Shelf Life #3: herbs

Don't waste them! They're more versatile than you might think

Anyone need some fresh herbs? As you can see, I’m blessed with an oversupply at the moment, and that’s just the half of it. I’ve been writing about herbs - it’s summer in the UK, so ‘tis the season for fragrant leaves - and this lot was for a photo shoot. Of course, these days you can buy fresh herbs all year round - even the summery ones, like basil. So, for this week’s Shelf Life I thought I’d encourage you to make the most of them, whatever the season.

If you don’t grow herbs in your garden or window ledge, they’re expensive, so you really don’t want to let them go to waste. So my first tip is - and I’m going to whisper it here - mostly, it’s absolutely fine to use the herbs you’ve got if you’re missing a particular herb for a recipe. I know some people feel like they have to rush to the shops if they'don’t have the specified herb, but honestly, just swap one soft herb for another, and likewise for woody ones. As a general rule, this won’t make a big difference to your dish. I chatted to herb guru (and all round fab writer and wonderful guy)

Mark Diacono

about this a while back, and he agrees, with the caveat that maybe dill isn’t always a wise substitute, as some people find it has a “peculiar” flavour.

My other herb tip is to pop the tender ones in your salads. I’m sure we all forget, myself included, that tender herbs are LEAVES after all, and they absolutely belong in a salad bowl. They bring brightness and sprightly flavour, transforming dull lettuce into something you want to reach for more of. Parsley, basil, chervil, dill, tarragon, coriander, chives and mint are my absolute favourites snuggled up to crisp salad leaves.

For loads more ideas for how to use and store (both short term and long term), check out

Catherine Phipps

‘s marvellous book Leaf: Lettuce, Greens, Herbs, Weeds - Over 120 Recipes that Celebrate Varied, Versatile Leaves.

Mark Diacono

‘s book Herb: a cook’s companion, is also indispensable. And my latest book Second Helpings: Delicious Dishes to Transform Your Leftovers, has lots of tips on using up herbs (and every other food in your kitchen).

Have a wonderful week!