As summer gradually gives way to autumn, it's high time to harvest the last herbs before they lose their strength and flavor. September provides you with both warm enough days and sufficient humid air for optimal drying.

Which herbs should be harvested now?

Towards the end of September, these are at their best:

• Sage – harvest before the first frost
• Thyme – can be harvested all season, but the September harvest is often the best
• Rosemary – (if you grow it) – harvest before the cold
• Lavender – if flowers were late – harvest now
• Mint – last harvest before the plant goes dormant

Drying technique

Harvest on a dry day, ideally in the morning. Tie small bundles and hang them in an airy, dark and cool place – an attic, empty room or other well-ventilated space. Avoid direct sunlight, which can bleach colors and reduce aromatic compounds.

Drying typically takes 1-2 weeks. You know they're ready when the leaves are crisp and crumble easily between your fingers.

Storage

Once dry, store in airtight containers – glass jars with lids or paper envelopes that seal well – in a cool, dark and dry place. Properly stored herbs maintain their quality for many months.

Here at Den Lille Hagen i Fjære, we harvest and store herbs with care, so that both we and our customers in the Grimstad area can enjoy them all year round.