Herbs: Tips for Drying

Storing fresh herbs for later use is a bit tricky, you have a choice of freezing or drying. Each can be a great method for storing, depending on your situation and what you'd like to use the herbs for later. Drying is one of the easier and most used methods. Dry herbs are the ones that you buy in the store, and can be more readily kept available for kitchen use. If you are collecting fresh herbs from the garden then make sure you harvest in the morning on a sunny and clear day. This way you are harvesting the herbs when they have the highest concentration of the oils that will give them their flavour.

Seed heads can be collected with the seed head ripens. Place the entire seed head in a paper bag and when they bust open your seeds will be all settled in the bottom of the paper sack. This is the easiest method for gathering seeds from herb seed heads.

Air dry your herbs on screen racks. Take small quantities of the herbs and spread them on a screen or on a cookie sheet. The easiest method to air dry is to have cookie sheets in the oven on a low setting. This can dry herbs in a couple of hours. Make sure you leave the oven door open. Or if you have a gas stove you can just leave them in the oven for a couple of days with the pilot light on. For larger bundles just gather them with a rubber band or twine and hang them upside down in an attic, basement, or any other dark and dry location.

Another method of drying is to microwave herbs on a layer of paper towels. Place the paper towel, then a layer of herbs, then another paper towel. Microwave for 3 minutes and turn the leaves every 30 seconds if the microwave does not have a rotating turntable. Continue every 20-30 seconds until they are dry. Microwave the herbs on a low humidity day without rain. Herbs can reabsorb moisture after microwaving. Keep them out of any form of moisture and seal them immediately after they are cool and dry.

Store your dried herbs in a dark pantry or closet, in a brown glass jar. Light will take out the flavor and dismiss the strength of the herbs. Make sure you are keeping air out and the seal tight.