I’m a huge fan of thrift stores. Some of my favorite things in my house and garden have come to me second hand. Since I have shopped in consignment stores their whole lives, my children and grandchildren don’t mind thrifting with me. Each child has an usual affection for certain items. My grandson has found a love of “fancy” glasses and we often bring home mismatched goblets and delicate wine glasses so we can drink our “fancy” drinks out of. (We call him a “Mixologist” but he only makes non-alcoholic beverages- see blooper Mixology Madness)
In case you don’t have a Mixologist, our everyday cuisine can become quite bland. From drinking water to sugar, our taste-buds have accustomed to worn flavors. In this, we can turn to our Victory Gardens for a solution!
The benefits of herbs range from cooking to health. Sprinkling herbs into our usual diet can add new, earthy flavors. Even more, enjoying our delicious herbs will give us health benefits along the way!
Dried vs Fresh Herbs (Taste + Food Safety!)
Crafting your own herb-infusions is an easy way to create flavorful pairings. Before we begin, however, let’s distinguish the uses of dried and fresh herbs. This information will help you properly store your herb creations!
Dried Herbs
Dried herbs are ideal if you plan on long-term storage or gift-giving. In this form, herbs retain usefulness and flavor for a longer period of time. Still, ensure the infusions are stored in a cool, dark space to prevent bacteria growth! (Just say “no” to science experiments from your herbs)
Also, keep in mind, dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh herbs. As you infuse, adjust and taste-test along the way to avoid overly pungent flavors.
Fresh Herbs
If you have herbs growing in your garden, their ease of access becomes alluring!
Fresh herbs are ideal for infusions that are immediately consumed. Or, stored in a cool, dark place for a short period.
When using, ensure your herbs are dry! Any water interaction (especially in the honey infusions), can breed life-threatening bacteria overtime.
Now that we’ve covered the basics for herb handling, enjoy these tasty infusion ideas!:
Herb-Infused Water
Sprinkling herbs into our drinking water is the simplest way to start infusing. Also, those who have a hard time staying hydrated may find these water flavors more alluring!
Mint, Basil, Cucumber + Lime Water
This tasty combination of herbs is anti-inflammatory and great for digestion! If you’re looking to boost your digestion before a meal, or have a yummy drink, try this recipe:
- 1 cup of water
- 1-2 basil leaves (or 1 tsp. of dried basil)
- 3-4 mint leaves (or 2 tsp. of dried mint)
- 1 tbsp. fresh lime or lemon juice
- 3 slices of cucumber (peeled)
Add in these ingredients to your flat or sparkling water for a summery, fresh twist.
To turn this recipe into an adult fusion, add in 1 1/2 ounces of vodka!
Lavender + Lemon Water
A sip of this citrus, floral water will detoxify your gut and improve digestion. This is a great choice for those who enjoy the balance of sweet and sour. To try it, use these measurements:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. lavender (preferably dried)
- To sweeten: 2 tbsp. honey + sugar
This infusion is ideal for a soothing, nighttime glass of water.
Optional: You may also add in 1 cup of fresh lemon juice, and 1 cup of sugar to create a full-on lavender lemonade!
Herb-Infused Honeys
If you’re like me, a beginning beekeeper, you know the excitement of backyard honey is overwhelming! Lately, I’ve been trying to think of new ways I can use the versatile sweetener.
Here are some of my ideas:
Chamomile + Lavender Honey
Both chamomile and lavender have proven benefits for relaxation and sleep quality. That means, these anti-stress herbs are perfect to swirl in a nightime drink or cup of oatmeal.
To make this floral, soothing honey, first gather:
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup lavender (flower or dried)
- ¼ cup chamomile (flower or dried)
- 1 cups raw honey
Be mindful: dried herbs have a more concentrated scent and taste. If you prefer to use these, taste test and adjust along the way!
(Directions below).
Rosemary + Lemon Honey
A dash of rosemary alleviates aches in the body, while lemon reduces inflammation. This makes this honey a botanic, zesty addition for tea, toast, fruit, and more.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tsp. rosemary (preferably dried)
- 1 tbsp. grated lemon zest
- 1 cup raw honey
- Optional: 1 vanilla bean
Once you’ve gathered your herbs and spices, now begins the process of infusion! There are three methods for infusion, yet, the method below is the most effective.
Directions – How to Infuse Herbs into Honey
- Place herbs in a cold saucepan.
- Pour honey over herbs. Turn stove heat onto medium.
