By: Nikki Phipps

There are various ways how to dry herbs; however, they should always be fresh and clean beforehand.

Hanging Herbs to Dry

Hanging herbs to dry at room temperature is the easiest and least expensive way how to dry herbs. Remove the lower leaves and bundle 4-6 branches together, securing with string or a rubber band. Place them upside down in a brown paper bag, with stems protruding and tie closed. Punch small holes along the top for air circulation. Hang the bag in a warm, dark, area for about 2 to 4 weeks, checking periodically until the herbs are dry.

This process works best with low moisture herbs (dill, marjoram, rosemary, summer savory, and thyme). Herbs with high moisture content (basil, oregano, tarragon, lemon balm, and mint) will mold if not dried quickly. Therefore, if you are going to air dry these types of herbs, make certain the bundles are small and in a well-ventilated area.

Oven Drying Herbs

A kitchen oven is often used for drying herbs. Microwave ovens can also be used for quicker drying of herbs. When oven drying herbs, place the leaves or stems on a cookie sheet and warm them about 3-4 hours with the oven door at about 180°F. Microwave herbs on a paper towel on high for about 1-3 minutes, turning them over every 30 seconds.

When drying herbs, microwave ovens should be used as a last resort. While oven drying herbs is faster, this can diminish both oil content and flavor, especially if dried too quickly.

Dry Herbs Using an Electric Dehydrator

Another fast, easy, and effective way how to dry herbs is to dry herbs using an electric dehydrator. Temperature and air circulation can be controlled more easily. Preheat the dehydrator between 95 and 115° or slightly higher for more humid areas. Place herbs in a single layer on dehydrator trays and dry anywhere from 1-4 hours, checking periodically. Herbs are dry when they crumble, and stems break when bent.

How to Dry Herbs Using Other Methods

Tray drying herbs is another method. This can be done by stacking trays on one another and placing in a warm, dark place until the herbs are dry. Likewise, you can remove leaves from the stems and lay them on a paper towel. Cover with another paper towel and continue layering as needed. Dry in a cool oven overnight, using only the oven light.

Drying herbs in silica sand should not be used for edible herbs. This method of drying herbs is best suited for craft purposes. Place a layer of silica sand in the bottom of an old shoebox, arrange herbs on top, and cover them with more silica sand. Place the shoebox in a warm room for about 2-4 weeks until the herbs are thoroughly dry.

Once herbs are dry, store them in airtight containers that are labeled and dated, as they are best used within a year. Place them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Whether you decided to try oven drying herbs, hanging herbs to dry, drying herbs in a microwave or dry herbs using an electric dehydrator, taking the time to do this will help save the flavor of summer for the winter months.