How to Dry Herbs

Drying Long-Stemmed Leafy Herbs

• 1

  Harvest herbs in the early morning hours just after the dew has dried off the leaves.

• 2

  Remove dirt by gently rinsing cut stems in cool water.

• 3

  Shake off excess water.

• 4

  Gently pick off and remove dead or discolored leaves with your fingers.

• 5

  Gather stems into small bunches and tie cut ends together with string or rubber bands.

• 6

  Hang bunches upside down in a warm, dark, dust-free, well-ventilated area such as an attic or over the water heater.

• 7

  Take down bunches in two to three weeks - when herbs are dry and brittle.

• 8

  Strip leaves from stems.

• 9

  Store dried leaves in small jars, plastic bags or clean film containers.

Drying Short-Stemmed Herbs and Flower Petals

• 10

  Choose an area that has good air circulation and does not receive direct sunlight.

• 11

  Place a clean window screen on top of bricks or blocks.

• 12

  Strip fresh leaves from stems and lay them on screen in one layer. For smaller leaves, place intact stems and leaves directly onto the screen.

• 13

  Turn leaves periodically to ensure that the entire surface of the leaf is exposed to the air and dries completely.

• 14

  Remove in 7 to 10 days - when leaves are dry.

• 15

  Store for later use in plastic bags, small jars or clean plastic film containers.