Instructions: 1.Prior to opening jar, remove paper and check for mold, which can be caused if moisture enters the jar.Spoiled herbs should be discarded.
2.If herbs are ok, replace the paper and place the approximate amount of herbs needed by the group in the center of the table.It is recommended that students use one type of herb per sachet and make no more than two sachets each.
3.Students should strip leaves and flowers off stems and pack them tightly in the sachet bag.(Normally herbs are not stored on the stems but I thought the students would enjoy seeing them this way. -M)The essential oils contained in the herbs may be irritating to the eyes depending on the herb used.Therefore, remind students not to touch their eyes during the project and to wash their hands afterwards.
4.Stems may be discarded.The best place for this is in a compost pile/bin instead of the regular trash.Please feel free to use the Habitat compost bin!
5.Unused herbs may be returned to the jar as long as they are completely dry.
6.Please sweep up any loose particles.
7.Gently squeeze the sachet to release the scent.
Contents:
Instructions·
Small sachet bags·
Glass jars containing dried herbs collected from the Habitat
Please contact the Habitat Committee if box needs to be replenished. Also, feel free to offer suggestions for improving this activity.
Questions:
Discussion Question:Why do you think the jars of herbs are covered with dark paper?
Answer:Herbs last longer if kept in a dark place.
Discussion Question:Why do you think the best storage containers for herbs are glass, metal or glazed ceramic?
Answer:These containers do not absorb the essential oils in the herbs, which give the herbs their scent and flavor.Paper and unglazed ceramic absorb the oils.Also, herbs absorb scents from plastic containers so those aren’t good to use either.