I am setting up a table at a local Heritage Days event, where my daughter (one of them) will be selling macramed items. I am considering drying Thyme and putting it in 4 oz. canning jars. What would you price the Thyme at? And do you are other ideas for jars? I figure the canning jars would be the cheapest way to sell it.
"You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind." Author Unknown
Kristina, I have sold my dried herbs at craft fairs, etc. I put them in qt. size ziploc bags, made my own labels on the computer with my chosen graphics. Made that big enough to fold over the top of the bag and staple it to so that it had a nice label and the bag was secure. It actually looked good and worked well. They weren't actually stick on labels, rather card stock that that I folded over. CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665
It is against the law to sell herbs if they are not dried in a health department certified kitchen and you do not lable them as NON-FOOD GRADE HERBS - NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION! Just thought you might like to know.
Thanks! I need all the information you can give me. I recently inquired about selling items at our local farm market - wow! there are so many rules and regulations! It's no wonder no one selling eggs! They have to be graded and USDA certified.
"You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind." Author Unknown
Kristina - The information really varies by state. I just know that across the board dried herbs are considered a "Low acid - Processed Food" and require drying in a commercial kitchen to be sold for food. It is possible to get your home kitchen certified but sometimes, some states do not include low acid items in this certification. Plus if you have pets, children or other people who ever enter your kitchen or it doesnt have a door that closes it off to the rest of your house it is next to impossible to get certification. You can contact you local extension office or your state health or agricultural departments to get all the info.
I do sell eggs at my farmers market and fresh herbs. My state allows for the sale of "farm eggs" if they are labeld as such and labled "Ungraded" I do have to wash my eggs in a solution and store them in a temperature controlled unit that keeps them at or below 42 degrees. (A cooler wont cut it!)
Farmers markets are usually pretty good about keeping up with local law so you can be certain if they require certain things - that is what your state requires. Some states do have "Temporary Fair and Carnival" laws that are a little laxed and sometimes you can get away with different things at festivals and such than you can at a farmers market. Truthfully though most people selling food items and herbs and such at local fairs are probably doing it illegally and unknowingly incorrect. They do not realize that certification is required. Most people will get away with it if it is a one or two day event. It is RISKY though. Fines if you are caught can be excessive (although usually on the first offense the health department will just ask you to leave) but more scary is the people buying from you. Someone may come down with the flu the day after using something purchased from you but assume you sold them bad food. A lawsuit can ensue and it means big trouble and lots of money!
I think many of the laws are silly and need to be reworked but as a protection to yourself I would HIGHLY recommend that you find out the laws and stick with them. Its just too risky otherwise.
Julie, I am looking to be what I have called a "personal farmer" selling to a closed group of friends. I want to sell so I can count my farm expenses off on taxes. this year I have been selling greens so far. I have herbs of cilantro, sage, rosemary, and basil. I am wondering...should I just take them fresh cut? LaVonna
If you are "selling" it, it would probably be best to do fresh. I "give away" or trade for my dried herbs all the time but I do not "sell" them. However since you aren't in the public no one will likely ever know so it is really up to you.
Selling dried herbs question
Posted - May 21 2010 : 06:18:42 AM
