How To Dry And Preserve Herbs - 5 Best Techniques

So we perfected herb preservation techiques. And we can say, with hands over our chest, we can preserve herbs better than your gardener! Want to learn how to dry and preserve herbs perfectly? So that you can retain the flavor and the aroma for a long time? Then read our blog and instantly become a pro!

Overview of the 5 Best Techniques for Drying and Preserving Herbs

Five top techniques to dry and preserve herbs are —air-drying, oven-drying, dehydrating, freezing, and using salt. Each method has its advantages, and not all herbs can be dried and preserved in just one same way! This is disclaimer – So that you can start properly!

1. Air-Drying Herbs

Air-drying is one of the simplest and most traditional ways to preserve herbs.

Ideal Herbs for Air-Drying

This method works best for low-moisture herbs…like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage. These herbs are sturdy, and retain their oils and flavor well when air-dried.

Steps to Air-Dry Herbs

1. Harvest and Clean: Pick the herbs in the morning after the dew has dried. Rinse them gently, then make them dry with a paper towel.
2. Bundle and Hang: Gather the herbs into small bundles and tie them with a string. Hang them upside down in a warm, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
3. Wait and Store: Allow the herbs to dry for one to two weeks. Once crisp, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in airtight containers.

2. Oven-Drying Herbs

Using an oven to dry herbs is definitely a faster alternative to for drying herbs. Although we do not recomment it. It can be tricky, although if perfectly done, it can be a good way to drying and preserving herbs! It is particularly useful if you need dried herbs quickly.

Ideal Herbs for Oven-Drying

Oven-drying is good for herbs with higher moisture content like basil, mint, and parsley. These herbs dry more evenly in the controlled environment of an oven. Do not select low moisture herbs!

Steps to Oven-Dry Herbs

1. Harvest and Clean: Pick and clean like the previous method.
2. Arrange and Bake: Place the herbs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set your oven to the lowest temperature, around 150°F or 65°C. Bake for 1-2 hours, check frequently to ensure they do not burn.
3. Cool and Store: Once the herbs are crispy, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool. Store in airtight containers for maximum freshness.

3. Dehydrating Herbs

Using a food dehydrator is the most efficient way to dry herbs. This method ensures an even drying without losing essential oils of the herbs.

Ideal Herbs for Dehydrating

Almost any herb can be dehydrated. From robust herbs like rosemary to delicate ones like cilantro and dill, it’s the perfect method.

Steps to Dehydrate Herbs

1. Harvest and Clean: Follow the same initial steps.
2. Arrange and Set: Lay the herbs out evenly on the dehydrator trays. Set your dehydrator to 95°F or 35°C for about 2-4 hours.
3. Check and Store: Check frequently to ensure they’re drying evenly. Once they crumble easily, remove the herbs and store them in airtight containers.

4. Freezing Herbs

Freezing is a fantastic way to preserve the fresh taste of herbs, especially for those herbs that don’t dry well.

Ideal Herbs for Freezing

Use herbs like basil, chives, dill, and cilantro for freezing. These herbs retain their vibrant color and flavor after freezing.

Steps to Freeze Herbs

1. Harvest and Clean
2. Chop and Tray: Chop the herbs and place them in ice cube trays. Fill each compartment with water, or you can use olive oil to cover the herbs.
3. Freeze and Store: Once frozen, take the herb cubes out and store them in freezer bags. You can use them directly in cooking for a sudden burst of fresh flavor!

5. Salt to Preserve Herbs

Salt preservation is an old way, our ancestors used to do it. Yet, it is actually an effective technique for preserving herbs.

Ideal Herbs For This Method

Thyme, sage, rosemary, and oregano.

Steps to Preserve Herbs with Salt

1. Harvest and Clean
2. Layer and Store: In a glass jar, place a layer of salt, add a layer of herbs, and continue layering until the jar is full. Finish with a layer of salt.
3. Seal and Wait: Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. Herbs preserved this way can last for several months.

Remember, the key to successful herb preservation is in the details—harvesting at the right time, cleaning gently, and storing properly. If you are new to this, take it slow, and experiment with different methods to find what works best for you.

Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments!