h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Thank you for a very interesting article.

I always make my own Tarragon vinegar.

I buy bottles of wine vinegar(either red or white) from one of the big supermarkets. I buy a bunch of fresh tarragon. I push about a third of the bunch of tarragon into the opened bottle and then replace the cap. I turn the bottle upside down and wait - generally a couple of days) until the tarragon has absorbed the vinegar. This is when the bottle tarragon has risen to the base of the bottle and is no longer in the neck of the bottle. then "hey presto" it is ready for use.

It really is delicious and cheaper and more fun to use than the bought Tarragon Vinegar. I keep meaning to also make Garlic Vinegar but have not yet got around doing that.

I note that Basil is very difficult to preserve. I wonder if I could make Basil Vinegar the same way.
Also I want to try and make Pesto - I just love the flavour.

Happy preserving and cooking - and naturally happy eating!!

Also Ran1

It's more lke 'happy drinking' for me. I don't *do* cooking very much, so this entry was written because I preserve a lot of herbs for making infusions. I love spearmint 'tea', it's my absolute favourite, It's like eating mints with no calories!

I also like fennel very much.

Good luck with your vinegar!

Hi Mina,

Thanks for the reply. I also like infusions - I believe that we call them "tisanes" in France!!. But I have never preserved my own. I do like "tilleul" - which I think is made from lime flowers. I do not know how to preserve them. Do you preserve those.? I must admit that I love peppermint tea but much prefer chocolate mints - although the calories are dreadful!!.

The other day I bought some sloe cordial. That was really super. There is an organic garden called the Blackthorn Trust at Maidstone which has super things like that. I also like Elderflower cordial and love the season when one can make it as the flowers smell so super and make the whole house smell nice..

Go well,

Also Ran1

You can preserve flowers - I dry camomile flowers to make infused oil for my bath. Just pick them and make sure they are *really* dry before you put them in a jar. Mine kept going mouldy last year as I was too impatient. I really regretted it when I realised how expensive the oil is to buy!

Thanks Mina

I drink camomile tea - It is a great help to make one sleep!!/
Also Ran1