Fresh Herbs vs Dried Herbs

[thotshammer]

Greetings All:

In researching various rubs, brines, etc., many of them call for fresh herbs.  I live 35 miles from the nearest grocery store that handles any fresh herbs and only grocery shop every two ti three weeks. 

I realize that fresh is usually better but does it really make any difference in the quality of the rub, brine, etc?  Is there any "rule of thumb" how you change the quantity to be used when dried are used instead of fresh?

Thanks

Donn

 

[linguica]

Some herbs retain their flavor when dried and some taste like dried lawn clippings. Rosemary, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, and chili peppers dry well, just use 1/2 the amount when dried. Spices like mint, cilantro, basil, and chives lose 90% of their flavor when dried. The only way to find out is to buy a bottle of the spice and try it for yourself.

  A lot of herbs are easily gown in your yard or indoor near a sunny window.

 

[scarbelly]

I would love to see some of your smoked herbs 

 

[diggingdogfarm]

The general rule of thumb is the ratio 1:3, dry:fresh.
Start an herb garden, and as Linguica said, most herbs are very easy to grow,


~Martin

 

[daveomak]

Donn, evening.... If you have access to fresh herbs and a dehydrator, we dry our herbs and spices on a very low heat with fan forced air.... They come out with more flavor (low temp volatiles are not lost) and better color.... 

That being said, purchase your spices and herbs from a reputable spice house that has stock turnover so stuff doesn't get old....  We buy from the spice house (part of the Penzy family) in Illinois.... always have had great spices etc....  locally owned small family business...http://www.thespicehouse.com/info/owners....   Purchasing from outfits like this will get you cleaner tasting spices than a grocery store...

now that I have totally forgotten your question and had to "re look" at your thread, there is no substitution for fresh that imitates the fresh flavor..  substitute as best you can to get the finished flavor you are looking for....   Dave

 

[linguica]

Donn, evening.... If you have access to fresh herbs and a dehydrator, we dry our herbs and spices on a very low heat with fan forced air.... They come out with more flavor (low temp volatiles are not lost) and better color.... 

That being said, purchase your spices and herbs from a reputable spice house that has stock turnover so stuff doesn't get old....  We buy from the spice house (part of the Penzy family) in Illinois.... always have had great spices etc....  locally owned small family business...http://www.thespicehouse.com/info/owners....   Purchasing from outfits like this will get you cleaner tasting spices than a grocery store...

now that I have totally forgotten your question and had to "re look" at your thread, there is no substitution for fresh that imitates the fresh flavor..  substitute as best you can to get the finished flavor you are looking for....   Dave

Spice websites are an excellent place to buy herbs and spices. They order in large volume but sell small packages. They ship in small resealable bags that help keep down shipping costs.