Drying your own fresh herbs at home is easier than you think!
Maybe you only needed a few sprigs for a recipe, but had to buy a whole bundle.
Depending on the brand, dried herbs can cost $6 to $10 for a small jar.
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Which Herbs Can Be Dried at Home?
A kitchen dehydrator may be necessary to dry them evenly.
How Long Do Dried Herbs Last?
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you’re able to store them as leaves or crumbled into a fine powder.
Either crumble the leaves between your fingers or add them to a spice grinder and pulse a few times.
More humid air will require longer drying times.
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Youll also want to confirm the herbs are clean before drying them.
Shake them well and rinse any dirt away with water.
Then pat dry with paper towels until no moisture remains.
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Air dryingis the most hands-off method and the one that I prefer.
Keep checking back until they are ready to package.
The herbs dry completely and the aroma and flavor are excellent without using a paper bag.
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You will also get to experience the lovely scent as they dry.
Different herbs dry faster than others, so watch them closely and use short intervals.
Lay sprigs of herbs on a paper towel and then microwave on high for 30 seconds.
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From that point, use 15- to 30-second intervals until the herbs are brittle and completely dry.
The total time can be anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes.
Dont go overboard with your microwaving time.
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The herbs can go from dry to scorched (and smelly) in a matter of seconds.
Oven dryingis more hands-on because youll need to pay attention.
Your oven will be running for about 2 hours.
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Theres no leaving the house and forgetting about it when using this method.
Dehydrating: An electric kitchen dehydrator can be effective for drying herbs.
Cut a piece of twine:
Cut a 5-inch piece of kitchen string or twine.
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Secure it with a tight bow or knot.
you’re free to tie them onto a string or indoor clothesline.
Hangers and a coat rack are also good tools for air drying herbs.
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Dry the herbs:
Let the herbs hang to dry for 10 to 14 days.
They are ready when they turn brittle and the leaves crumble easily when touched.
Un-tie and separate the stems:
Carefully un-tie or cut the strings tied around the stems.
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