How to Dry Herbs for long storage life!

June 23, 2023

mixture of herbs and dried blossom in ceramic bowl

Herbs have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties. They are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and other nutrients that can help boost health and well-being. There’s no reason not to include herbs in your daily routine.

There are many ways to dry herbs. Here are a few of the most popular methods:

Air-drying: This is the simplest method and requires no special equipment. Simply wash the herbs and remove any wilted or damaged leaves. Tie the herbs in small bundles and hang them upside down in a dark, cool, and well-ventilated place.
Oven-drying: This method is faster than air-drying, but it can be more damaging to the herbs. Preheat the oven to the lowest setting. Spread the herbs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the herbs are dry and brittle.
Dehydrator: This is the most efficient method for drying herbs. Dehydrators heat the air to a specific temperature, which helps to preserve the flavor and color of the herbs. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying herbs in a dehydrator.

Once the herbs are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They will stay fresh for up to 6 months.

Herbs you can grow yourself for tea! Read this!

Here are some tips for drying herbs:

Choose the right herbs: Not all herbs are created equal. Some herbs, such as basil and mint, are best used fresh. Others, such as oregano and thyme, can be dried and stored for later use.
Harvest the herbs at the right time: The best time to harvest herbs for drying is when they are in full bloom. The leaves will be at their most flavorful and aromatic.
Wash the herbs gently: Before drying the herbs, wash them gently with cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
Remove any wilted or damaged leaves: Once the herbs are washed, remove any wilted or damaged leaves.
Dry the herbs quickly: Once the herbs are washed and trimmed, dry them quickly. Air-drying is the best way to do this.
Store the herbs properly: Once the herbs are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They will stay fresh for up to 6 months.

By following these tips, you can easily dry your own herbs and enjoy their fresh flavor all year long. You can even create your own herb blends, teas and seasonings. When you grown your own herbs they taste so much better than anything you would buy from a store

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

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The Thrifted Planter

Ciearra is a gardener and houseplant enthusiast of over 10 years! She has been growing indoors and outdoors. Supplying food for her family and beautifying her home with annuals, perennials and houseplants! Ciearra is passionate about sharing her knowledge of plant care with anyone who needs help or a quick plant growth tip! When she’s not blogging you can find her tending to her chickens, dogs and hanging out with her family

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