- “Fold” herbs into honey to stir. Note: This will be easier once the stove begins to warm up, be patient as to not burn the honey!
- As the honey mixture bubbles, stir frequently. Remove saucepan from heat and cool.
- Repeat steps 3-4 repetitively throughout the next 1-3 days. (The longer the time, the stronger the infusion. Cover at night, with cheesecloth, in the fridge.)
- Taste-test to your liking. Once you enjoy the flavor, strain the herbs from the honey.
- Store honey in a glass container in a cold, dark place (or fridge).
For quicker infusion, complete the steps above for approximately 30-45 minutes. Instead of straining after days of infusion, leave the herbs in the honey! This will allow for a strong flavor without the extensive time.
Or, store unstrained honey in a glass jar for approximately one week. Keep the jar in a cool, dark place, or refrigerate. Then, check the honey regularly to taste test until you reach your ideal flavor!
Herb-Infused Sugars
The variety of herbs in your garden can enliven your tastebuds. Herb-infused sugar is a unique, beautiful spin on the classic sweetener.
As a note, remember the key to a fine sugar is using dry herbs! Any dampness from fresh or dried herbs will result in clumping.
Cilantro + Chile Sugar
A sugar perfect for fresh fruit and salads, cocktail glasses, or guacamole! This herb infusion creates a perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup cilantro (fresh or dried)
- 2 tbsp. chile powder
(Directions below).
Mint + Rose Sugar
Want to add a floral, minty kick to your dish? This sugar is ideal for chocolate, tart, and custard recipes.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup rose (fresh petals or dried buds)
- ¼ mint leaves (fresh or dried)
Directions – How to Infuse Herbs into Sugar
- Mix sugar with preferred herbs and spices.
- Pour mixture into glass, airtight container.
- Store in a cool, dark place for approximately one week. Check sugar everyday for a flavor check, and use once it’s ideal. (If kept correctly, your sugar will last up to 3 months!)
Or, for a faster method, process the herbs, spices, and sugar into a food processor.
Herb-Infused Oils
Oils are essential to any kitchen. Adding herbs to oil can add a flavorful touch to almost any dish. My favorite infusions are:
Oregano, Thyme + Garlic Olive Oil
This trio of herbs are a delicious, immune-boosting combination. It gives a lovely touch to savory dishes! To get started, gather the following:
Ingredients
- 2 cups olive oil
- ¼-½ tsp. dried oregano (or 3 sprigs)
- ¼-½ tsp. dried thyme (or 3 sprigs)
- 1 clove garlic (roughly chopped)
- 1 tbsp. salt
- 1 tbsp. pepper
Dill, Garlic + Basil Sunflower Oil
This light, dill-flavored oil is perfect for fish, turkey, or other savory meals. What’s more, dill aids in insomnia, while garlic and basil enhance the immune system.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sunflower oil
- ¼-½ tsp. dried dill (or 3 sprigs)
- ¼-½ tsp. dried basil (or 3 sprigs)
- 1 clove garlic (roughly chopped)
Directions – How to Infuse Oils
- Pour oil of choice into a glass bottle. Using a funnel, pour in your herbs.
- Place the bottle in a cool, dark place, or refrigerate.
- Check oil daily for taste. Once you have your ideal flavor profile, strain through cheesecloth.
- Store in the fridge.
To maintain a stronger flavor, omit straining the herbs!
Closing Thoughts
These are just a few ideas to get you started. There are hundreds of combinations and are simply a fun and healthy way to use what you are growing. The variety of use for herbs coincides with its bounty of benefits. Creating your signature infusion (or disaster) to share with friends and family is an amazing way to spend time in the Victory Garden. I hope you take a few moments to enjoy exploring your personal tastes and increasing the ways you use and share what’s in the garden.
Happy Planting!
DeeAnn- The Victory Garden Gal
(with Britany Haas)
Research Articles:
Nebesni, Jessicka. “Herbal Infused Honey”. Mountain Rose Herbs, Mountain Rose Herbs, 19 September 2019. https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/herbal-infused-honey
Nagdeve, Meenakshi. “12 Evidence-Based Benefits Of Lemon”. Organic Facts, Organic Information Services Pvt Ltd., 21 May 2020. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-lemon.html
Jessimy, Michael. “15 Impressive Health Benefits of Herbs”. Natural Food Series, Black Cedar Media Limited. 24 September 2019. https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/15-health-benefits-herbs/