How to Dry Herbs? 10 Incredibly Useful Ideas

apoorvagoel99
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How to dry herbs is a garden-variety problem that arises for any and all of us who are suckers for seasonings. The moment it dawns on us that the herb growing season is coming to an end, we panic.

Or worse, we overcompensate and end up with a plethora of sauces we might never even get down to use. Fortunately, parching herbs is a simple and satisfying hack to extend the shelf life of your additives and enhance the flavors of your dishes.

So, picture this, you are in your zone on a warm summer day, the sun is shining, the notions are buzzing, and your fresh herb mania is at its height.

how to dry herbs
By: Irenna___/ Pixabay. Copyright 2022

But as the seasons change and summer gives way to the season of the falling leaves, you realize that the growing season is coming to an end, but this time you don’t panic. Instead, you rejoice because you have got the task of drying your herbs right on track.

This means the taste and flavor of your summer-grown fresh herbs will keep you company even in the harsh winter, as your herbs adorn your soups and other delicacies.

So, whether you are an educated gardener or a neophyte chef looking to try new flavors, we bring you all the information that you need in your arsenal. So snare your hand pruners and let’s get started without further ado!

1. What are Dry Herbs and Seasonings?

Dry herbs1 fall under the umbrella of plant-based products retrieved as a result of the removal of all or most of the water content to extend the shelf-life.

Drying herbs is a simple and cost-effective way to extend the shelf life of your herbs, making it easier to keep your closet grazed with herbs throughout the year, even outside of the growing season.

Remember the flakes and oregano that have helped you spice things up every now and then? Yeah, that’s it.

Their magic happens because of the drying process. We simply remove the moisture from the leaves, flowers, or stems, which slows down the growth of bacteria and mold that can cause spoilage. And Viola! Your seasonings are at your behest.

2.1. Preserves Flavour 

The first good thing when you dry your own herbs or buy dried herbs pertains to the flavor they preserve. Beyond that, even the aroma, and medicinal properties of your herbs are retained post-drying.

2.2. Easy on the Finances

Fresh herbs can be expensive to buy or time-consuming to grow, and they don’t always last long in the refrigerator. By drying your herbs, you can have a ready supply of herbs on hand for cooking, herbal remedies, or decorative purposes.

2.3. Adds Variety

Drying herbs allows you to try something with different flavor profiles and blends. When herbs are dried, their flavors become more concentrated, making them ideal for seasoning dishes, creating homemade tea blends, or adding fragrance to potpourri.

How to Make Dried Flower and Herb Potpourri

3. Why Should You Choose Dry Herbs?

Not everyone is a plant freak looking for new gardening techniques and tips. But most of us have a weak spot for food that’s so tasty and aromatic that our mouth waters uncontrollably. Naturally then, going the dry herb way is a logical move for everyone and anyone.

3.1. Longer Shelf Life

When herbs are dried, the moisture is removed from the plant material, which prevents the growth of mold. This makes the herbs less prone to going bad, and they can be stored for months, without losing their potency.

3.2. Concentrated Flavors

Once the water from the herbs has been removed due to the drying process, the flavor becomes more stark and concentrated. Such kind of intense flavor adds an extra something when you cook.

3.3. Convenient Storage

Bottled up in glass jars and air-tight bags or containers, dry herbs don’t take up a lot of space in your kitchen, even as they last several seasons. They can be stashed easily, or taken out in batches.

3.4. Versatile Use

Dried herbs can be used in a variety of ways, including cooking, making herbal teas, and creating homemade beauty and wellness products.

how to dry herbs
By: Lisa Hobbs/ Unsplash. Copyright 2017

3.5. Cost-effective

Keeping kitchen costs under review without compromising on taste is at the center of subaltern cooking. Having a supply of herbs on hand can kill two birds with one stone.

Fresh herbs aren’t just expensive, they are also perishable. Drying your own herbs allows you to save money and reduce waste. Setting aside some fresh herbs, drying them at home, and storing them for future use means you get to taste the summer herbs all year long.

Being homemade, they are not only authentic and without chemical processing, but they save you those extra bucks when you host a bunch of friends at home for a sumptuous meal and want to wow everyone with your culinary genius.

