How to Preserve Sage?

Discussion in 'Herb Gardening' started by GardengirlSue, Apr 26, 2007.

  1. GardengirlSue

    GardengirlSue New Seed

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    Hi everyone, I'm new here, my name is Sue.

    I was wondering how you save your sage at the end of the season. Do you dry it or freeze it or both?

    I have some seeds started waiting to be planted outside soon. Just not sure how to preserve it.

    Thanks and nice to meet you!
    Sue
     
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  3. zuzu's petals

    zuzu's petals Silly Old Bat Plants Contributor

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    Welcome Sue, [​IMG] so nice to meet you, too, glad you've joined the group.

    Sage can be frozen or dried, it's all a matter of personal preference.
    I like the flavor of fresh or frozen sage, myself.
    I think the taste is quite a bit different than the dried.

    Maybe try some each way, and see which you like better?

    To freeze, just rinse and pat dry the whole leaves,
    then put them in a resealable freezer bag.
    There is no need to thaw before using.

    To dry sage, hang the stalks upside down in a dry, dark place
    and crumble the leaves into jars when it's completely dried out.
     
  4. GardengirlSue

    GardengirlSue New Seed

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    ZuZu said:
    just rinse and pat dry the whole leaves,
    then put them in a resealable freezer bag.
    There is no need to thaw before using.
    ******
    Thanks for the reply ZuZu. I would have frozen them in ice cubes so I'm glad I asked. Sage I like fresh, so frozen is the way to go for me. This is my first year with sage, I have just about everything else I use, so I rarely buy herbs at the store. I tend to only buy sage at Thanksgiving so it'll be fun to find new recipes and ways to use it more often.

    Sue
     
  5. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Hello Sue I'm so pleased you've joined us here at GardenStew. :-D
    I think you've made the right decision to freeze your sage as drying it changes the flavour too much for my liking. I freeze a lot of herbs and use them straight from the freezer and they really do taste lovely.
    Looking forward to getting to know you.
     



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  6. Polly

    Polly Thumb Gardener

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    Since this year will be my first attempt at herbs, I must remember this info. Didn't know I could freeze the leaves whole.
     
  7. PinkSun

    PinkSun Seedling

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    ZuZu said:
    just rinse and pat dry the whole leaves,
    then put them in a resealable freezer bag.
    There is no need to thaw before using.

    This is exactly how I package my sage to keep in the refridgerator...didnt know you could put it in the freezer that way too...that's just great!
     

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