Ger-Nis INTERNATIONAL, LLC

Ask Ger-Nis

What is the best way to preserve herbs? Is there any way to do it other than drying them?
Julia Mendoza, Palm Beach, Florida

Freezing your herbs is a good alternative to drying them. The best way to freeze them is to make an herbal pesto by mixing the herbs with oil and freezing the mixture in ice cube trays. Once frozen, thecubes can be added to soups, stews and sauces.

I love scallions but my friend recommends that I use chives instead. What is the difference?
Natalia Vostroknutova, St Louis, Missouri

Chives and scallions (also called “green onions”) are both in the onion family. Chives tend to have a deeper, crisper onion flavor without the heat that a scallion has. Chives are very refined in flavor and add a delicate onion flavor to dishes.

How can I incorporate herbs into my homemade ice cream recipes?
Sarah Franklyn, Brooklyn, New York

With ice cream, the possibilities are endless. For great herbal ice cream recipes, see our article in the Summer 2008 edition of Herb Blurbs.

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!