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Farm Kitchen:  greens jar..  |
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junebug
True Blue Farmgirl
2421 Posts
Sue
West Plains,
Mo.
USA
2421 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 25 2005 : 1:21:21 PM
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I've started my annual "greens jar" for winter soups and stews, it's where I dry all different kinds of herbs and add them to my jar, no combination just the last of the herbs before the frost gets them. They sure do add spice to soups and stews, I even use them to flavor breads. This got me to thinking if anyone of you do the same, tell me about your "greens jar" and it's uses. Whats you favorite herbs and why? We really need a forum on just herbs! 
I'm not 40 something, I'm 39.95 plus shipping and handling! |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2005 : 7:48:57 PM
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what a great idea!! I am going to copy you and start my own green jar..I love that!!!
Jenny in Utah
Put all your eggs in one basket..and then watch that basket!! Mark Twain |
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katie-ell
True Blue Farmgirl
1818 Posts
Katie
Illinois
1818 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2005 : 8:30:35 PM
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| I'm going to do that, too! We actually had some frost this week, so the tops of the basil plants have blackened. I need to go out and rescue any usable leaves below, so this idea comes just in the nick o'time. Also have chives, oregano, and wee dill seedlings still to pick. Thanks, Sue! |
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realme52
True Blue Farmgirl
106 Posts
Klara
Gatesville
Texas
USA
106 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2005 : 04:58:49 AM
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I do a "green jar", also, even if mine is called "The Herbs". Same principle. Mine has mainly Majoram, Oregano, and Thyme as the basis. Then I top it with whatever come in from the Garden: some Chives (for some reason they don't grow very well around here), tiny little bits of Lemon Balm (cause it's quite strong), and even occasional "left overs" from my different medicinal herbs. And then I sometimes chop up Radishes and Onions and put them in an extra mix with herbs. I don't like it on everything, but it works well for spicier stuff.
I don't dry the Basil, though. It turns out better for me when I freeze it (mixed with a little bit of olive oil, I freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning).
From this hour I ordain myself loss'd of limits and immaginary lines. Walt Whitman |
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sqrl
True Blue Farmgirl
605 Posts
Melissa
Northern California
USA
605 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2005 : 08:28:16 AM
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Right now I'm lucky enough to not get a hard frost because we so close to the beach (so that's what the nursery say) So everything hangs out all winter long and I can still pick it fresh. It's kind of spoiling though because I won't always be living in this knid of area. Sue, your idea of a greens jar is a great idea. My Grandmom freezes all her herbs right before frost aand it works real well, almost like fresh.
Blessed Be
www.sqrlbee.com www.sisterhood.sqrlbee.com
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2005 : 10:17:00 AM
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Great idea! That would make good Christmas gifts. I am fortunate to live in a mild climate like Melissa being I too live near the ocean. Other than my chives and lovage, I have thyme, marjoram and oregano year round. But I think I need to start one anyway!
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2005 : 11:26:22 AM
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I started doing that after the crock of Herbs de Provence I received for a gift ran out and I went to replace it and discovered it was 38.00! So now my mixture may not be exactly the same but it's darn close, and we know it's all fresh and organic grown by us.I am not a big fan of tarragon in cooking (too bitter) so I am very light on that but the oregano, thyme, parsley, chives, rosemary, basil, lovage
and coriander usually end up in there at some point.I also freeze chives in ziploc snack bags with a teaspoon of olive oil and then pull out a baggie for whatever I'm making and you never notice the small amount of oil but it helps keep them flavorful and not freezer burnt! Same for some of the basil too! Last night our temps dipped to 39 so I scurried around bringing in house plants, herbs and my husband had to move some bigger planters into a shed for me so I could salvage them for wintering over. I grow lots of herbs that stay in the garden but there are a few rosemary and lavender topiaries that I just can't lose to Jack Frost! (And yes...loud grumbling was uttered by someone who shall remain nameless as he drug pots around in the dark! I thought I heard him mutter "why didn't I marry a woman that never plays in the dirt ?" but I'm not certain and it didn't seem the best time to ask!)
with a happy heart |
Edited by - bramble on Oct 26 2005 11:29:22 AM |
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junebug
True Blue Farmgirl
2421 Posts
Sue
West Plains,
Mo.
USA
2421 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2005 : 4:34:15 PM
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I figured some of you farm girls had a greens jar too, and I'm so glad some of you are copying the idea, you will really enjoy it, such a good way to use up the last of the herbs. I was out today havesting some sage that looks better now even after a frost last night than it did all summer. I'm making wreaths and drying some for the jar of course. Can't beat fresh sage for turkey dressing! I love to add celery tops, radish tops and garlic tops too . I've heard of drying beet tops but haven't tried it yet, has anyone else? Do they bleed in soups?
I'm not 40 something, I'm 39.95 plus shipping and handling! |
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blanket of stars
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Kat
Hancock
NH
51 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2005 : 12:51:30 PM
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Oh I wish I had read this before we had a frost! Too late now - all I have is kale and rosemary - which I have to dig up NOW before it frosts again. What a great idea - thanks! Would you remind me in the Spring to start a Greens jar?
Kat |
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junebug
True Blue Farmgirl
2421 Posts
Sue
West Plains,
Mo.
USA
2421 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2005 : 12:54:33 PM
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Sure thing Kate, and in the meantime, you can always practice with store bought herbs and find a mix or mixes that you like best? Or better yet, most health food stores sell herbs in bulk or by the ounce and most of organic which is the only way to go if you ask me!
I'm not 40 something, I'm 39.95 plus shipping and handling! |
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Farm Kitchen: greens jar.. |
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greens jar..
