Master gardeners share advice on using herbs

Are you unsure how best to use herbs? Here are a few tips from the Richland County, S.C., Master Gardeners:

• Herbs should be cut in the morning after the dew has evaporated and then placed in water for use later the same day. You also may cut them just before using them.
• Use very sharp knives when chopping herbs to bring out the most fragrance and flavor.
• If you are using dried herbs, add them to a recipe at the beginning of a cooking process. Add fresh herbs late in the process.

Tips on grapes as snacks

Here are a few ways to use grapes to make healthy snacks and starters, according to Everyday Food magazine’s September issue:

• Peanut butter and grapes. Spread a toasted English muffin half with peanut butter, and top with slivered seedless grapes. You also can use whole-grain sandwich bread or crackers.
• Yogurt with oranges and grapes. Top plain yogurt with orange segments, sliced seedless grapes and chopped pistachios (or other nuts).
• Arugula salad with grapes. Toss arugula with crumbled blue cheese, halved seedless grapes and your favorite vinaigrette.
• Mozzarella and grape skewers. Thread seedless grapes, bocconcini (mozzarella balls), and sliced prosciutto on wooden skewers.
• Frozen grapes. For a quick, refreshing snack, freeze grapes until solid, about 3 hours.