Nothing is better than harvesting your own fresh herbs right at home, but what happens when you can’t possibly use your entire harvest before it goes bad? That’s where knowing how to dry and store your herbs properly comes in to save the day!
Not growing any herbs at home yet? Check out our herb growing guides here!
With the process of drying and storing being pretty simple, you can replace all those dried herbs in your cabinet that are from the grocery with homemade goodness in no time!
Drying Your Herbs
There are two methods to drying herbs depending on the amount of space you have and how long you want the process to take. Either way, start harvesting your herbs, as that’s the first step for both drying methods!
Option #1 – Air Drying:
Personally, this is our favorite way to dry herbs.
What You’ll Need:
- String (or an herb drying rack like this one)
- An area to hang the string or place the drying rack
- After you’ve harvested your herbs, simply set up an area to hang the herbs by hanging a long string across an area for the herbs to hang from. We use a window and two push pins to hold the string across the length of the window. This way the drying herbs get some sunlight and it’s easy.
- Once the area is set up, take a bundle of herbs and tie a knot around them.
- Then, take that bundle and tie it around your long string.
- Continue this process until all of your herbs are hung.
- Allow the herbs to hang until they’re completely dry (some may fall as they dry)
- If you’re using an herb drying rack, simply place the herbs on to the rack and allow the herbs to dry completely before storing them.
Option #2 – Quick Drying with Heat:
What You’ll Need:
- An oven
- A cookie sheet or tray for the oven
- After harvesting the herbs, you’ll place them in a single layer on to trays to be placed in the oven.
- Preheat your oven to the lowest possible setting. The temperature should not exceed 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on your oven, you may find that you need to leave the door open to ensure the temperature doesn’t get too hot.
- Once all of your herbs are ready to go into the oven, simply place the trays in the oven and allow them to heat for 2 – 4 hours.
- You will want to check on them regularly to ensure they do not burn. If you touch the leaves and they crumble, the herbs are dry and ready to take out.
Storing Your Dried Herbs
Now that your herbs are dry,it’s time to store them!
What You’ll Need:
- An airtight container (preferably glass)
- Crumble your dried herbs up so they are not whole leaves and resemble the dried herbs you purchase at the grocery store.
- After the herbs are crumbled up, simply funnel them into the airtight containers that you plan on storing them in. We often use old ones from the grocery store or small mason jars (like these ones) to store our dried herbs.
- Place in the cabinet and enjoy with your next meal!
And, that’s really all there is to drying and storing your herbs right at home!
Have questions or comments?
Leave them below!