Curry herb tastes just like the famous curry powder. But how can the fresh cabbage be preserved after harvest?
Harvest the curry herb properly
If you have the curry herb (Helichrysum italicum), the main focus is on the aromatic leaves. Thanks to the essential oils, the taste and smell are reminiscent of the spice mixture of the curry powder, although the curry herb itself is not part of the powder. It is easiest and best to cut off entire shoots of the subshrub. This also saves time compared to the laborious harvest of individual leaves. If the shoots are cut off just above the woody part of the subshrub, the topiary can be connected to 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 snapping out the flower buds.
Store curry herb correctly
As with any aromatic herb, curry herb is also best used fresh from the harvest. But so that it is also available in the kitchen in winter, the shelf life can be extended. With the curry herb, various methods can be considered, which we have examined for you:
- Dry the curry herb: It is not advisable to dry the curry herb if you still want to use it in the kitchen. Too much of the essential oils and therefore taste are lost in the drying process. Curry herb should only be dried if it is to be used as a decorative element with its beautiful golden yellow flowers.
- Freezing curry herb: Freezing whole shoots 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 herbs. The leaves should not be chopped up, however, as this creates a bitter taste.
- Pickling curry herbs: Soaking the shoots of the curry herb in oil is just as suitable as freezing to preserve the characteristic taste. The oil - a good virgin olive oil should be preferred - absorbs the essential oils of the curry herb and takes on its flavor.
So if a rich harvest of Italian everlasting flowers succeeds in your own garden, there are certainly opportunities to preserve the taste for the kitchen all year round.
You can find out how to process the harvested curry herb in our article on Use of curry herb.