Thyme and Sage, am I doing the right thing?

[pepperhead212]

If you are interested in saving some of the sage with the fresh flavor, you can use a method known as salt layering. You take a small, around 6-8 oz (I use a caper jar), and put about 4 layers of fresh leaves in it, then sprinkle a layer of kosher salt on it, then repeat this, pressing on the leaves each time, before salting it. It is surprising how much sage fits in this method! I used this method for epazote, as well, until I started growing that in hydroponics. I tried sage one time in hydro, but it was covered with aphids, yet I never had aphids on them outside! Same thing with spearmint, tarragon, and a number of Asian herbs I tried - aphids inside, but never outside.

 

[dragnlaw]

Maybe they actually are there but other bigger guys (ladybugs) gobble them up first. Bring in some ladybugs for the winter and see how it goes.

I'm joking of course, although ladybugs do eat aphids, I can't recommend bringing them in. Too many and they ruddy well stink! gah.

 

[jennyema]

We have huge amounts of sage, chives and thyme here in our garden on the Cape. The only thing I do is groom the chives after the blossoms die.

I make chive blossom vinegar out of the pretty purple blooms shown in your picture.

 

[taxlady]

We have huge amounts of sage, chives and thyme here in our garden on the Cape. The only thing I do is groom the chives after the blossoms die.

I make chive blossom vinegar out of the pretty purple blooms shown in your picture.

What do you use the chive blossom vinegar for? I made some last year, but I have no idea what to do with it. I'm looking at all those chive blossoms that I have standing on their scapes in a glass of water and wondering if it is worth the effort of making more. I have been meaning to ask here what people use it for.

 

[dragnlaw]

I have recipes for Tarragon Vinegar, Chive V. you name it and there is a recipe somewhere for the herb.
But I rarely use vinegar, so I never make it.

Good question taxy!

 

[taxlady]

I have recipes for Tarragon Vinegar, Chive V. you name it and there is a recipe somewhere for the herb.
But I rarely use vinegar, so I never make it.

Good question taxy!

My green goddess salad dressing uses tarragon vinegar. It is a very tasty salad dressing that gets requests by friends.

Garlic Dressing of Doom

Kayelle, here's that salad dressing recipe you asked for: 2 Tblsps tarragon vinegar or add 1 tsp dry tarragon to 2 Tblsps of good vinegar and let it soak for at least 5 minutes 1/3 to 1/2 bulb of garlic (that's bulb, not clove) 2 finely chopped scallions (green onions) or 1/4 cup minced chives...

www.discusscooking.com

And this has been updated to include instructions for freezing it and for making it into a dip.

Green Goddess Base And Dressing

www.copymethat.com

 

[dragnlaw]

Tarragon... my little dragon

 

[jennyema]

What do you use the chive blossom vinegar for? I made some last year, but I have no idea what to do with it. I'm looking at all those chive blossoms that I have standing on their scapes in a glass of water and wondering if it is worth the effort of making more. I have been meaning to ask here what people use it for.

There’s no plan for it. Just general use when you would use white wine vinegar. It does have a slight onion backnote.

It starts out as pretty pink, then fades. But always has a lovely chive/soft onion flavor. I love it.

I’m a vinegar hoarder….

Also, I was lazy this year and didn’t make any yet. We are going to Ireland tomorrow for a wedding for 5 days. I hope I still have some nice blooms when I get back.