Get to know your herb drying kit
Our BeeWorthy Herb Drying Kit allows you to dry your own culinary and medicinal herbs. You can enjoy them fresh or dried! Hang your herbs in a dry location to facilitate proper curing. Once dried, usually 7-10 days, store herbs carefully in separate jars. Herbs are best used within 6 months of drying.
Farmer Cat shares some of her favorite culinary and medicinal uses.
culinary herbs
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
The word “oregano” comes from the Greek words oros, for “mountain,” and ganos, for “joy” meaning “joy of the mountains”.
Oregano makes a tasty addition to Greek, Mexican and Italian dishes. Combine fresh or dried herbs to taco seasoning, meat marinades, or tomato based sauces.
Culinary Sage
(Salvia officianalis)
From boosting fertility to staving off infections, sage has proven its benefits through the ages as an ally in the kitchen and the apothecary.
Sage is fresh or dried to butternut squash or sweet potato dishes. cook in butter or add to tomato sauce to make an infused sauce for pasta. can be prepared as a strong tea to reduce inflammation in the body.
Thyme
(Thymus vulgaris)
The name “thyme” comes from the Greek word “thumos,” which translates to “bravery.” It was once thought smelling thyme would give one courage.
Fresh or dried thyme leaves can be added to a dry meat rub or to potato dishes. Commonly used alongside oregano and/or rosemary. Thyme can also be used medicinally as a strong tea which may benefit respiratory function.
Rosemary
(Rosmarinus officinalis)
Originally used as a memory aide, rosemary has been used by people as a culinary and medicinal herb since at least 500 B.C. in Greece, where it is a native plant.
This versatile herb can be used fresh or dried. Add as a seasoning in soups, casseroles, salads, and stews. Use rosemary with meats, grains, mushrooms, onions, and potatoes. Infused in apple cider vinegar, makes for an excellent addition to a dressing, or even diluted for a hair rinse.
medicinal herbs
White Sage
(Salvia apiana)
Derived from the Latin word, “salvere" (to save), safe is considered a sacred plant. Our white sage was cultivated in Encinitas.
Our farmers fill a water bottle with cool water, add a sage leaf, and enjoy the refreshment throughout the day. With its antimicrobial properties, sage can be prepared as a steam for repiratory congestion or gargled to soothe oral inflammation. White sage is not recommended for cooking.
Calendula
(Calendula officinalis)
Calendula captures our San Diegp sunshine and holds the warmth and spirit of the sun in every flower.
Sprinkle flower petals to decorate desserts, salads, and beverages. Infuse with filtered water for an eye compress to relieve eye irritation. Considered a powerful wound healer, calendula soothes cuts. burns, bites. and bruises. To apply. first infuse in oil or simply macerate and apply directly to skin.
Lavender
(Lavandula angustifolia)
The sweetness of lavender balances emotions, renewing strength and vitality.
Add lavender flower buds to devoeate desserts, salads, and beverages. Mix in your favorite cocktail or use to make a dessert. Or keep handy for gentle squeeze to release fragrance for several months, up to two years.
San Miguel Savory
(Satureja chandleri)
This wonderful, aromatic, minty plant is native to San Diego and was cultivated in Encinitas.
Enjoy in a hot or cold tea to ease stomach discomfort or for a refreshing beverage. To make sun tea, bruise a large handful of fresh mint leaves to release the essential oil, and place them in a large jar with cold water. Place in the sun for a least an hour. Serve over ice, sweetened with honey, if you like!
