Fresh herbs can add unwanted moisture, especially to oil infusions, which can lead to bacterial or mold growth.Drying not only helps preserve the valuable plant elements but also increases their concentration as a percentage of the weight of the herb-so you get more with less.If properly stored away from heat, light, and moisture, the average shelf life of a dried herb is up to one year.The moisture content of fresh herbs may cause mold to form in oil infusions.ĭried herbs have some advantages over fresh herbs when using them to make tinctures or herbal infusions for skin care. When infusing botanicals in oil I always recommend dried herbs for the best results and the longest shelf life. When making water-based infusions like a hair tea or facial mist you can use fresh or dried botanicals.įor infused vinegars or alcohol you can also use fresh or dried herbs. “Infusion” is a general term used to describe the method of soaking plant material in a liquid in order to impart its scent, chemical compounds, and nutritional benefits to the medium. The choice of fresh vs dried herbs depends on the liquid used for the infusion. Herbs used for skin care are usually infused. For example the flavor of dried basil would not complement a pasta dish very well. Other herbs like dill, parsley, and basil can change or loose flavor when dried. For example, if a recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon of dried. However, since you don't want the stronger dried herb flavor to overpower your dish, a good ratio is 1 to 3. If your recipe calls for fresh herbs you can often substitute dry herbs. Some dried herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano have a deeper, spicier flavor than their fresh counterparts. The bright flavors of fresh herbs are best used to finish a dish such as sprinkling dill over steamed vegetables or adding basil to a fresh pasta dish. ![]() Dried herbs are great for stew, soup, or braising. Which is better, dried or fresh herbs? Herbs for Culinary Useįor culinary use, the choice of fresh vs dried herbs really depends on the herb as well as how it will be used.ĭried herbs are best if added during the cooking process so their flavors have time to infuse. When using herbs for culinary or therapeutic use, one of the most common questions is.
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