Drying herbs is a great way to store what you do not need for the future. If you have a few, simple items, you can dry and store just about anything to use later in the year.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 30 minutes
Here's How:
- Harvest herb parts during the morning, when the dew has dried but the sun has not gotten too hot.
- Strip leaves from stems and lay in single layer on screen or dehydrator tray.
- Dry until leaf crumbles between fingers when crushed.
- Dry flowers until petals are crisp.
- Store out of direct light.
Tips:
- If desired, hang small bunches of herbs upside down, by their stems. Place bunches in a lunch sack to keep light off drying plant material.
- Thicker stems may need to be cut in half to check for dryness. It may be helpful to remove any stem material if herb is particularly thick.
- If using a dehydrator with a thermometer, dry with fan only. Rotate trays in a dehydrator to ensure even dryness.
What You Need:
- Freshly harvested herbs
- Dehydrator or window screens
- Quiet, darkened area - out of direct sunlight and strong breeze
