Drying herbs is a great way to store them when they are out of season. Dried parsley can give your dishes more vibrancy in terms of color and flavor. Air drying is a cost effective and easy to implement method. Follow these steps to learn how to air dry parsley.
Steps
Step 1. Collect the parsley before the first sprouts appear
Do this early in the morning, but only after the dew drops have evaporated to prevent the parsley from wilting. The parsley is harvested by grouping the twigs with the hand and cutting them off at the level of the stem with a sharp knife. If you don't have your own herb garden, consider that many grocery stores sell different types of fresh herbs, including parsley.
Step 2. Wash the parsley
Shake the leaves lightly after rinsing them to remove any residual water. Gently dab them to avoid breaking them.
Step 3. Look for any damaged leaves and remove them
Step 4. Collect the parsley in small bunches, then tie them together with a small piece of string
Step 5. Hang the bunches upside down in a warm, well-ventilated place to dry
Step 6. Check the herb from time to time to see if it is dry enough to fit into a container
If the parsley crunches between your fingers, it means it's ready. If not, it means it needs more time. The time it takes to dry parsley varies according to the humidity level and temperature of the room in which you are drying it.
Step 7. Now, gently remove the dried parsley leaves from the stem and place them in the containers
Step 8. Store dried parsley in airtight containers until you use them
Advice
- Dried herbs are generally three to four times stronger than fresh herbs. The fact that they are dried causes their flavor to be more concentrated. When using them in a recipe, check whether fresh or dried herbs are required. If fresh herbs are required, reduce the amount of dried herbs by at least a quarter. If, on the other hand, they taste stronger, reduce the amount by a third.
- Although it is possible to dry parsley outdoors, the best results are usually obtained when parsley is dried indoors. In these cases, the parsley will be of a brighter color and will have better retained its flavor.
- Once you understand the steps to air-dry parsley, you can try the same process with thyme, rosemary, sage, and savory.
Warnings
- As for herbs with softer leaves, such as basil, mint, oregano, and tarragon, the process won't be as easy as with parsley. These herbs are at greater risk of mold if they are not dried quickly, so they are better suited to drying with a dehydrator. However, it is possible to air dry them in small quantities if placed in a paper bag with holes for ventilation. The larger the bunch, the greater the risk of developing mold.
- Drying parsley leaves in sunlight prevents this herb from retaining flavor and color. If you decide to dry parsley in the open air, make sure it is not exposed to sunlight.
