Posted by Sue Landsman on May.29, 2010

ⓒiStockPhoto - BVDC

Most people like to keep dried herbs on hand for ease of use in cooking or for making their own tea. But buying dried herbs can be expensive, especially if you have to pay shipping, and during the summer it’s so easy to grow your own. Drying your herbs will allow you to use them whenever you need them, and it’s easy to do with a few strategies and tips.

There are four basic ways to dry your herbs once you’ve washed and patted them dry: air drying, microwave drying, oven drying, and food dehydrator drying.

Air-Drying

One of the simplest ways to dry herbs, especially if you have a large quantity of them, is to hand them and air dry them just like you’d dry your laundry. This works best if you live in an area that is consistently warm and not humid. Hang then in a dry place that has a lot of ventilation and is not exposed to direct sunlight. A barn, shed, or attic is perfect. Some people use their garages, but this is not recommended because of the exhaust fumes from your car. If you’re drying your herbs in the summer and not parking in your garage, that’s ok. You can tie the herbs in little bunches with kitchen twine, or use an elastic band to hold them together. Stick a bent paper clip into the tie, and you’re all set to hang them up.

Some people prefer to set their herbs on window screens and stack the screens (with separators to ensure air flow) in an area out of direct sunlight. You can also use the screens to dry your herbs on the back window shelf of your car; this will dry the herbs out fast, especially if it’s late summer.

Microwave Drying

This is quick and easy, but most sources will offer you a “beware of catching fire” alert. To dry herbs in the microwave, put your herbs in between layers of paper towels. Microwave for two minutes, then check your herbs. Keep microwaving for intervals of 30 seconds until you think they’re done. The big problem with this method is that if there are any “hot spots” in your microwave, the paper towels can catch fire. Pine needles will explode if you try to microwave them. Don’t.

Oven Drying

The key to oven-drying is to use a low-temperature and make sure the oven door is open a little so that the moisture from the herbs can leave the oven. Preheat the oven to about 150 degrees, and line a cookie sheet with either paper or cheesecloth. If you use paper, poke holes in it so that no moisture is trapped under the herbs. If you were to put your herbs directly on the cookie sheet, contact with the metal can alter the flavor or quality of the herbs as they dry. Keep the sheet in the middle of the oven and check the herbs regularly. You may need to turn them so that all parts of the herbs dry.

Food Dehydrator Drying

This is a good alternative, but your results will very depending on how wet and humid your house is. The nice thing about the dehydrator is that you have more control of the temperature and humidity than if you were just hanging the herbs to air-dry. Preheat the dehydrator, and make sure that your herbs are in a single layer on each tray. Check your food dehydrator manual for proper temperature and usage. Dehydration can take up to four hours.

Once your herbs are dried, you will need to store them properly. The herbs should crumble at your touch. Glass jars are a great way to store them, and a good use of recycled containers. Once you put your herbs in them, check them carefully to make sure there is no moisture accumulating on the inside of your jar. This will happen if the herbs are not completely dried. If they’re not dry, you can oven-dry them for a short period of time, or just put them back the way you had them. Make sure you label your jars carefully.

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Posted under GDM Lifestyle, Living.