TYPES OF HERBS AND WHEN TO HARVEST
Annuals---Annual plants are those that complete their life cycles in a single growing season or winter annuals, which germinate from seed in the fall or early winter and quickly complete growth and mature the following spring.
Biennials---Plants require two full growing seasons to develop
flowers and mature seed. During the first season a short taproot is usually formed and only a rosette of leaves grows from the root-crown. During the second season, a leafy stem develops which produces flowers and seed.
Perennials---Plants that normally live for more than two years and usually do not produce seed until the second year or later. Some perennials produce woody stems which grow from year to year and consequently develop into shrubs or trees.
HARVEST:
Roots---Annual plants just previous to flowering Biennial plants soon after leaves have fallen in the autumn of first year. Perennial plants after fall leaves and flowers in autumn.
Leaves---When about to open from bud or immediately upon opening unless the buds are specifically needed, then gather when nicely formed.
Bark---Gather in the spring when the sap is rising, or before
flowering, or in the autumn after foliage has fallen.
Storing Hints
HOW TO PICK FOR DRYING:
The Herb---Choose a sunny, dry morning just after the dew has dried from the leaves, but before the sun is hot. Some annuals may be harvested more than once.
Seeds and Flowers---As soon as the seed heads or capsules turn brown but before they fully ripen and scatter, cut entire seed head or stem into a paper bag. Do it on a war, dry day. Seeds to be used for future planting should be harvested when seed capsules begin to yellow and are about ready to drop off. Flowers can be cut with a knife or pruning shears. Choose newly opened ones that are bright and fresh.
Methods for Drying---Any way that exposes leaves, flowers, seeds or roots to warm, dry air that circulates freely to absorb moisture in a way that the oils are not destroyed. Sunlight will damage the leaves and flavor.
Hang upside down, tie ends of stems together, especially good for herbs with long stems (dry 1-2 weeks). Cover with paper bag if in dusty area.
On screens or trays
In dehydrator on very low heat or no heat, depending on
thickness of herb. Store dried herbs in airtight containers. Label and date. Keep in dark, cool place. During first weeks after storing check to see if any moisture has formed inside container. Note: To powder herbs, put in nut mill (or coffee grinder).
By LeArta Moulton
