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3 Ways to Dry Herbs

How To

April 17, 2023 by Kelsey J

Project Time: 1 hours

If you’ve ever tried growing herbs in your garden, you know that you usually end up harvesting more than you can use up before winter. Drying herbs is easy, and one of the best ways to preserve them. We will learn all about how to dry herbs, including the best types to use.

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First, take the leaves off of the stem of the herb. then before drying your herbs be sure to clean them thoroughly. Fill a large bowl with water and add the fresh herbs to the bowl, swish them around in the water and change the water out until it is clean and the fresh herbs are dirt and debris free. Take the herbs out and pat them dry so there is no water left on them.

Drying Herbs by Microwave

Drying herbs in the microwave is one of the fastest ways to dry your herbs, but you have to watch the herbs carefully to make sure you don't put them in too long and burn them. After cleaning your herbs put them onto a paper towel and place it in the microwave. Start drying the herbs at a time of one minute. After that one minute is done check the herbs, and if they are dry and crunchy and easily crumble they are done. If they are not done after one minute put them in for additional 15 second increments checking their crunchiness after each time.

Microwave Herbs

Drying Herbs in the Oven

Drying herbs in the oven is another great way to preserve your herbs. Turn your oven to the lowest possible temperature (normally around 200°F) and preheat. Spread your herbs out on an ungreased cookie sheet or a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes. If they are not yet dried check on them every 3 minutes after that until they are dried. Be careful as the herbs can burn quickly in the oven.

Oven Herbs

Dry Herbs by Hang Drying

After washing bundle 3-10 stems in one bunch. Using twine tie the stems of the herb together. Hang the herbs in a cool dry place. Let hang for 2 weeks and check on dryness. Be sure to check the bundle consistently to make sure no mold is developing.

herb hanging

How to store Dry Herbs

Be sure that all leaves are crispy and dry before storing so there is no worry about mold. You can store the herbs as full leaves like they are, or you can pull them off of their stems and crumble them up. Store the herbs with their full leaves or crumbled up in Mason jars and in a cool dry place for maximum preservation. Make sure to label your herbs so they don't get mixed up.

Herb Storage