9 Ways to Dry Aromatic Herbs

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

The drying process is a method that allows you to store spices and herbs for later use in the kitchen or in crafts. Many plants lend themselves well to this transformation and, in some cases, it is even possible to use leaves, flowers and parts of the stem. Drying them can also retain their aromas, but it is necessary to know the most suitable plants for this process, the right time to harvest them and the best way to preserve them.

Steps

Method 1 of 9: Choose the Plants to Dry

Step 1. Choose the herbs

Some are easier to dry than others because they have stronger and more consistent leaves and vegetable fats, but the process can be carried out on almost all aromatic plants. Trying and experimenting is the best way to discover the ones that best suit your needs, considering that some wither and form an unrecognizable dark mass when dehydrated, while others are perfectly preserved in color and appearance.

• Plants that have stronger leaves are the easiest to dry. They include bay leaf, rosemary, thyme and sage. Typically, once dried, a bay leaf or rosemary perfectly retains its color and shape.

  

• The procedure is a little more complicated for plant species with large and delicate leaves, because they tend to get damp and moldy immediately if not treated properly. These include basil, parsley, mint, tarragon, coriander and lemon balm. They need to be dehydrated quickly to prevent mold growth.

  

Step 2. Collect the herbs to dry just before the flowers open

If you see a lot of buds, it means that flowering is near. Regarding the time, it is generally preferable to collect them once the dew has evaporated, but before the sun causes the volatile aromatic substances to disperse. Generally the best time is early in the morning, also depending on where you live.

Although the most common recommendation is to harvest them before flowering, they are worth experimenting with. Sometimes it's better later. It all depends on the purpose for which they are intended, for which you would like to keep a certain shape and a certain aroma. For example, if you want to dry the flowers, it makes sense to wait for them to hatch

Step 3. Be prepared to dry them immediately after harvesting

Herbs keep best if they are treated immediately. If they wither or are exposed to moisture and dust, the aromas, color and appearance are ruined.

Step 4. Clean them if necessary

Some need to be rinsed and cleaned of soil and weeds. You can gently rinse them under cold water and shake them lightly to remove excess moisture.

• Eliminate leaves that have spots, blemishes and blemishes.

  

Method 2 of 9: Storing Herbs for Kitchen Use

This method favors the use of fresh and dry herbs (after they have been cleaned) instead of dry ones. The treatment should be performed at least half an hour before cooking to allow for adequate drying.

Step 1. Collect herbs to use in the kitchen

Step 2. Spread a clean tea towel on a suitable surface

The kitchen counter or sink are ideal.

• Alternatively, you can use the dish drainer. Spread the tea towel over the dish drainer to help the air pass through.

  

Step 3. Wash them gently

Use as little water as possible to prevent them from shattering or spoiling. You should put them in a colander to pass them under the open tap or simply keep them under water. Then, shake them in the sink to get rid of as much water as possible.

Step 4. Arrange the stems or twigs on the tea towel

Lay them down leaving some space between them to prevent them from overlapping.

Step 5. Dry them in a warm environment

Touch them to feel if they are dehydrated. When they are dry enough, use them according to the recipe instructions.

Method 3 of 9: Dry Herbs in the Sun or Outdoors

It is the least preferred method to use because herbs tend to fade and lose flavor. However, it is useful in case of handicrafts.

Step 1. Collect the herbs when the dew has evaporated

Step 2. Join them with a rubber band to form a bundle

Keep the leaves and flowers upside down.

Step 3. Hang them out on the balcony or on a hanger in the sun

Leave them for several days, going to check them from time to time.

• Make sure they are tied securely in case the wind picks up.

  

Step 4. Dry them outdoors in a paper bag

After gathering them in a bundle, put them in a paper bag and hang it outside. It will protect them from the sun and at the same time collect the seeds that you can use once they dry.

Step 5. Remove them once they are dry

They are ready when they are crumbly and have lost all moisture.

Method 4 of 9: Dry the herbs indoors

Drying indoors is preferable to drying outdoors, because it allows you to preserve the aroma, color and characteristics of the plants. It is suitable when the leaves are tender and it is also simple to do because, once prepared, you just need to let them dry.

Step 1. Bind the herbs into a bundle

Join them at the height of the stems with a rubber band. The flowers should be placed upside down.

• If you combine different types of herbs in the same bundle, drying times vary, so it is preferable to make bunches of a single type of plant until with experience you can create varied compositions knowing the drying times of each.

  

• If you prepare more than one bundle, make sure that the dimensions are roughly the same so that the drying times coincide. It will be easier to store or use them because you won't have to wait for more to dry out. It all depends on their intended use and your immediate needs.

  

Step 2. Decide whether to use a paper bag

The paper bag allows you to speed up the drying process and, at the same time, collect seeds, leaves, etc. However, by not using it, you will be able to admire the wonderful bundles of herbs and spices that decorate your home.

Step 3. Choose something to hang and dry the plants on

You can use whatever you like, such as a ladder, ceiling beam, hanger, or nail.

• You can also use a grill or mosquito net. If the screen comes from an old window, use it for this purpose after cleaning and fixing it. Position it so that the air passes freely from both sides. In this case, you won't have to turn the herbs every day to prevent them from curling.

  

Step 4. Let them dry

The herbs should be kept away from direct sunlight and humidity, otherwise they will be damaged. Drying times vary from 5 days to a few weeks, depending on the type of plant.

Step 5. Move them once dry

They are ready when they are crumbly and have lost all moisture.

Step 6. Use them in the kitchen, for medicinal purposes, to beautify the home or in crafts

Many herbs crumble easily and can be mixed to make a bouquet garni or potpourri composition.

Method 5 of 9: Dry Herbs in the Oven

It is possible to dry the herbs in the oven and subsequently use them in cooking or for medicinal purposes.

