starting to squirrel away for winter.
My very favorite, easy peasy, way to preserve my herbs, (or perhaps I should say the flavor of my herbs) is with herb vinegar. It took me maybe 20 minutes tops to get these four jars of vinegar ready to go.
Now, there are as many ways to make herbal vinegars as there are grains of sand on the beach (this is my zen talk, just finished doing yoga and I’m still in yoga-speak). My way is the easiest. I take two cups of vinegar (white, wine, rice, whatever) and ½ cup of herbs (for these, I have rosemary, lemon verbena, tarragon, and chives). I put the herbs in a jar and kind of bruise and muddle them. Then I pour the vinegar over them. Sit them in a sunny window. Daily, pick them up, give them a little shake, and admire your handiwork. After about two weeks, taste a little of the vinegar, when it reaches your desired strength, strain out the herbs and store in a cute bottle. Because if you read this blog, I am assuming you have cute bottles, it’s practically a requirement. I store mine in the fridge.
Cat is optional, but highly recommended.
Lucent Imagery says
I have wanted to start canning. I just found Food in Jars this morning which led me to you. You have a gorgeous blog and I love this vinegar post. I think I will make this first. Thank you
Deb in Hawaii says
I think the cat is a necessity. 😉
Chris says
I need to do this while my yard is still awash with herbs.
Judi says
Why do it without the cat, right?
grace says
the cat is an important aspect--no doubt some feline pheromones can help these things along. 🙂
Reeni says
I have been saving jars all year! Must do this.
lisa is cooking says
What a great idea for using herbs! I have so much rosemary right now. I always have a lot of Mexican mint marigold, like tarragon, too. Now, I just need cute bottles!
Pam says
psychgrad - I use these for everything. Tossing roasted veggies, salad dressing, soups, marinades, drizzled over fruit.
a good yarn says
Be honest Pam, it just doesn't work properly without said cat watching over the jars.
Roz from 'la bella vita' says
So beautiful; wish I had the time to make these, but school responsibilities beckon me. Sigh!
Psychgrad says
Ohh -- I like this idea! I can see this being great for salad dressings. What else would you use this with?
Catherine says
Oh yes ~ a cat is a must ~ everything is better with kitty fur! 😉
Fun idea Pam!
xo Catherine
Kim says
Those herb vinegars look gorgeous on your windowsill, Pam. I'm currently trying to harvest my herbs too. I have so much basil I don't know what to do with it all. Sounds like a basil vinegar is in my future.
Pierce says
Ohhhhhhh...I can do THIS! We have lots of fresh herbs left blooming and I do actually have cute jars.
Love your little sentinel guarding the bottles.
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) says
I was thinking this morning that I should get some vinegars going, and here you are, one step ahead of me. I love thyme vinegar, and this year I'm growing lemon basil, which I think will make delicious vinegar too.
Marjie says
I was in Florida last week, and the low temperatures were in the low 80s. Plus, my idiot mother won't set her thermostat below 85. I slept in my car with the a/c running. So, I am very sorry that you are back to school already.
But your herb vinegars are just beautiful!
SusanD says
After you posted about this last year, I made herb vinegars and oils. L.O.V.E. I started my list yesterday of what I'll making. Can't wait. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Blessings, SusanD
Allison at Novice Life says
**LOVE**!
I cannot get rid of ANY glass jars/bottles etc that enter my house!
How long will this vinegar last for you? I have heard mixed thoughts I on this and I want to try some.
Joanne says
I would make one jar of herb vinegars and one jar of herb oils!
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
I have the cute bottles, however, I do not have the cute cat. Gotta work on that!
I just learned what muddling is! Apparently some drink recipe requires the herbs to be muddled, though I don't drink, but it's nice to know that tidbit came in handy when I read your post!