Many of the items you use for everyday cooking can work for herbal preparation as well, such as grinders and measuring utensils for dry herbs. Once they are washed, they can be used for food once again.
Other types of herbal prep need to have their own special items that are designated just for herbs. Specifically, when making medicinal oils that can not be ingested. Another consideration is working with waxes. It is very difficult to remove all wax from pans, so many people simply use the same pan in their double boiler, to make lip balms and waxy based items. This saves the time and effort of trying to get your grandmother's favorite saucepan clean.
1. Double Boiler
In order to gently heat oils and waxes, a double boiler is a must have. It is recommended that you actually buy one designated just for salve and balm making. It is nearly impossible to remove all the residual wax, and you don't want to eat your salve.
I have often used a Pyrex measuring cup, with the handle hooked over the side of a saucepan, so that the bottom of the pyrex cup is not touching the botton of the pan, and filling the pan with water. This makeshift double boiler is perfect for warming waxes and oils, with the benefit of having a built in spout for pouring. My lip balm tubes have never been filled easier!More »
2. Crock Pot
Who hasn't heard of someone getting out the crockpot to whip up a batch of infused herbal oil? This old time kitchen appliance has found a new life in the herbal kitchen. It heats a large amount of herb, in a sturdy lift out crock, and you can leave it on without worry that the contents will boil over.
When choosing a crockpot, remember these tips:
- Buy a large one. They come in wee little 2 cup jobs, all the way up to huge, double sided crocks fit for a church bazaar. You want one that is almost that huge, but stay away from the little sizes.
- Buy one that has an adjustable thermostat. These are still older styles (think thrift store), but they are really useful for not frying your herbs to death. You want a gentle heat.
- Get one with a removeable insert. You will thank yourself forever, once you are able to lift the entire batch of finished herbal oil, and bring it to the sink, without tripping over the cord.
3. Dehydrator
A food dehydrator is going to make your life so much easier! Drying your herbs is part of storage, part of making specific herbals that require dry herbs, and basically it allows you to fit much more herb volume into your pantry.
There are many types on the market, but I have personal experience with the Excalibur. My husband bought mine for me back in 2000, and it has taken up kitchen real estate ever since. I dry my herbs as I harvest them, even if it is a small handful at a time. Many herbs I simply dry with the unit off, just placing the harvest on the trays and closing it up.
Always scour thift stores and garage sales for dehydrators of from any company. They will always be a useful tool during your herbal journey.More »
4. Cheesecloth
Cheesecloth seems like such a simple thing, but it really is such a help in the herbal kitchen. Use cheesecloth for straining spent herbs out of oils, for making bouquet garni for cooking, makeshift tea bags for pots of tea, and more.
I buy more tightly woven types of cheesecloth. They do cost a bit more, but you need much less layering to get a good filter. Don't go overboard on price however. You will be using quite of bit of this handy kitchen item as you work.More »
5. Scales
Much of your herbal learning will be pinch of this and a bit of that, but there are times when you want exact measurements. Buy an electronic kitchen scale for those little bits that need to be perfect.
Kitchen scales can be very inexpensive, but they do need to have some basic features no matter what the price.
- Electronic in both American and Metric. This should be found in the most basic of scales.
- A Tare feature. This will remove the weight of the container from the herbs that you add.
- Easy to clean, preferably with a non reactive platform where the dish will sit. Glass works very well.