Bouquet Garni

When it comes to the bouquet garni, remember that it reflects the lifespan of the herbs incorporated in it. If your bouquet garni is fresh, you can typically use it within 1-2 weeks if stored in the fridge. If it is dry, it can last around 2-3 years, though its flavor intensity diminishes over time. Once opened or used, fresh bouquet garni usually loses most of its flavor after 1-2 days, so it's best to use it as soon as possible. Dried bouquet garni, once opened, can last up to 1 year, though, like its fresh equivalent, its flavor gradually deteriorates over time.

To tell if your bouquet garni has gone bad, you'll need to rely on your senses. For fresh bouquet garni, look for discoloration or wilting. The herbs should be vibrant and not have any brownish or yellowish spots. They shouldn't be slimy or have a moldy smell either. A dried bouquet garni that has gone bad is harder to identify, but a tell-tale sign is the lack of aroma when you crush the herbs in your fingers. It may still be safe to consume, but the flavor will be noticeably weaker.

• For a fresh bouquet garni, store it in damp paper towels inside a zip-top bag in the refrigerator. • Dried bouquet garni should be stored in an airtight container kept in a cool, dark, and dry place, like your pantry or a kitchen cabinet away from heat sources. • You can also freeze your fresh bouquet garni. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, put it in a freezer bag, and store it in your freezer. To use it, just put the frozen bundle directly in your pot or pan—no need to defrost. • Remember, light and heat are enemies of dried herbs. They lose their flavor more rapidly when exposed to these elements. • In the case of both fresh and dried bouquet garni, it is a good idea to write the date on the storage bags or containers to help you track the age of your herbs.