We’ve all been there—purchased a package of herbs from the store for a specific recipe, only to use a small portion and be left with more leftovers than we know what to do with. While it’s nice to have herbs on hand for future culinary endeavors, these delicate greens tend to go bad quickly, and we end up having to throw them away before we can use them all. Fortunately, we’ve discovered a few simple, yet creative ways to put leftover herbs to good use before they expire. Give them a try next time you find yourself with leftover herbs.
Herb Salt
Making herb salt blends is a great way to extend the life of your herbs and add elevated flavor to a wide variety of dishes. To prepare herb salt, finely chop your leftover herbs and mix them with about ¼ cup of coarse sea salt. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and let it air dry for a few days, or toss it in the oven at 200ºF for 30-45 minutes. Once dry, store the herb salt in an airtight container and use it as a seasoning for soups, roasted veggies, and popcorn.
Herb-Infused Oils
Herb-infused oil is a versatile ingredient that can be used for cooking, dressing salads, or even as a homemade gift. To make your own, heat some olive or grapeseed oil on your stove’s lowest setting and add your herbs once the oil reaches about 100° F. Let the mixture steep for a couple of hours, then strain out the herbs. Pour the infused oil into a sterilized bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.
Freeze Them
Freezing your leftover herbs is a quick and easy option that will allow you to reduce waste and save time while cooking later on. Chop your herbs into small portions and place them in ice cube trays. Fill each compartment with water or olive oil, then freeze. These herb-infused cubes can be conveniently added to all kinds of soups and sauces for an instant flavor boost.
