Martha Stewart: Gain a zest for life ... or up to 3 months

Dear Martha: Can grated orange or lemon zest be stored in the freezer for future use?

A: Although most potent when fresh, zest can be frozen for up to three months. Remove it in the usual manner, using a zester, or create long, thin strips with a vegetable peeler. Take only the colored rind, not the bitter, white layer underneath, known as pith. Place teaspoon- or tablespoon-size portions of zest in individual resealable plastic bags. Label accordingly, and store in the freezer. The next time a recipe calls for zest, simply remove the appropriate amount from the freezer and thaw at room temperature.

Dear Martha: What is a good way to preserve cards and letters?

A: Paper is susceptible to damage from numerous factors, including air pollutants, mold and insects. To preserve your correspondence, store items unfolded in acid-free archival boxes in a stable environment, such as a cool, dark closet; set the boxes on a shelf to protect them in case of flooding. Don't keep papers in an attic or a basement, where the constant fluctuations in temperature and humidity may cause them to deteriorate more rapidly.

With proper care, good-quality paper (made with a high percentage of cotton rag) can last 100 years or more. If you prefer to keep your treasures on display, consider framing them, or enlist the help of a professional. Use an acid-free mat board and an archival adhesive, such as starch paste. Do not let the paper touch the glass, because if condensation occurs, the fibers may stick and suffer harm. Hang the frames away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Another way to conserve the messages inside cards and letters is to scan them. Although this exposes them to a potentially damaging flash of light - a factor worth considering if your documents are especially old or valuable - the scanned copies can be stored on your hard drive and passed electronically among friends and family. To share the originals, use polyester or polypropylene sleeves to limit the amount of handling.

Dear Martha: Do you recommend planting different herbs together in the same pot?

A: In general, most herbs can be planted together. However, some hardier types, including rosemary, thyme and sage, require less water than soft-stemmed herbs such as basil, chervil, chives and parsley. You might want to separate the hard-stemmed varieties from the soft-stemmed ones by planting them in two pots or barrels. This allows you to water them according to their needs.

Dear Martha: Is there a way to clean the pull cords on my shades and blinds?

A: Even clean hands emit natural oils, which can make often-handled, light-colored surfaces such as pull cords appear dingy over time. In general, avoid getting the cord wet, as this is likely to attract more dust. Instead, wipe it with a lint-free cloth when you clean the shades or blinds, or carefully vacuum it using a small dust-brush attachment. Also, try to minimize direct contact with the cord by handling the wooden or plastic tassel at the end whenever possible.

If your pull cord already shows serious wear, you can have it replaced by a window-treatment installer, or do the work yourself using a kit available at most hardware or home-supply stores.

Dear Martha: Is rice flour a good choice for gluten-intolerant people, and can it replace regular flour in most recipes?

A: People with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should avoid eating wheat, barley or rye. Although rice flour is a great alternative, it should not be used as a substitute in recipes that call for all-purpose flour or other flours because it is silkier and smoother than wheat flour and will react differently with the other ingredients. Instead, look for recipes that specifically call for rice flour. *

Questions should be addressed to Ask Martha, care of Letters Department, Martha Stewart Living, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, N.Y. 10036. Questions may also be sent by e-mail to: mslletters@marthastewart.com. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number.