How to Dry Herbs: Loose Leaf Method: Remove the leaves from the stem and place them on an absorbent towel or a screen. Flip regularly to make sure they dry evenly on all sides. Bunch Method: Long stems can also be tied into small bunches and hung upside down in a dark, dry area at a temperature of about 70-80 degrees. Hanging the herbs in the dark helps to preserve their green color. |
Oven Method: Although a less energy-efficient method, you can also dry herbs in the oven. Place a single layer of herbs in a flat shallow pan and dry in an open oven at temperatures no higher than 180 degrees for 2-3 hours. Microwave Method: Last but not least, another option is to place the clean leaves on a paper plate or paper towel in the microwave and heat in 30 second intervals for 1-3 minutes. Mix the leaves at each interval. Note that herbs dried in the oven or microwave may lose some of their flavor, oils, or color. Blog by: Sabine Ehlers, CMG | You will know your herbs are dried when they crumble easily. Now they are ready to be stored. |