I use a dehydrator to dry my herbs. Mine’s not real glamorous but it works great. I’ll bet you could find one at a garage sale for a great price!
I don’t pack the herbs, or whatever I’m drying, too tightly so the heated air is able to move around better. Because the heating element is at the bottom I move the trays around for more even drying. (btw, that baggie in the picture is full of ‘Spicy Globe’ Basil!)
Dehydrator
You can bunch your long-stemmed herbs, such as spearmint, tying them together at the stem end and then place in a paper bag with the bottom cut out and ventilation holes punched in the sides. Hang upside down in a sunless room with low humidity.
Paper bag herb drying
The microwave method is quick but you can scorch the herbs or even start a fire so you’ve GOT to keep an eye on them.
If you washed the herbs, then make sure they’re dry before you nuke them. Put only 4 or 5 herb branches in at a time and place them between two paper towels. Microwave them for 2 to 3 mins.
If they’re not brittle and dry, then nuke again for about 30 seconds. Let them cool and place them in air tight containers.
Tags: dehydrator, herb drying, Herbs
