An herb ball is a device used to infuse food and drinks with herbs, teas, and spices. It is made of two interlocking halves of wire mesh or perforated metal, and should only be filled halfway to allow water to circulate. Herb balls cannot be reused, and should be stored in an airtight container for up to three months.
An herb ball is a device designed to hold herbs, teas, and spices for the purpose of infusing food and beverages. Many kitchen supply stores carry herb balls, which may also be labeled tea or infusion balls, depending on the manufacturer. As a general rule, an herb ball designed for tea is slightly smaller than an herb ball that will be used to make herb sachets and flavor packets.
Typically, a herb ball is made of two interlocking halves of wire mesh or finely perforated metal. The holes allow water to penetrate while holding the seasonings so they don’t explode into the food or drink being infused. As the seasonings in the herb sphere are heated by the water, they release oils and aromatic and flavor compounds that spread throughout the rest of the dish. Once the food or drink is sufficiently seasoned, the herb ball is removed, emptied and cleaned. Most herb balls have a grip handle or chain to make pulling the herb ball easier.
As a general rule, an herb ball cannot be reused, as the herbs have been leached of their useful and flavorful compounds. In some cases, specific herbs can be reused; tea, for example, can often be used in multiple infusions, although the herbal teas can become tannic later on. Many manufacturers also recommend washing the herb balls with water only, as washing powder or soap can alter the taste of subsequent dishes.
As a general rule, a herb ball should only be about half full so that there is plenty of room for the water to circulate, bringing out the full flavor of the herb tea. Fresh or dry ingredients can be used, depending on availability and personal taste. Most people prefer to package their herb balls as needed, making sure the herbs are stored in a cool, dry place until using so they have a strong flavor. In other cases, people may make herb balls as gifts, including a hand-made blend of herbs or spices as part of a culinary gift.
If you plan to store herbs in a herb ball, keep the ball in an airtight container and try to use it within three months. The flavors in the herb ball may change slightly while the herb ball sits, creating a small deviation from the intended flavor, but when used quickly, the difference shouldn’t be too extreme. When not in use, keep an herb ball locked together so you don’t lose a chunk, and consider keeping it in a shallow drawer so it doesn’t sink to the bottom of a heavy stack of large kitchen utensils.
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