Simple and easy ways to dry and preserve fresh herbs
Enjoying the flavorful taste of fresh herbs is a delight, whether they are grown in your own garden or picked up at a local farmers market. Each year I look forward to planting additional herbs in pots and around my garden, having the convenience of stepping outside to pick the herbs you need for your kitchen creations is truly wonderful. I wanted to share a few tips for preserving your herbs and ensuring that you can enjoy their quality all year round. Learning the art of drying and preserving herbs not only saves you money but also allows you to live sustainably by making use of your fresh herbs.
EASY TECHNIQUES FOR DRYING AND PRESERVING HERBS
Preserving your herbs ensures that you have access to their goodness throughout the year. This way, you can always have high-quality herbs ready for cooking, making soap, blending teas. Drying is a simple and effective method of preserving herbs, allowing them to maintain their flavor and nutrients for an extended period.
HANGING YOUR HERBS TO DRY: Hanging herbs is a traditional and effective way to dry them. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley, cilantro, and oregano are commonly harvested on the stem and are suitable for hanging. Bundle them together and tie twine or jute cord around the stems. Hang the bunches in a dark, cool, and dry room to preserve their flavor. If a dark room is not available, wrap the herbs in newspaper to shield them from light. Drying times can vary depending on the humidity and temperature. Check on the herbs weekly until they are completely dried.
LAYING OUT HERBS TO DRY: Some herbs, such as basil and chamomile, require laying out to dry as they are not suitable for hanging. Spread the leaves or flowers on a towel or paper and cover them with another layer to protect from dust. Allow them to dry for a few weeks, checking regularly until fully dried.
USING A DEHYDRATOR TO DRY HERBS: If space is limited or if you have a dehydrator available, drying herb, I use this one by Nesco https://a.co/d/d4QeNmu, using this method is efficient. Set the dehydrator to a temperature between 95-115 degrees Fahrenheit, or slightly higher for humid areas. Dry the herbs for approximately 4 hours, checking periodically until dry.
OTHER METHODS OF HERB PRESERVATION: Freezing herbs is another way to preserve their freshness. Chop the herbs and place them in ice cube trays filled with oil, then freeze. These herb-infused oil cubes can be used in cooking to add a burst of flavor similar to fresh herbs.
STORING DRIED HERBS: Store dried herbs in glass containers, such as mason jars, in a cool, dry place away from light. Dried herbs can be stored indefinitely but may lose flavor and nutrients over time. Spices may not spoil but they do lose their strength. Stored in airtight containers spices can retain their potency for a couple years or longer. Dried herbs are versatile and can be used in culinary dishes, crafts, beauty products, teas, and more. Learning how to dry and preserve herbs is a valuable skill that allows you to enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs from your garden all year round.
I am also going to include links to my favorite items that make harvesting, drying, preserving and storing herbs a breeze!! You can check out these items at my Crafted Matters Amazon Storefront here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/craftedmatters/list/8890KH3Z1M9Z?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfcraftedmatters_B2R8CWCBS7A5RERRMQ3J
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