If you are in the process of learning how to properly harvest rosemary, this article will ensures you the complete guide.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an evergreen shrub that’s a wonderful addition to your kitchen garden. Whether planted in the ground or in containers, rosemary thrives with plenty of sunlight.
This Mediterranean herb isn’t too demanding about its soil as long as it’s well-drained. Its ease of maintenance and harvestability make it a great choice even for novice gardeners. Learning how to prune rosemary is beneficial as it encourages continued growth, allowing for a steady supply.
Whether you use it fresh or store it for later, rosemary adds a delightful aroma and distinctive flavor to any dish. It’s also a popular ingredient in personal care products, including soaps, cosmetics, and hair oils. For a bountiful harvest, consider planting multiple rosemary plants in your garden.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about harvesting and storing rosemary. Soon, you’ll be drying stems like a seasoned gardener!
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ToggleBest time to Harvest Rosemary
Rosemary plants are hardy and produce an abundant crop year-round. You can harvest them anytime. However, the plant grows most vigorously in the spring and summer, making these seasons ideal for harvesting. Don’t overlook harvesting during the colder months, though; gardeners in cooler climates can bring their rosemary indoors to continue enjoying fresh cuttings throughout winter.
Once your plant is established, you can start harvesting rosemary leaves for daily use. If you’re growing rosemary for drying, it’s best to wait until the plant starts to bloom, as the leaves are rich in oils at this stage. Harvesting right as the flowers begin to appear will yield the best flavor and fragrance.
As with most herbs, the best time of day to harvest is in the morning after the dew has evaporated and before the day heats up. You can cut leaves as needed, but regular pruning encourages fuller, healthier plants. Make sure to do your final harvest of the season at least two weeks before the first frost. This practice helps protect the plant from damage in cold weather, increasing its chances of surviving through winter.
1) Harvesting Rosemary
Growing rosemary can be a delightful experience, and the plant can grow quickly under the right conditions. When harvesting, choose branches at least 8 inches tall. While tender new tips are best for fresh use, woody stems are also suitable and can be used as skewers for meat dishes.
To maintain a healthy plant, trim no more than one-third of it at a time. Use sharp, sterilized shears to cut off the top 2 to 3 inches of the stem. This practice encourages the plant to grow back faster and healthier.
For the best results, use specialized tools like Felco 321 Harvesting Snips or Felco 322 Long Reach Harvesting Snips. When harvesting for fresh use, stick to new green leaves or tender stems. For drying, you can cut the plant down to the base of the wood but be cautious not to remove too much at once to allow for regrowth.
2) Storing Rosemary
Don’t let your fresh herbs go to waste! Proper storage can extend the life of your rosemary.
To keep your rosemary sprigs fresh, store them in water, vase-style. Fill a vase or glass with 1 to 2 inches of water and submerge the trimmed ends of the twigs. Remove any leaves below the waterline to prevent decay. Tent a plastic bag over the glass and refrigerate, changing the water daily. This method can keep your rosemary fresh for up to two weeks.
For short-term use, wrap the stems in two paper towels to keep them dry, seal them in a plastic bag, and refrigerate. This way, they’ll stay fresh for 3 to 5 days.
3) Drying Rosemary
Drying rosemary is another excellent way to preserve it for long-term use. One of the simplest methods is hang-drying. Tie the harvested stems together and hang them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area. It usually takes about 10 days for the rosemary leaves to air-dry. Once dry, strip the leaves off by running your fingers from the back of the stem toward the tip.
Store your dried rosemary leaves whole, chopped, or powdered in an airtight container. While dried rosemary can last a long time, for the best flavor, use it within the first year.
4) Freezing method to store Rosemary
Freezing is another effective way to store rosemary long-term. After washing and thoroughly drying the sprigs, place them on a cookie sheet to air dry. Once dry, put the cookie sheet in the freezer for about an hour. Once the rosemary is frozen, transfer the stems to a freezer bag, label it, and store it in the freezer for up to a year. For the best flavor, use within 3 to 4 months.
No need to defrost before use; simply remove the frozen leaves from the stems and add them to your favorite recipes.