We were expecting the first freeze of the season. My youngest daughter and I decided to gather as many herbs as possible from our plot in the community garden.
We had some ideas but we didn't know for sure what herbs could withstand the freezing temperature.
We had some ideas but we didn't know for sure what herbs could withstand the freezing temperature.
Rosemary was the only herb we were sure could handle the freeze. I've seen rosemary survive snow. I've also noticed the herb in different areas around the metroplex being used as a shrub because of its hardiness.
(Pictured) Rosemary used as a hedge. Using rosemary as a hedge can add a different take on landscaping. The herb is a grayish green color with needle-like (but is not sharp) foliage. It can grow anywhere from 1 to 5 feet in height. The plant has a fragrant aroma and of course, can be used for cooking all year long.
I was certain the basil couldn't survive the frost. I had learned this from experience the previous year. I use much of it fresh for seasoning with steamed veggies. Fresh basil added to frozen broccoli and cauliflower can give it extra flavor.
 | I try to come with ways to incorporate fresh herbs into our food. One of my favorite ways is putting roughly chopped basil on pizza, drizzled with olive oil. This has become a family favorite. |
We didn't know how the lemongrass would fare in the cold. We gathered as much as we could to make into wreaths. The lemongrass drys quickly while maintaining its color. It can be steeped fresh or dried to make tea or steeped simply for the aroma. The aroma has the same effect as walking into a home and smelling an apple pie or brownies baking.
Thyme is the only herb that we knew was a perennial. The others could have been, but we weren't sure. We gathered some because I use it often in cooking. Fresh thyme is definitely more favorable but dried is good also. The thyme we gathered has tiny leaves and wood stems that look a lot like limbs on a tree. It also drys well and quickly.
Cooking with thyme. If I had to choose a favorite herb, it would be thyme. Some of the more popular types are lemon and lime thyme. I favor the lemon thyme.
Thyme essential oil contains compound, such as myrcene, borneol, p-cymene, and linalool. The active ingredient Thymol, an antiseptic, is used in the commercial mouthwash, Listerine.
Before the use of antibiotics, oil of thyme was used to medicate bandages. It's also effective against toenail fungi. It's (thymol) used in soups, sauces, potatoes rice dishes, and vegetables without overwhelming the food. I particularly like the lemon thyme when I make roasted or baked chicken.
Cooking with thyme. If I had to choose a favorite herb, it would be thyme. Some of the more popular types are lemon and lime thyme. I favor the lemon thyme.
Thyme essential oil contains compound, such as myrcene, borneol, p-cymene, and linalool. The active ingredient Thymol, an antiseptic, is used in the commercial mouthwash, Listerine.
Before the use of antibiotics, oil of thyme was used to medicate bandages. It's also effective against toenail fungi. It's (thymol) used in soups, sauces, potatoes rice dishes, and vegetables without overwhelming the food. I particularly like the lemon thyme when I make roasted or baked chicken.
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