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Curry herb tastes just like the famous curry powder. But how can the fresh herb be preserved after harvest?
Harvest curry herb correctly
When you grow the curry herb (Helichrysum italicum), the aromatic leaves are what you want most. Thanks to the essential oils, the taste and smell are reminiscent of the spice mixture of curry powder, although the curry herb itself is not part of the powder. The easiest and best way is to cut off whole shoots of the subshrub. This also saves time compared to the laborious task of harvesting individual leaves. If the shoots are cut off just above the woody part of the subshrub, the topiary can be combined with the harvest. The essential oil content is highest in the leaves before flowering. However, flowering can be delayed and harvest time extended at the same time by pinching out flower buds.
How to store curry cabbage
As with any herb, curry herb is best used freshly harvested. But so that it is also available in the kitchen in winter, the shelf life can be extended. Various methods can be used for curry herb, which we have examined for you:
- Drying the curry herb: It is not advisable to dry the curry herb if you still want to use it in the kitchen. During the drying process, too many of the essential oils and thus the taste are lost. Curry herb should only be dried if it is to be used as a decorative element with its beautiful golden flowers.
- Freeze curry herb: Freezing entire sprouts is a great way to extend the usability of the spice. The taste is retained and the consistency is similar to that of freshly harvested curry herb. However, the leaves should not be chopped as this will produce a bitter taste.
- Preserve the curry herb: Putting the sprouts of the curry herb in oil is just as good as freezing to preserve the characteristic taste. The oil - a good extra virgin olive oil should be preferred -absorbs the essential oils of the curry herb and its flavor.
If a rich harvest of the Italian helichrysum succeeds in your own garden, there are definitely ways to preserve the taste all year round for the kitchen.
You can find out how to process the harvested curry herb in our article on using curry herb.