Bouquet garni is a French herbal mixture. It consists of a collection of herbs, gathered and tied into a bundle or sachet in cheesecloth, or directly tied together when using fresh herbs. Bouquet garni is used to enhance the flavour of stews, broths, or stocks. There are two versions - a dried version and a fresh version.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Fresh Version

  1. For a traditional bouquet garni, the herbs should consist of 3 sprigs of parsley, 2 sprigs of rosemary and 1 bay leaf.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Dried Version

  1. Mix 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) parsley, 1 teaspoon thyme, 2-3 peppercorns and 1 bay leaf.
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  • Question
    If one doesn't have twine, will using a rubber band be harmful?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. The rubber band will most likely melt into the dish. If the bouquet garni is being used for a stock, soup, or pan sauce, it can be added "loose," meaning without the twine.
  • Question
    Where do I get the sachets?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Make them out of a piece of cheese cloth. Cut a square about 3 x 3 or larger. Place herbs in the center and tie off with butchers string.
  • Question
    How long should I keep dried spices?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    As a general rule, whole spices will stay fresh for about 4 years, ground spices for about 2 to 3 years and dried herbs for 1 to 3 years. Here are some tips for maximizing the shelf life of spices: Store spices in a cool, dark cupboard, away from direct heat or sunlight; keep tightly closed when not in use.
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Warnings

  • Wash all fresh herbs, no matter whether you grew them or purchased them, to avoid possible contamination
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Things You'll Need

  • Fresh or dried herbs - at the very least parsley, thyme and a bay leaf
  • Cheesecloth
  • Kitchen grade twine (string)
  • Stew, broth or stock in need of enhancing

About this article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 14 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 328,044 times.
138 votes - 90%
Co-authors: 14
Updated: May 6, 2021
Views: 328,044
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 328,044 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Beverley BARNES

    Beverley BARNES

    Nov 24, 2017

    "I was making a beef stew and it called for Bouquet Garni and I did not have any. I knew that there were certain..." more
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