Many Australians used fresh and dried herbs for flavouring their dishes in Australia. These herbs will usually be inexpensive. But, they will be able to dress up almost any type of dish that you feel like preparing. Dried herbs denote herbs that have undergone a drying process that enhances their shelf life. Thus, it might be easy to believe that dried herbs will have flavours similar to their fresher varieties. But, this will not always be the case. Dried herbs invariably offer a different flavour than their fresher varieties.

These herbs can be smokier and more intense (or concentrated) in terms of their flavour. More importantly, unlike their fresher varieties, dried herbs will last you for several days. Not surprisingly, these aspects make dried herbs one of the most popular products that local sunflower seeds suppliers stock.

To derive optimal value from your dried herbs:

• Monitor the Expiration Date: Ideally, dry herbs tend to lose their potency after six to nine months. So, if you find that the fragrance of the herbs has lost its strength, consider replacing the bottle. Ideally, you should purchase smaller containers of dry herbs. This will serve to minimise wastage.

• Prepare the Dry Herbs Properly: Prior to adding the dry herbs to the dish, crush them between your fingers. This will release the volatile oils in the herbs and enhance the flavour and fragrance of the dish. Similarly, some herbs like rosemary might require chopping before you add them to the dish.

• Heed the Ratio of Fresh and Dried Herbs: Not always will you have fresh herbs on hand. In such situations, you will need to use their dried varieties as substitutes. In this scenario, consider using a ratio of 1:3 for dry herbs to fresh. For instance, instead of three teaspoons of fresh herbs, use one teaspoon of dried herbs.

• Store the Dried Herbs Properly: Dried fruit suppliers in Australia often stock an assortment of dried herbs and spices. After purchasing the dry herbs you need, store them in a cool and dry place. Ideally, you should keep them away from the reach of direct sunlight. Some people believe that storing dry herbs in freezers could enhance their shelf life. In this scenario, ensure that you label the spices, their date of purchase and their best-before dates properly before storing.

For more information, contact us at Takin today.