Ger-Nis INTERNATIONAL, LLC

Ask Ger-Nis

How can I keep herbs lasting longer in the summertime when they seem to dry and die quickly?
Ryan Requena, Washington Heights, NY

Well Ryan, summertime is hot and the herbs, like us, don’t like weather that is too warm. We recommend wrapping herbs in a damp paper towel and sealing them in a plastic bag. Keep basil in the door and keep other herbs in the crisper where the air is humid and cold.

When do you use tarragon for flavor and what types of foods do you add it to?
Sean Phelps, San Louis Obisbo, CA

Tarragon is a wonderful herb all year round, and it is usually found in rich, deep foods like Russian stroganoff. However, in the summertime tarragon’s subtle anise (licorice) flavor is wonderful with fruits and drinks. We have included several recipes that use tarragon in this edition of Herb Blurbs. Enjoy!

What are the summer’s best herbs?
Olga Crasovish, Atlantic City, NJ

Most notably, BASIL! Basil is summer’s premier herb. Most herbs do well in the summer. Some herbs like chives, chervil, cilantro, parsley and dill like it a bit cooler, but basil likes hot and humid weather. It thrives in July and August.

My kids refuse to eat anything green. Do you have any suggestions for how I can incorporate fresh herbs in a way that will be enticing to my kids?
Jenny Craig, St Paul, Minnesota

Little by little; that is our motto when it comes to introducing herbs to children. Too many at once is overwhelming for them. We recommend allowing your children to help you cook, garden and shop at farmers markets. Let them pick herbs that seem interesting or flavorful to them. Then, take their favorite dishes like macaroni and cheese, pizza, or french fries and just add a few tiny pieces. Little by little and before you know it, your kids will love herbs and they will love being involved in the cooking process.

Mac and cheese-add 2 T chopped fine chives to normal macaroni and cheese.
Pizza-sprinkle 2 T chopped fine basil on pizza.
French fries-mix 1 T chopped fresh thyme, 1 T chopped fresh parsley and 1 T chopped fresh chives with 3 T olive oil and salt, mix in with potatoes and bake in the oven for lovely oven fries.

I love baking and would like to spice (or herb) it up a bit. What herbs can I incorporate into baking with summer fruits like peaches, cherries and apricots?
Margie Lafontaine, Montreal, Quebec

We love the combination of fruits and herbs, and summer fruits are magnificent with herbs. We have several recipes in this edition. In general, basil, mint, tarragon and even parsley can be combined with pitted fruits like cherries, apricots and nectarines. Also, berries go lovely with mint.

If you have a produce or herb question for Ger-Nis, please email us at and we will answer it in the next issue of Herb Blurbs. Thank You!