Seasoning
By Pixabay/ Pexels.. Copyright 2016

4. Tagging Herbs: Varieties of Herbs You Can Dehydrate

As you get into dehydrating herbs, you will find that some herbs are better suited for drying than others, and some herbs retain their flavor better when dried. Here’s a run-down of the very best of them all.

4.1. Rosemary

Rosemary 2is a hardy herb that is ideal for drying. It has a strong, woodsy aroma and a robust flavor that intensifies once dried. It is perfect for use in marinades, rubs, meat-based dishes, and roasts.

4.2. Oregano

The strong herb oregano is used a lot in Italian and Mediterranean cooking. When dried, it has a strong bitter flavor that adds depth to sauces, soups, and stews.

how to dry herbs
By: ulleo/ Pixabay. Copyright 2017

4.3. Thyme

Thyme is a fragrant herb that dries well and retains its flavor. It combines easily with food items or raw ingredients as far apart as meat and vegetables. Apart from them it also goes nicely with poultry and fish. Talk about versatility!

Thyme has a distinct flavor that serves as an undercut to the base taste of your dish. It has the added advantage of converging two contradictory taste profiles. So, not only is it mildly sweet, but it also features a lemony flavor.

Further, while it can be worked and dried via traditional air-drying, what’s particularly interesting is the general success thyme is said to have in a dehydrator as its drying agent. If you are serious about drying herbs, thyme should be somewhere at the top of your priorities.

Drying Herbs - Dehydrating Mint and Thyme with a Sahara Folding Dehydrator Herb Feature

4.4. Sage

As far as flavors go, the herb sage offers one of the most unique flavors you will ever get. What’s more intriguing is that, unlike other herbs which might lose the starkness of their taste after drying, sage gets stronger when it’s dried.

It has a slightly bitter and earthy flavor, which can typically pair exceptionally well with poultry, pork, and vegetables.

4.5. Lavender

Lavender is a fantastic aromatic herb that is commonly used in aromatherapy and beauty products.

how to dry herbs
By: FinjaM/ Pixabay. Copyright 2021

Its uses are many when it is dried as it retains its fragrance. Chances are you already have lavender aroma sachets and herbal teas purchased from the market. So, why not make some of your own?

4.6. Mint

Mint is a refreshing herb that is perfect for drying. It has a sweet, cool flavor and can be used across food items including medicinal-herbal teas, flavored water, and even desserts.

If you want your food to carry a slightly sweet aftertaste that sticks around even after you are done eating, dry mint should be your herb of choice.

how to dry herbs
By: Anna Pou/ Pexels. Copyright 2021

5. What do You Need for Drying Herbs?

Dehydrating herbs at the commercial scale is gigantic. Those shelved bottles of dry herbs crowding market stores have often graced the homes of the average taste seeker.

But if you really want to serve your palate, drying herbs at home is the way to go. With the right tools, hacks, and tricks, it becomes a matter of when you will have your own stash of aromatic dry herbs, rather than a question of if.

How to Harvest Herbs

5.1. Harvested Herbs

To get the best quality dry herbs it’s necessary to choose the very best and fresh herbs you can find. Choose fresh herbs that are in their high. Avoid using a plant that is wilted or has started to turn brown.

5.2. Scissors or Pruners

Use a sharp brace of scissors or pruners to crop the shops’ seasoning. Avoid damaging the factory while harvesting.

5.3. Twine or Rubber Bands

We must rush the herbs together for drying. Twine or rubber bands are both stylish options.

5.4. Brown Paper Bags

To keep the herbs free of dust and insects while they’re drying, you need paper bags.

5.5. Drying Rack or Screen

Use a drying rack or screen to give the herbs ventilation while they’re drying.

how to dry herbs
By: sbaynham/ Pixabay. Copyright 2019

6. How to Dry Herbs?

There are several diverse styles of condiment drying, each with its advantages and disadvantages. They are some of the most frequent styles of drying flavorings.

6.1. Air Drying

Air drying is the most traditional system for drying savories, and it’s also the easiest. It involves harvesting your spices in the morning after the dew has faded and removing any dead or damaged leaves.

