When and How to Harvest Herbs for the Best Flavor


Harvesting herbs is a simple process that can be done at any time of year, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your herbs have the best flavor.

Herbs can be harvested as soon as they have developed enough leaves to use. For most herbs, this means waiting until the plant is at least 6 inches tall. However, some herbs, such as basil, can be harvested sooner.

To harvest, cut the stem of the herb just above a leaf node (the point where a leaf meets the stem). This will encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.

After harvesting, you can either use the herbs immediately or store them for later use. To store fresh herbs, wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a resealable bag in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to a week.

If you want to dry your herbs, tie them together in small bundles and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place. Once the herbs are dry, strip the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container. Dried herbs will retain their flavor for several months.