How to Dry Herbs

The rich flavors that belong to herbs can bring alive a boring meal, while the health benefits they provide sometimes cannot even be matched by the most expensive medicines. In the process of drying herbs, what one actually does is retain their flavors and aroma, for longer periods, thereby making it an effective substitute in places where fresh herbs are not easily available or grown. Whatever your purpose of using herbs may be, learning how to dry herbs is a good way to reap all those benefits that you have only heard about. If you are an avid gardener, and a believer in the power of herbs, this article is for you.

Before You Begin

Before you begin the process of drying herbs, there are certain steps that you should follow to be able to maintain their rich flavor and aroma.

• Harvest the herbs just before they flower as that is when they contain the maximum amount of essential oils. These oils are what contribute to the rich flavor and aroma of herbs.
• Harvest the herbs during mid-morning, that is, after the dew on the leaves has been dried out.
• If the weather is very humid, or it has just rained, or it is about to rain, don't harvest the herbs for drying, as the process will not be effective in this weather, and may cause the herbs to wilt.
• Take only healthy herbs from the herb plant, and pick out dry leaves. Rinse them, get rid of the excess water by shaking it off, and lay them out on paper towels to dry temporarily.

You can now proceed to dry the herbs.

Drying Herbs at Home

After you have completed the above-mentioned steps, you can now begin to dry the herbs at home, using various methods.

Naturally
The process of air drying herbs is by far the most effective way of retaining its natural flavor. Though the process is slightly time-consuming, its results are always the best.

• Tie together, about 6 branches of the herbs you wish to dry with a rubber band or a string. Some herbs have a higher water content than others. Tie lesser branches together in such a case.
• Take a paper bag, and perforate it with small holes. Put in the bundle of herbs into the bag, upside down.
• Tie the bag and hang it upside down in a well-lit and well-ventilated room. Avoid exposing herbs to direct sunlight.
• The process of drying will take about a week or two. However, it is important to keep a regular check on them.

In an Oven
If you want to dry herbs quickly, then doing so in the oven is an option for you.

• Lay out the herbs on a cookie sheet, and at a temperature of 180 ºF, place them in the oven for a period of about 3 - 4 hours.
• While drying herbs in a microwave oven, lay them on a paper towel and for a period of about 3 minutes, place them in the microwave on high. However, remember to turn them over every 30 seconds to avoid burning.
• Though the process of drying herbs in the oven is quicker than other methods, the flavors of the herbs are not retained and are sometimes even altered.

In a Dehydrator
Using a dehydrator is also a quick way of drying herbs at home. Follow these steps.

• To dry herbs in a dehydrator, preheat the machine between 95 ºF to 115 ºF.
• On a tray meant specifically for an electric dehydrator, lay out the herbs.
• Place in the dehydrator for a period between 1 - 4 hours, and keep a regular check on them to avoid burning.

Whether you wish to have dry herbs for tea, for a meal, or to cure various health problems, these tips are a great way to unlock their benefits. Store these dried herbs in airtight containers, and you have the secret ingredient to all your delicious meals and the secret ingredient to your good health, all year round!