9 Ways to Dry Herbs

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

Drying herbs is an easy and useful way to preserve them for cooking and artistic use. Many herbs are easy to dry, and in some cases, you can dry the leaves, flowers, and stems of an herb. Drying herbs to preserve flavor requires that you know which herbs are best for drying, pick them at the right time and store them properly.

Step

Method 1 of 9: Selecting Herbs To Dry

Step 1. Select herbs to dry

Some herbs are easier to dry than others because of their stronger leaves and oils. However, most herbs can be dried one way or another. Trial and experimentation is the best way to find out which herbs dry out best for you, with the expectation that some will shrivel up and look like a messy brown color, while others will retain their color and texture well.

• Strong-leaved herbs are usually the easiest to dry. These include bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Dried bay or rosemary leaves usually retain their color and shape without difficulty.

  

• The large, soft leaf variety is a little more difficult, as it is easily affected by moisture and easily mosses if not dried properly. These types of herbs include basil, parsley, mint, tarragon and lemon balm. It needs to be dried quickly to avoid mildew.

  

Step 2. Harvest the herbs to dry just before the flowers open, there will be enough buds to signal flowering is about to occur

For the time of day, it is usually best to harvest the herbs after the dew has evaporated but before the sun has evaporated the volatile oils in the herbs. This is usually the early hours of the morning, more or less depending on the specifics of your location..

While it's generally recommended to harvest the herbs before the flowers open, experimenting is worth it. Sometimes it's better to harvest after. It all depends on the form that allows the herb to best retain its shape and taste. If you want flowers, it makes sense to wait for the herbs to flower first

Step 3. Prepare for drying after you harvest the herbs

Herbs will last longer if handled quickly; letting it wilt or leaving it damp or dusty will ruin its taste, color, and appearance.

Step 4. Clean the herbs if necessary

Some herbs may need to be rinsed first, and removed impurities such as weeds and weeds. The herbs can be rinsed gently in cold water, and slightly shaken to remove excess moisture.

• Remove leaves with blemishes, spots, or blemishes.

  

Method 2 of 9: Quick and Simple Drying for Cooking

This method produces fresh (and clean) dried herbs, not dried herbs! This is best done at least half an hour before cooking with the herbs, to allow sufficient drying time.

Step 1. Choose the herbs used for cooking

Step 2. Place a clean small towel on a suitable surface

A kitchen bench or sink is an ideal place.

• Alternatively, use a dish drying rack. Place towels on a rack, this will provide better air circulation.

  

Step 3. Wash the herbs gently

Use as little water as possible to prevent crushing or staining the herbs. Perhaps place the herbs in a colander under running water, or simply hold the herbs under water. Finish by shaking a little in the sink to remove as much water as possible.

Step 4. Place each herb/stem or twig on a towel

Place them in a row on the towels if you have more than one. Try to avoid too much buildup.

Step 5. Let it dry in a warm kitchen

Touch to check if the herbs have dried. Once the herbs are sufficiently dry, use them in recipes as needed.

Method 3 of 9: Dry in the Sun or Outside

This is the least preferred method of drying. The reason is because herbs will usually fade and lose their taste. However, it is useful for art.

Step 1. Cut the herbs when the dew has dried

Step 2. Tie into a bundle with an elastic band

Make sure the leaves and flowers are facing down.

Step 3. Hang it somewhere on the terrace or on a hanger in a place that is fully exposed to the sun

Allow a few days to dry, checking it once in a while.

• Make sure to tie tightly if it's windy

  

Step 4. Dry outside or in a paper bag

After binding, tie a paper bag around the bundle. Hang the pouch outside. The bag will provide more protection against the sun. It will also win over dried seeds, if you wish to collect them.

Step 5. Remove when it is dry

Herbs dry when they become crisp and no moisture is felt.

Method 4 of 9: Drying Inside the House

Drying indoors is preferred because it will retain the taste, color and quality of the herbs better than drying outside. Drying at home is good for soft-leaved herbs. It's also easier to do because once the herbs are prepared, you can let them dry without having to do anything else.

Step 1. Tie the herbs into a bundle

Tie a rubber band around the herb stalk. Flowers on herbs should be facing downwards.

• Drying times usually vary when tying different types of herbs, so consider bonding just one herb until you are more experienced and can mix herbs knowing the specific drying time of each type.

  

• If you are working on a set of herb bundles, you should make sure the bundle sizes are similar, so that the drying time is appropriate. This makes it easier when it's time to store or use the dried herbs, so you don't have to wait for the next bundle to dry. But it all depends on what you do with the herbs and your current needs.

  

Step 2. Choose whether you want to use a paper bag or not

Paper bags can speed up the drying process and win over fallen seeds, leaves, etc. On the other hand, not using bags means you can display beautiful herb bundles in your home.

Step 3. Select the appropriate hanger

Many objects can be used to hang herbs, including ladders, ceiling posts, hangers, nails, etc.

• Herbs can also be dried on racks or screens. Window screens can be used if they are clean and in good condition. Position the screen so that the air can move freely on both sides. If you're using a screen, you'll need to turn the herbs daily to prevent them from curling.

  

Step 4. Let it dry

Herbs should dry away from direct sunlight or moisture, otherwise they will be damaged. Drying time can take anywhere from 5 days to several weeks, depending on the type of herb you are drying.

Step 5. Remove when dry

The herb is dry when it is crisp and no moisture is felt.

Step 6. Use for culinary, medicinal, decorative or artistic purposes

Many dried herbs crumble easily, which makes them easy to mix with herbs such as bouquet garni. Dried herbs are sometimes also a good addition to potpourri.

Method 5 of 9: Drying Using the Oven

The herbs can be oven-dried and are suitable for any culinary or medicinal purpose.