This process requires tying the stems together in small bunches and hanging or storing them in a dry and dark place. This is a natural drying process that depends upon the drying up of water content directly into the air.

Once the leaves start deteriorating, the herbs can be stored in air-tight containers. This system works well for seasonings with low humidity content, similar to rosemary, thyme, and oregano.

How to Air Dry Herbs - Start to Finish || Black Gumbo

6.2. Roaster Drying

Roaster drying is faster than air drying, but it can beget some savories to roaster drying color and flavor. It’s stylish to use this system for herbs that have a strong flavor, similar to rosemary or thyme.

One has to be careful to preheat the roaster to the smallest temperature setting, generally around 140- 170 °F (60- 75 °C). Once the baking spread for the roaster has been compiled on diploma paper, it can be propped onto it.

During this process, the oven door is recommended to be left open slightly to allow for ventilation and to keep checking the spices every 10- 15 minutes to insure they aren’t drying unevenly.

This system works well for relishes with high humidity content, similar to basil and mint.

6.3. Dehydrator Drying

A dehydrator is an excellent tool for drying herbs, as it allows you to constrain the temperature and tailwind.

One can set the dehydrator temperature to around 95 °F (35 °C) for delicate relishes or over 125 °F (52 °C) for hardier herbs. The good thing about using a dehydrator is that you can leave your herbs in there for several hours until they are crisp and dry.

Using a dehydrator is the fastest and most operative system for drying sauces, but it’s also the most expensive. However, investing in a dehydrator may be worth the cost, If you plan to dry herbs regularly.

Dehydrating Herbs and Drying Herbs - FOOD DEHYDRATING 101

6.4. Microwave Oven Drying

Microwave oven drying is your quick fix when it comes to drying seasonings. It requires you to get rid of all dead and damaged leaves and place them on a microwave oven-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Making sure the herbs aren’t touching each other is a must.

Now, these can be microwaved on high power for 30 seconds. There is no hard and fast rule to this. These leaves can be microwaved for more time if they aren’t dried to the necessary level, achieving that classic dry herb crispiness!

Once that crisp texture is achieved, all that’s left is to remove the herbs/seasonings from the microwave oven and let them cool, before they are stored in an air-tight vessel.

Microwaving is a very convenient and home-friendly technique to dry herbs, however, using this method is susceptible to some seasonings losing their color and flavor.

How To Dry Herbs In The Microwave (Crisp in Seconds)

6.5. Cold Wave Drying

Cold wave drying is a system of conserving herbs by removing the humidity from them. Here, once the herbs have been thoroughly washed, and all damaged leaves have been removed, the herbs are placed in a freezer.

This process works on the principle of indurating the herbs for several hours or until they are fully firmed. Eventually, they can be removed from the freezer and transferred to a vacuum-sealed bag or vessel.

This bag or vessel can be placed in a cold wave teetotaler until the herbs are fully dry. This can take several hours to many days, depending on the type of herbs and the size of the batch.

Cold wave drying is a more time-devouring system of drying herbs, but it can have a brilliant effect on herbs used in sauces. Such herbs that are dried through this process retain their color, flavor, and aroma better than other styles.

How to Dry Herbs

7. Stowing and Utilizing Desiccated Herbs

The most significant aspect of learning how to dry herbs is the ned result of it all. Once, the herbs have been seared and dehydrated, their storage needs to be ensured.

7.1. Store your Herbs in Watertight Holders

To discourage your herbs from absorbing humidity and losing their flavor, store them in watertight holders, similar to glass jars or plastic bags. Be sure to label your holders with the name of the condiment and the date it was dried.

7.2. Keep Your Herbs in a Cool Place

Dried herbs are sensitive to light and heat, so it’s important to store them in a cool, dark place, similar to a closet or cupboard. Avoid storing your herbs near the cookstove or in direct sun, as this can beget them to lose their flavor and color.

how to dry herbs
By: Anna Pou/ Pexels. Copyright 2021

7.3. Use Your Herbs in Temperance

Dried herbs are more potent than fresh herbs, so be sure to use them in temperance. Start with a small quantum and acclimate the seasoning to taste.

7.4. Trial With Different Composites

Dried herbs can be mixed and matched to produce unique seasoning blends that add depth and complexity to your dishes. Try experimenting with different combinations of herbs to find your favourite composites.

