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UPDATED July 11, 2024
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh herbs, but what happens when the growing season ends? If you're like me, you want to savor those flavors all winter long. In this blog, I'll share the best way to dry herbs and keep them at their freshest to enjoy all year long.
Why Dehydrating Herbs is the Best Method
In the past, I laid my herbs out in old crates in the basement to dry. While this method worked, the herbs often lost much of their scent and flavor. Then, I decided to try dehydrating them, and the results have been fantastic. They retain their aroma and taste much better, even in the dead of winter.
How to Dehydrate Herbs
Here's a step-by-step guide to dehydrating herbs using a dehydrator:
- Prepare Your Herbs:
- Wash and pat dry your herbs.
- For larger herbs like chives and basil, cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even drying.
- Set Up the Dehydrator:
- Place the herbs on the dehydrator trays. For smaller trays, I like to add a fine mess screen and the solid tray on the very bottom tray.
- Set the dehydrator to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Drying Process:
- Leave the herbs to dry for at least 12 hours.
- Check if they're dry to the touch. If not, give them more time.
- Grind and Store:
- Once dry, grind the herbs using a coffee grinder or blender.
- If the hers seem a little damp, I’ll dry them another couple hours ground.
- Store them in airtight glass jars to keep them fresh.
Benefits of Using a Dehydrator
- Retains Flavor and Scent:
Dehydrating herbs helps to preserve their natural oils, ensuring they maintain their original taste and aroma.
- Time-Saving:
The dehydrator speeds up the drying process, saving you time compared to air-drying methods.
- Versatility:
You can dry a variety of herbs simultaneously without worrying about mixing flavors. As long as you use different dehydrators at the same time.
Storing Dried Herbs
Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the freshness of your dried herbs. Here's how I store mine:
- Use clean, dry glass jars with solid lids.
- Label each jar with the herb's name and the date it was dried.
- Store the jars in a cool, dark place to keep the herbs fresh for longer.
Dehydrating herbs is a great way to enjoy summer flavors year-round. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your herbs stay fresh and flavorful. Don't forget to experiment with different herbs and storage methods to find what works best for you.
If you need more tips or personalized advice on preserving herbs, feel free to reach out. Let's keep those flavors alive together!
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