Preserving Fresh Herbs: 5 Ideas on Drying Herbs
 (Read 500+ times)
By D. J. Bettencort
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If you are fortunate enough to have a home herb garden, you already know using using fresh herbs adds so much delicious flavor to your cooking.. What happens if you are fortunate enough to have a fresh herb garden which grows more herbs than you can use? It would be a shame to throw away garden fresh herbs, so the best method to keep their delectable flavor is to dry left over herbs.
This information will explain five helpful hints about how to dry herbs including guidelines on the best time for harvesting, and the best methods to dry your herbs.
Harvest Your Herbs Just Before Drying
To help sustain the magnificent qualities of your herbs, harvest immediately before you intend to dry them. The best time to harvest and dry herbs is when they are fully mature and have just started to flower. Examine the fresh picked herbs and remove damaged leaves and stems..
How To Dry Herbs at Similar Rate
To be certain that your herbs are all drying at about an even rate, harvest them in groups which are about the same size. For drying, bunch about 8 - 10 stems together and fasten securely with string.
Dry Herbs by Hanging Upside Down
Once you have bundled your herbs together, you will need to hang them upside down to dry. Do not cram herb bunches tightly together. Leave room for air to flow around the herbs.
Dry Herbs in a Dry, Dark Place
The best place to dry herbs is in a dark, dry location. Remember to protect herbs from dust or wind by covering with a paper bag. The ideal temperature for drying herbs is 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Herbs Require 5 Days to Dry
In dark dry conditions; herbs usually take five days to dry, although in cooler conditions, the process could take up to two weeks. When herbs feel papery to the touch, they are dry and ready for storage. Remove leaves from stems, and store in an airtight jar away from sunlight.
Store dry herbs as leaves, but crush right before using. Crushing will help the herbs to release their full properties. Fresh herbs are delicious, home grown, dried herbs are equally as wonderful and a simple way to have appetizing herbs at your fingertips all year round.
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Author Bio Box: D. J. Bettencort
Find out about Windowsill Herb Gardens and sign up for a free Growing Fresh mini-course at http://growingfreshherbs.com.
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