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Herbs - What are They?
Herbs are not weeds only.
Herbs are all those
wonderful plants which can change a dull, tasteless dish into a tasty and
delicious one. Herbs have healing and magical properties used throughout the
ages of recorded human history and most likely before that also.
Some are prized, recognized and grown
for their blooms, and most people don't even know that certain or all of
their parts have many other uses. There are many herbal trees and bushes,
salad herbs and the ones that we simply call - spices.
Herbs have medicinal virtues,
they are used in confectionary, perfume, wine and liquor industry, for
decorating and scenting our homes and -
of course, in the kitchen.
Most of the herbs are easy
to grow and not at all fussy about the soil. They are here to be grown and
give us their best...
About two dozens of square feet is enough to
grow all the most popular herbs one family of four can use. No garden? No problem! If your space is scarce,
many herbs will grow just as well in container on your patio, or indoors - in a planter on a
sunny window.
Magical Properties of Herbs
Throughout the history of humankind,
plants were thought to have all kinds of magical powers which could bring
one luck, happiness, love, health and abundance or - the opposite. Some
beliefs survived and still live today, others disappeared or changed from
one extreme to another.
As with everything else, herbs are not
meant to be used to do another person harm; they are here to enhance,
purify, scent, flavor and make our days brighter with their appearance and
aroma.
Although, if you believe that a sachet
of basil under the driver's seat in the car can protect the driver and the
passengers, go ahead and place that sachet in the car! If nothing else,
the car will have a pleasant scent...
Harvesting Herbs
As a general rule for almost any
herb, the best time of the day for harvesting is early in the morning,
after dew on the leaves evaporates. If your herbs appear to be dusty,
use gentle water spray to wash the dirt off them the day before harvest.
Use sharp knife or pruning shears
when harvesting. Never pick, pull or break off stems or branches to prevent damage to
the plant.
The best season for harvesting
herbs' leaves for drying or freezing is the time when plants contain
the most essential oils - just before blooming. Remember: do not
harvest more than one third of the plant during growing season.
Recommended seasons for other parts (stems, roots, seeds, bark) vary.
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