Grits Three Ways & Why Drying Herbs Works

In the first week of our June 2024 series, we explored the world of hydration and dehydration. People have been dehydrating herbs and other food since ancient times. It is a way to keep herbs edible until they are ready to use. Now people are able to use dehydrators and ovens to speed up the process. Today we will be exploring a method anyone can try with just limited supplies!

Grits, like many other grains, are dried to last longer and travel without spoiling. To be able to eat grits they have to go through a rehydration process. The second part of our experiment today will walk you through three different ways to rehydrate grits, one of them cooking, and see what gets the best results and why.

GRITS THREE WAYS

Label glasses (Glass 1: Cold, Glass 2: Lukewarm, Glass 3: Boiled)

COLD PREP: GLASS 1

Measure 1 Tablespoon of grits, and place in glass

Fill glass with 1/2 cup cold tap water

Stir for 10 seconds and set aside

WARM PREP: GLASS 2

Measure 1 Tablespoon of grits, and place in glass

Fill glass with 1/2 cup warm tap water

Stir for 10 seconds and set aside

BOILED GRITS: You will prepare this with your menu today!

Prepare glass 1 and 2, and let them rest while you make your meal.

After you are finished cooking. Compare and contrast the three different preparation methods.

Which preparation rehydrated the grits best?

Why did that preparation method make a difference?

DEHYDRATING HERBS

Take the herbs you have been provided, and document your observations of the fresh herbs - how do they look, feel, smell and taste?

Bunch together 4 sprigs of the same herb. Repeat until all herbs are used

Take a long piece of string and tie the bunch together on one end. Repeat until all bunches are tied together.

Tie the other end of the sting ( the side without the herbs) to the bottom of the wire hanger. Repeat and space out for good airflow.

Find a dry, dark place to hang the hanger up for about a week.

Once the herbs are dry enough to crumble, place in a jar or paper bag until it can be used later in the series!

Before you use the herbs, document your observations of the herbs again. How do they look, feel, smell and taste once dried?