8. Creative Uses for Dried Herbs

Dried herbs can be used in various ways, and their use is not limited to culinary applications. Here are some creative uses for dried herbs:

8.1. Herbal Sachets

When you think about fragrance, you can never go wrong with herbal fragrant sachets created from dried herbs for use in closets, rooms, and even in vehicles.

Combining dried lavender, rose petals, and chamomile to create a relaxing and calming sachet should be right up the alley of a gardening enthusiast and dry herring gardener.

8.2. Potpourri

This is a classic variation of the herbal sachet. It has a cultural presence across various communities. When dried herbs meet dried flowers, what do you get? You get a divine scent that fulfils your soul and heart.

herbal tea
By Mareefe/ Pexels Copyright 2018

8.3. Herbal Teas

Dried herbs can and must be used to make herbal teas3. Not only are herbal teas easy on the tongue, but they can have a range of health benefits. Some popular herbs for tea include chamomile, mint, and lemon balm.

8.4. Bath Salts

Dried herbs can be used to make homemade bath salts, which can provide a relaxing and soothing bath experience. Combine dried lavender, chamomile, and Epsom salt for a calming bath.

8.5 Aromatherapy

how to dry herbs
By: monicore/ Pixabay. Copyright 205

Dried herbs can be used in aromatherapy to provide a range of benefits, from relaxation to relief from headaches or congestion.

Use dried eucalyptus or peppermint to help clear sinuses, or dried lavender to promote relaxation.

8.6. Homemade Herbal Soap

how to dry herbs
By: heyerlein/ Pixabay. Copyright 2018

Dried herbs can be added to homemade soap to provide a natural fragrance and even some added health benefits. Use dried calendula petals for their skinsoothing properties, or dried rosemary for a refreshing scent.

9. Unconventional Ways to Use Dried Herbs in Your Daily Life

9.1. Create a Herbal First Aid Kit

Dried herbs like comfrey, calendula, and yarrow can be used to make natural remedies for minor injuries like cuts, bruises, and burns.

9.2. DIY Herbal Insect Repellent

Create a natural insect repellent by mixing dried herbs like citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus with a carrier oil and essential oils.

Herbal Hair care
By Karolina Grabowska/ Pexels @2020

9.3. Herbal Hair Care

Add dried herbs like rosemary, chamomile, and nettle to your hair care routine by making an herbal hair rinse or infusing your shampoo with herbs.

9.4. Natural Cleaning Products

Use dried herbs like lavender, thyme, and lemon balm to create natural cleaning products for your home. These herbs have antibacterial properties and can leave your home smelling fresh and clean.

9.5. Herbal Relaxation Blends

Dried herbs like mullein, damiana, and skullcap can be used to create herbal smoking blends that provide a relaxing and calming effect.

 
how to dry herbs
By: conger design/ Pixabay. Copyright 2016

10. Conclusion

Dried herbs are a great addition to any kitchen or home, and can be used in a variety of creative ways beyond just seasoning food.

From herbal sachets to homemade soap4, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using dried herbs.

Whether you’re looking to relax, soothe your skin, or simply add some fragrance to your home, dried herbs are the perfect solution. So go ahead and learn how to dry herbs.

To find more information about herbs 12 Types of Herbs: Their Uses and Importance

  1. Kumar, Suresh. “Efficient method of storage of dry herbs.” Journal for Drugs and Medicines 5.2 (2013): A1-A3. ↩︎
  2. Mohammed, Hamdoon A., et al. “Drying induced impact on composition and oil quality of rosemary herb, Rosmarinus officinalis Linn.” Molecules 25.12 (2020): 2830. ↩︎
  3. Ravikumar, Chandini. “Review on herbal teas.” Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 6.5 (2014): 236. ↩︎
  4. Bhavani, J., et al. “FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL SOAP BY USING NATURAL INGREDIENTS.” (2023). ↩︎

Last Updated on by Sathi

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Apoorva is currently doing an internship for ICY TALES as a content writer and pursuing M.Sc in botany. She loves writing, reading, and playing badminton. She feels relaxed while painting and creating new things.