Dehydrating Herbs at Home
Drying herbs requires steady, low-temperature airflow to remove moisture without cooking the essential oils. The most reliable method is hanging woody stems in a paper bag or using a dehydrator set to its lowest setting until the leaves snap cleanly rather than bending.
Target the peak of freshness
Harvest herbs just after the morning dew evaporates but before the midday sun peaks, as this is when the concentration of essential oils is highest.
- Kitchen twine
- Paper lunch bags
- Dehydrator
- Cool, dark closet
Listen for the snap
Your herbs are ready when the leaves shatter instantly between your fingers. If they feel leathery or limp, they contain residual moisture that will cause mold in storage.
The method.
Clean and sort
Gently rinse herbs in cold water to remove grit and pat them thoroughly dry with a clean towel. Discard any yellowing or damaged leaves.
Bundle for hanging
Gather 5-8 stems into a small bunch. Tie the base tightly with twine. If the herbs are prone to shedding, place the bunch inside a paper bag with holes poked in the sides, tying the bag closed at the base of the stems.
Position
Hang the bundles upside down in a warm, dry area away from direct sunlight. Sunlight causes the leaves to fade and lose their aromatic quality.
Use a dehydrator (optional)
Lay leaves in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Set the machine to its lowest temperature, usually 95°F to 110°F, and check progress every 2 hours.
Store
Strip the dried leaves from the stems and crumble them slightly if desired. Keep them in opaque glass jars in a cool, dark cupboard.
Other turns to take.
Woody Herbs
Rosemary, thyme, and oregano dry best hanging in bundles due to their low moisture content.
Soft-Leafed Herbs
Basil, parsley, and cilantro have high water content and should be processed in a dehydrator or a very low oven to prevent spoilage before they dry.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Always leave the leaves whole until you are ready to use them; this preserves the volatile oils longer than storing them pre-crushed.
Label your jars with the name and the date; dried herbs generally hold their potency for about one year.
If you see any condensation inside the jar after the first 24 hours of storage, the herbs were not dry enough. Re-dehydrate them immediately.
The ones that keep coming up.
Why use paper bags for hanging?
The bags keep dust off the herbs, catch any leaves that fall during the drying process, and protect the herbs from light.
Can I use an oven instead of a dehydrator?
Yes, set the oven to its lowest temperature and leave the door propped open slightly to allow moisture to escape. Watch them closely, as it is easy to accidentally toast rather than dry the herbs.
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