Chumasande MatiwaneThe herbs from your garden are best when used fresh, but there are always more than you can use in one season. Learning how to dry your herbs comes into play because of this. There are many ways to dry fresh herbs, which can help retain the essential oils of the herbs and help maintain their flavours.
Drying fresh herbs
To retain the best flavour of your herbs, you need to either allow them to dry naturally or use a dehydrator. Both methods are effective and commonly used. Before you move to the drying process of your herbs, you’ll need to harvest them. When harvesting, gently shake the branches of your herbs to remove any insects and rinse with cool water to remove more insects. Now move to the drying process:
Air drying herbs
Hanging your herbs upside down to dry is a good start. Gather your herb stems and tie them in bundles. Place your herb bundles on a clothing line or get an herb drying rack. The main idea is to dry your herbs somewhere cool and dry, with partial shade. Direct sunlight can strip your herbs of the flavours you’re trying to preserve. Some herbs, like mint, tend to grow mould if exposed to too much moisture. Sage is a standout because of its ability to hold its fragrance when dried. Check your herbs regularly so they are not parched by the sun or mouldy because of the moisture.
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Using a dehydrator for drying
A basic home dehydrator works well with the lowest heat settings to dry your herbs. Depending on the settings you have chosen, a dehydrator can dry in as little as a couple of hours or may take longer. Just keep checking your herbs often so they don’t dry out too much. When using the dehydrator, don’t be tempted to hurry the process by cranking the heat; this will end up overdrying your herbs.
The best way to store your dried herbs
Your herbs must be thoroughly dried before you prepare them for storage. If your herbs are thoroughly dry, store them in a well-sealed glass jar in a dark, cool area or cabinet. Airtight jars help them retain the flavours. With this, you can use your freshly dried herbs all year round without worry.
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It’s possible to grow enough of your herbs, use them during the growing season and harvest enough to dry for the colder months. This way, you’ll have plenty to use in your cooking.
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