Herbs
What is the shelf life of fresh herbs such as Rosemary and Thyme chopped and sealed with Olive oil? Also does dried garlic have a shelf life in olive oil if it is sealed?
5 Comments
SeaJambonOctober 20, 2012
Let me add my voice and concerns to ChefOno and Greenstuff. Not worth it. Dry the herbs instead (simple: hang upside down in a dry, dark place until dried out); keep the garlic head together -- pulling off cloves as needed -- in a cool, dark place and they'll last several weeks if not months. Skip the whole olive oil idea.
GreenstuffOctober 19, 2012
Food-borne botulism is thankfully rare, but home garlic-in-oil concoctions have been the source of a couple of outbreaks. Not worth it.
ChefOnoOctober 19, 2012
The mention of herbs and oil makes me cringe. Under refrigeration, fine for a few days, but botulism is a danger in the anaerobic conditions created by the oil. Commercial preparations are acidified to prevent the problem.
bigpanOctober 19, 2012
Just like with wine, light and oxygen are enemies to freshly dried herbs. Consider vacuum packing and only keeping an amount for a couple months in a tight jar in a dark area.
I recently bought $$$ of spices and the folks suggested by vacuum packing the life will extend to up to 4 years! I think 2 is more realistic.
I've not oil packed as I prefer to use dry.
I recently bought $$$ of spices and the folks suggested by vacuum packing the life will extend to up to 4 years! I think 2 is more realistic.
I've not oil packed as I prefer to use dry.
MonitaOctober 19, 2012
If you are making a herb-infused olive oil, I'd recommend using whole sprigs. In a sealed jar it will stay fresh for up to a week. Bring it to room temp before using it.
Chopped herbs may turn black quickkly
Chopped herbs may turn black quickkly
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