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What To Do With Leftover Fresh Herbs | Healthy Kitchen Hacks

What To Do With Leftover Fresh Herbs | Healthy Kitchen Hacks

Don’t let your leftover fresh herbs go to waste – 3 tips on how to use up all of your fresh herbs.

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It’s Healthy Kitchen Hacks Wednesday – the day we share our favorite time-saving kitchen tricks and cooking shortcuts to help you make healthy and delicious meals. 

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Now…onto today’s featured Healthy Kitchen Hack:

What To Do With Leftover Fresh Herbs

I’ve admitted before that I do not have a green thumb. I have killed the indestructible mint plant. I have killed part of a lawn.

So, since I can’t grow them, I buy a lot of fresh herbs from the grocery store and farmers’ markets. But the downside? Often my leftover herbs go into my crisper drawer only to be forgotten long past their freshness date.

But I’ve vowed to be better about food waste and I’ve been using these 3 Tips To Use Up Those Herbs (beyond making pesto which is another terrific way to use up fresh herbs or veggie tops like carrot tops!):

1) Dry ThemGood for woodier/stronger herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano.

Don't let your leftover fresh herbs go to waste - 3 tips on how to use up all of your fresh herbs. More Healthy Kitchen Hacks on Teaspoonofspice.com

Gather your herbs into a bunch and tie with string or ribbon. Hang upside down in a cool, dry place (like a pantry). The process may take days to weeks. Once the herbs are dry, you can crush them with your hands and store in small containers.

With fresh thyme, I do it the lazy way by simply sticking a bunch in an empty glass and keeping it on my counter top.

3 Ways to Use Up Leftover Herbs (beyond pesto!) @tspbasil #healthykitchenhacks Click To Tweet

2) Freeze In Ice Cube TraysGood for delicate herbs like basil, mint, parsley, and cilantro as well as rosemary, thyme, oregano.

Don't let your leftover fresh herbs go to waste - 3 tips on how to use up all of your fresh herbs. More Healthy Kitchen Hacks on Teaspoonofspice.com

Carefully tear basil/mint into small pieces. For parsley and cilantro, chop them stems and leaves. And for rosemary, thyme and oregano, strip the leaves from woody stems (compost the stems.) Place by the tablespoon full into each ice cube tray compartment. Fill with broth, white wine or olive oil and freeze. Once frozen, place ice cubes in plastic freezer bag. Use for soups, roasted vegetables, pasta sauces.

Place prepared herbs by the tablespoon into each ice cube tray compartment. Fill with broth, white wine or olive oil and freeze. Once frozen, remove ice cubes from tray and place in plastic freezer bag. Use for soups, roasted vegetables and pasta sauces.

3) Make SmoothiesGood for delicate herbs like basil, mint, parsley and cilantro.

Don't let your leftover fresh herbs go to waste - 3 tips on how to use up all of your fresh herbs. More Healthy Kitchen Hacks on Teaspoonofspice.com

Along with being a vocal black thumb, I’m also a “I don’t drink my greens” gal. But here’s where I make an exception – especially for this Mango Tropical Smoothie which is a great way to use up cilantro. What I love about this hack is you can toss the entire herb in – leaves and stems – so zero waste.

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Don't let your leftover fresh herbs go to waste - 3 tips on how to use up all of your fresh herbs. More Healthy Kitchen Hacks on Teaspoonofspice.com

Mango Tropical Smoothie


  • Author: by Deanna Segrave-Daly, RD
  • Yield: 2 smoothies. 1x

Description

Use up your leftover fresh cilantro – stems and all – to make this delicious Mango Cilantro Smoothie.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups orange juice
  • 1 cup packed fresh cilantro (leaves and stems)
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh mango
  • 1 large frozen banana

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to blender and blend into completely smooth and cilantro is pulverized.
What are your favorite fresh herbs? How do you use up your leftover herbs?
Don't let your leftover fresh herbs go to waste - 3 tips on how to use up all of your fresh herbs. More Healthy Kitchen Hacks on Teaspoonofspice.com