Step 1. Turn on the oven at very low temperature:

at a minimum it will be fine. Leave the door open.

Step 2. Arrange them on a baking sheet

Step 3. Place the pan on the lowest shelf

Proceed to drying by turning the collected herbs frequently. When they look a little wilted, take them out of the oven.

Step 4. Arrange the racks on top if you have a wood-burning oven

Spread the herbs on the wire racks and let them dry in the oven for as long as necessary.

Method 6 of 9: Dry Herbs in the Microwave Oven

This method is excellent if you are short on time and need it for craftsmanship. However, it is neither suitable for use in cooking nor for medicinal purposes because silica gel is toxic. You should do some tests because the times vary enormously depending on the plants and the results can be not very encouraging!

Step 1. Spread a thin layer of silica gel on the base of the microwave bowl

Step 2. Add the leaves or flowers

Separate all the pieces, avoiding them touching each other.

Step 3. Start the microwave

Set the oven on low power, such as half power or using the defrost control. Keep it on for a couple of minutes, then turn it off for another ten. Check the drying level. If that's enough, you can use herbs. If not, repeat the treatment for about a minute.

• If two minutes is too long and the herbs have become excessively dehydrated, try again and reduce the time by 30 seconds. Keep experimenting until you find the exact time for each type of plant.
• Herbs that tend to dry well in the air and shrink slightly in the microwave (like thyme) need less time than those that don't dehydrate well in fresh air (like basil).

Step 4. Use them only for crafts or for decorating

As already mentioned, by treating herbs with silica gel you cannot use them for food consumption.

Method 7 of 9: Using Desiccants

Herbs dried with this method can only be used in crafts or decorations. Do not use them in the kitchen or for medicinal purposes.

Step 1. Choose a desiccant

A desiccant is a substance that absorbs moisture. Those suitable for herbs are cornmeal, sand, orris root, borax, silica gel and even cat litter.

One of the most used is silica gel, because it is light and does not damage plants. It is easily found in craft shops. In any case, when using it, wear a mask to avoid breathing in the vapors

Step 2. Collect the herbs

Harvest when the moisture has not attacked the herbs or flowers.

Step 3. Spread a 2.5cm-high layer of desiccant inside a plastic or glass container

Glass and plastic do not favor humidity.

Step 4. Arrange the herbs on the desiccant

Separate the flowers so they don't touch. Do the same with the leaves and petals so that the desiccant can penetrate and act in every part of the plant.

• If you need to preserve the shape of the petals and leaves, check that they do not bend and adjust them as you apply the desiccant.
• If you want, you can prepare multiple layers of desiccant and herbs. However, consider that the heavier the weight on top, the more the underlying parts are likely to shatter.

Step 5. Remove the desiccant when it has finished working

You will have to wait a few days. The substance you used will dry the leaves and flowers, making them very crumbly. Use a small brush or camera bellows to remove the desiccant without damaging the herbs being dried. Handle them with care.

Be careful not to over-dehydrate them or they will crumble when you try to separate them

Step 6. Use this method only for crafts and decorating

Herbs treated in this way are not suitable for food consumption.

Method 8 of 9: Dry Herbs Inside a Composition

Some plants can be easily dried in the place where they are placed, for example in a flower arrangement or during the making of a handicraft work.

Step 1. Choose suitable species for this purpose

Not all herbs are suitable for this method, but you can use the leaves and flowers of some plants, including yarrow, fennel, and rosemary.

Step 2. Use them fresh if you want them to dry out in a composition

For example, you can place them in a vase or bouquet alongside other species or add them in a craft work, such as a flower garland or plant intertwining.

Step 3. Place them in a dry environment

Do this, without forgetting to check them regularly. If you notice any signs of mold or something odd, remove them.

Method 9 of 9: Dry the herbs by pressing them

Step 1. See the article How to Press Flowers and Leaves to know the suitable materials

Pressed plants can be used in crafting such as photo albums, framed prints, bookmarks and collages.

Step 2. Work completed

Advice

• Herbs that lend themselves to the drying process include: lavender (it looks good for years), rosemary (it also lasts for years), bay leaves, hops, some varieties of oregano and marjoram.
• Herb seeds are best dehydrated in fresh air with the use of a paper bag for their collection. Then they should be stored in airtight containers.
• You can make a drying rack by getting a piece of wood (pretty shaped if you like) that you can attach strips to at regular intervals. On the back, mount a suspension device and with pretty characters write the word "plants" or paint a few leaves to remind you what it is for. Hang the grill on a wall that is suitable for this use. Arrange the herbs on the strips, separating them from each other. The plants you can use are rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, marjoram and flower buds.
• All herbs reduced to powder or crushed should be stored in airtight containers away from direct light. If you have to use them in the kitchen, consume them within six months so as not to spoil the aroma.
• Freezing is also a drying method. It is best to use in cooking when aroma preservation is more important than appearance.

Warnings

• Damp grasses tend to get moldy. If it happens, throw it away.
• High temperatures destroy plants. Avoid increasing the heat to dry them.
• Once dried, many herbs wither, darken and lose all their aesthetic value. Typically, drying methods are learned by trial and error with herbs from your garden. Sometimes you will have to choose between aroma, taste or appearance when the three together do not keep together.
• Do not put them to dry in very humid environments, such as bathrooms and kitchens. However, if you can keep the heat by wiping out the moisture, cooking is fine too.
• Use rubber bands instead of laces. The reason is simple: the elastic holds the stems together even when they shrink due to drying. The lacing on the other hand is not as effective, so the bundles can slip and fall when you hang them to dry.
• Silica gel is toxic. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Do not inhale the vapors when using it (wear a mask) and do not ingest any dried herb with this substance.