Step 1. Set the oven to a low, lowest temperature

Leave the door open.

Step 2. Arrange the picked herbs on the baking paper

Step 3. Place the paper on the lowest level in the oven

Allow to dry but turn herbs frequently. When it looks a little crunchy, take it out of the oven.

Step 4. For those of you who have a wood oven, a shelf screen can be placed on a wood stove

Align the herbs on top to dry on their own.

Method 6 of 9: Microwave Drying

If you need dried herbs ASAP for art work, this method is great! However, due to the poison in the silica gel, this method no suitable for culinary and medicinal drying. Be prepared to experiment as drying times will vary widely depending on the herb and microwave drying herbs can be a very frustrating learning experience!

Step 1. Sprinkle a thin layer of silica gel on the bottom of a microwave-safe container

Step 2. Put herb leaves or flowers on this layer

Spread them evenly and avoid touching the leaves or flowers between each herb.

Step 3. Turn on the microwave

Use a low power setting, such as half power or defrost power. Dry for 2 minutes, then let cool for 10 minutes. Check the dryness level. If sufficient, use herbs as needed. If not, dry again for about 1 minute.

• If 2 minutes of drying is too long and the herbs are too dry, use a new set of herbs and reduce the drying time by 30 seconds. Keep experimenting to get the timing right, depending on the type of herb.
• Herbs that usually dry well and don't shrink much (like thyme) will take less time in the microwave than herbs that don't dry well naturally (like basil).

Step 4. Use for art projects and displays only

As said earlier, the use of silica means the herb is not safe for consumption.

Method 7 of 9: Drying Using a Dryer

Herbs dried using this method are used for artistic and decorative purposes. Do not Use this method for herbs that are intended to be consumed for culinary or medicinal purposes.

Step 1. Choose a drying agent

Drying agent is a substance that removes moisture. Suitable drying agents for herbs include cornstarch, sand, orris root, borax, silica gel, and even cat litter.

Silica gel is popular because it is light and will not crush herbs; it is easy to find in art stores. However, when working using it, wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fumes

Step 2. Choose herbs

Choose when humidity won't affect the herbs or flowers.

Step 3. Sprinkle 2.5cm / 1/2 inch of drying material on the bottom of a plastic or glass container

Glass and plastic will not produce moisture.

Step 4. Place the herbs on the drying agent

Separate flowers from one another (do not touch each other). Adjacent leaves and flowers will require pulling to ensure the drying agent gets in between the spacings and dries out each part of the herb.

• If the shape of the flowers or leaves is important, check for any bends and correct them when rearranging the drying agent.
• You can coat the desiccant and herbs if you wish; but keep in mind the more weight on top, the more likely the plants underneath will crumble.

Step 5. Remove from dryer after drying

It only takes a few days. The desiccant will result in completely dry herb leaves and flowers making them slightly brittle. To remove the drying agent, use a small brush or camera cleaning blower to remove the drying agent from the plant without damaging the plant. Handle with care.

Avoid over-drying the herbs or they may break completely when handled

Step 6. Use it for art and display only

This herb is not suitable for consumption.

Method 8 of 9: Drying in Place

Some herbs dry out easily when placed somewhere, such as in a flower arrangement or as part of an art project.

Step 1. Select the appropriate herbs to dry on the spot

Not all herbs will dry well this way but some leaves and flowers will dry this way, such as yarrow, fennel, and rosemary.

Step 2. Use fresh herbs to place them where you want them to dry

For example, in a vase/flower arrangement with other plants strung together or in an art project such as a wreath or crocheted plant item.

Step 3. Put it in a dry place without moisture

Let it dry on its own, but check regularly. If you see signs of mold or something else that doesn't look like it should, remove the herbs.

Method 9 of 9: Drying by Squeezing

Step 1. For information on squeezing plants, see “How to Press Flowers and Leaves”

Squeezed herbs can be used to decorate art projects such as scrapbooks, framed prints, bookmarks, and collages.

Step 2. Done

Tips

• Herbs that are great for drying include: lavender (it will look beautiful for “years”); rosemary (keeps you years too); Bay leaf; hops, soft gray oregano; and pink marjoram.
• All crushed herbs should be stored in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. For the best taste when using herbs for culinary use, use most herbs within 6 months of drying.
• A simple drying rack can be made of wooden blocks (beautifully shaped if desired) with wood clips evenly spaced apart. Add a hanger in the back and paint the words “herb” or some leaves to remind you of its purpose. Then hang the shelf on a suitable wall. Attach the herbs to each tongs, preventing them from touching each other. The best herbs to use on this shelf include rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, marjoram and flower buds.
• Freezing herbs is another way to dry them. This is usually the best way for culinary uses where taste is more important than appearance.
• Herb seeds are best dried using a natural drying method, letting them drop in paper bags. Store in an airtight container.

Warning

• Many herbs will shrivel and become brown and conspicuous after drying. Drying herbs is an art you learn on your own through trial and error with herbs from your garden. Sometimes, you need to choose between smell, taste or appearance and only pursue the most important when all three are untenable while drying.
• Avoid drying herbs in places with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens. If you can keep your kitchen warm and let the moisture out, your kitchen might be an exception.
• High temperatures will damage the herbs; Avoid using too high heat to dry.
• Damp herbs will become musty and mossy. If this happens, just throw it away.
• Better to use a rubber band than thread to dry. The reason is simple – the rubber band tightens around the herb's stalk which contracts as it dries. Yarn doesn't do this; which means the herbs can slip and fall when hanging to dry.
• Toxic silica gel. Keep out of reach of children and pets, stay away from smoke when using it (wear a mask) and do not consume herbs that are dried using silica gel.