Community Blog

For culinary enthusiasts at heart, herbs are the special ingredients that elevate gourmet meals. These aromatic plants can transform dishes from ordinary to extraordinary.

If you take pleasure in cultivating herbs in your Monroe residence or purchase them in bulk, you've likely faced the common issue of them going bad too soon.

With an abundance of herbs at your disposal, it often becomes challenging to use them all before they spoil. Fortunately, there are effective ways to extend their freshness.

In this post, we'll explore the top techniques for preserving the vibrant essence of fresh herbs, right from your Monroe apartment.

Air-Drying

One simple and resourceful method to preserve herbs requires minimal equipment. With just a few supplies, you can savor dried herbs with rich, unblemished flavors.

There are two main approaches: spreading them out on a rack or bundling them.

While the former can yield dried herbs in days, the latter takes up to two weeks, during which the bundles add a rustic charm to your kitchen space.

Spread Them Out

1. Spread the herbs evenly on a drying screen. If unavailable, a baking tray lined with cheesecloth or paper towels works.
2. Position the screen or tray in a warm, dark, and well-ventilated area of your home at The Jax.
3. Turn the herbs twice daily to avoid mold.
4. Allow a drying period of two to three days before storing them in airtight containers.

Bundle Them Up

1. Gather your herbs into small bundles.
2. Secure the stems tightly with twine or an elastic band.
3. Hang the bundles upside down in a warm, well-ventilated part of your apartment, away from direct sunlight.
4. Wrap each bundle with a paper bag while allowing stems to protrude.
5. Punch or tear holes in the paper bag to enhance circulation.
6. Let the herbs dry for one to two weeks prior to storing.

Microwave Drying

Eager to enjoy dried herbs quickly? The microwave presents an efficient method, especially favorable during humid Monroe summers.

This microwaving approach takes just a few minutes. Grab some fresh herbs and follow these steps:

1. Line a microwave-safe plate with two layers of paper towels.
2. Distribute the leaves of the herbs on the plate and cover with another paper towel layer.
3. Microwave for one to three minutes, turning the leaves every 20 seconds to ensure complete drying. Continue microwaving until crumbly.
4. Store them immediately or grind into powder.

Freezing

For herbs that taste freshly picked, freezing is the best option. Perfect for those who prefer not to dry herbs and don't mind a change in texture.

Here's how to freeze herbs effectively:

1. Blanch herbs in boiling water briefly, then submerge in ice water.
2. Chop them and place in a resealable bag or ice cube tray.
3. Add canola or olive oil to the bag or tray.
4. If using a resealable bag, remove excess air before sealing. Place flat on the surface, spreading the mixture.
5. Store in the freezer.
6. Frozen herbs can be directly added into soups or sauces by popping out the cubes or cutting chunks from the flat mixture.

Living at a place like The Jax in Monroe offers the benefit of modern kitchen conveniences conducive to such culinary ventures.

Why Choose The Jax for Your Apartment Lifestyle?

Beyond the comforts of spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom homes, The Jax offers a thriving community life centered in Monroe, GA. With amenities like a clubhouse, business center, resort-style pool, and dog park, opportunities to meet new friends or enjoy leisure are abundant.

Adding to convenience, each apartment layout maximizes space efficiency with features like open-concept living and large bedrooms. Enjoying these community and apartment amenities makes herb preservation and other culinary pursuits an absolute pleasure.