My fascination with herbs began over twenty years ago. I’d plant a few each spring and I loved growing them. My first herb garden was tiny but beautiful and that was the extent of its usefulness. That was enough for a while. I was busy raising teenagers and following them in extra curricular activities and didn’t have energy time to explore and learn to use the herbs to their potential. I was satisfied with just the enjoyment of growing them.
Over the years though, I began to think that I’d like to start using the herbs I was growing, but I was unsure how to do so. After doing some research and finding many different instructions on ways to dry herbs, I became overwhelmed and did nothing. It seemed too complicated and too time consuming. I was disappointed and frustrated.
I did try using the microwave. And then I tried the oven. I ended up with a lot of burnt herbs.
Then I stumbled across something on the internet which gave me hope and renewed my spirit!
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Did you KNOW that you can successfully dry herbs by just letting them air dry naturally? I mean… I knew it I guess. I’d seen all those beautiful pictures of bunches of herbs hanging upside down in dark closets and such. But who has an empty dark closet? And who would remember they were hanging there until five years later??
But THIS! THIS was doable!
The only problem I could see with this simple idea is space. You need flat surfaces or counter space, but I could live with full countertops for a week or so. No hanging, no tying, no dark rooms.
- Clip fresh herb stems
- Rinse
- Shake off excess water
- Spread out on paper towels to dry
- Turn over once a day
Now how simple is that? This is something I could get around to doing! And after a week, maybe two, I’d have my own dried herbs.
You will know when they are completely dry because they will be crispy to the touch.
One day I may get fancy and buy pretty jars, but for now I use ziploc bags to store my freshly dried herbs. Before putting them into the baggies, strip the leaves off the coarse stems and just save the leaves. Stems are not generally very tasty.
This method of drying herbs works well for me. It’s super easy and that’s exactly what I need.
If you’d like to read more about herbs, you might like to check out my herb bed .
What? You don’t have an herb garden? You don’t know where to start? Get my CREATE YOUR OWN CULINARY HERB GARDEN 7 step system and learn not only how to get started, but all the way through to preserving your herbal harvest.
And if you are interested in a dehydrator, this Presto looks great and for a reasonable price! I’d like to try one some day.
If you are interested in other ways of preservation, this article from MORNING CHORES talks about 9 Great Ways to Preserve Herbs.
Does it really work? I mean, don’t they just go limp and sad and… huh. I guess I don’t really know what the drying process involves. I want to have herbs of my very own, but plants don’t cooperate with my vision.
Yes, it really works! And no, they don’t go limp, they get crispy dry. I’d love to see that vision that you have in your head, Michelle! 🙂
That does sound easy. I’ve thought about tying them to the rafters in the garage, but I’m skeptical that they’ll really dry in humid St. Louis. But, I bet they would in the house!
It doesn’t get any more humid than Alabama in the summertime! And this worked great here. Give it a try! 🙂
We’ve dried rosemary like this . Yes, it does work! And it’s easy!
Isn’t this the easiest way ever??! I am so excited to have discovered that it doesn’t have to be difficult. Thanks Alana 🙂
I’ve never had much luck growing herbs as my garden is mostly shade, partial shade, and wet, but I have dried a lot of flowers upside down in a dark shed…and it works!
It does take a lot of sun for herbs to grow well. And I know that hanging herbs in the dark works, I just can’t remember they are out there and to do something with them! ha! 🙂
Ahhh, now that makes sense and it’s so much easier than popping them in the over. It never works for me either.
So so easy! And every time I’ve tried the oven I immediately burn them up! I guess my oven doesn’t go low enough. I’ve also thought about a dehydrator but I don’t want to have to store another small appliance. 🙂
Perfect! Though, with MWA, it would work best for me to tie and hang from my open shelving! 😉 Thanks for the tip… it is inspiring! Pinned!
I think that would work too Julie! I’m guessing that the dark may make them keep more color but I’m not sure. I’m not upset with the color of mine dried right in my kitchen. Thanks for pinning. 🙂
This is sooo easy, Nikki! I have done that with a few herbs this year ~ I’m growing cilantro and basil along with a cucumber plant and tomatoes. Homegrown herbs taste so much better than store bought, too. <3 Pinned for you! In fact, I need to get on that for fall/winter to have some for this winter. Thanks for the tutorial and reminder!
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
I’ve never grown any for winter, my house is so dark. But I’d love to. Thanks for your support Barbara. 🙂
Great info! Have you tried it in a dehydrator .
No, I don’t own a dehydrator. I have thought about getting one but then I wonder where I’d store it so I never have. I’m sure it would work perfectly though. 🙂
Great tip, I’m featuring it this week on my blog, Thanks for sharing with us at the To Grandma’s we go link party!
Thanks so much Tarah! 🙂
We typically use fresh herbs when we cook if I can manage to keep the plants alive. I didn’t get the gardening gene from anyone. I usually get bored after a few weeks and stop watering. In fact, I have a gorgeous Thyme plant out back that’s probably as dry as those herbs on the counter. Guess I’ll stick to crafting and cooking and leave the gardening to the rest of the family.
As far as hobbies go, do what you enjoy! And that can change over time. I really still enjoy sewing, but I just never get around to it. Maybe when I retire. 🙂