Cleaning rosemary is a simple process that ensures the herb is free from dirt, debris, or insects before use. One effective method involves a gentle water bath.
To clean rosemary, you can use the stem as a handle and dip the sprigs in water, shaking them gently. If the water remains clean after dipping, it can be reused for cleaning other herbs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Rosemary
Here's a breakdown of how to clean rosemary effectively:
1. Inspect the Sprigs
Before washing, visually inspect your rosemary sprigs. Look for any visible dirt, bugs, or damaged leaves. Remove any undesirable parts.
2. Prepare a Water Bath
Fill a bowl or sink with cool water. You don't need a large amount of water, just enough to submerge the rosemary sprigs. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the delicate leaves and reduce the herb's flavor.
3. Wash the Rosemary
Hold the rosemary sprig by the stem, using it as a convenient handle. Submerge the sprigs in the cool water. According to the reference from the YouTube video "How to Clean Oregano, Rosemary, Sage & Thyme", you should "dip it in the water a few times shake it off". This action helps to loosen and remove any dirt or particles clinging to the leaves.
4. Check and Reuse Water (Optional)
After dipping and shaking, observe the water. The reference notes that if the "water still looks clean. So we can reuse it for the other herbs." This suggests that for relatively clean herbs, a single bath might suffice, and the same water can be used for multiple sprigs or different types of sturdy herbs like thyme or sage.
5. Dry the Rosemary
Proper drying is crucial to prevent spoilage and retain the herb's quality. You have a few options:
- Paper Towels: Lay the washed rosemary sprigs flat on a layer of paper towels. Gently pat them dry with additional paper towels.
- Salad Spinner: For a quicker method, place the sprigs in a salad spinner and spin until most of the water is removed.
- Air Drying: You can also bunch the sprigs together and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
6. Storage
Once completely dry, store the rosemary. Options include:
- Wrapping the sprigs in a damp paper towel and placing them in a plastic bag or container in the refrigerator.
- Storing dried sprigs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Remember, gentle handling throughout the cleaning process helps preserve the aromatic oils and texture of the rosemary.
