HERB DRYING

To quick dry herbs you need to spread on a mesh rack or herb drying rack and place in a slow oven set from 100-degrees to 125-degrees F. If you use more heat it will cause the volatile oils in the plants to be destroyed. Leave the oven door open, and stand nearby because some leaves dry fast.

To Air-Dry Herbs: Find a safe place that will not be exposed to rodents or insects. You can hang air-drying herbs inside paper bags to keep the dust off. But just be sure to punch many holes into the bags to let the air in and keep moisture out. Mildew may be factor in cold climates so make sure your area is dry, well ventilated and out of direct sunlight. Some type of low heat maybe required for enhancing the herb drying process.

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When hanging bunches of herbs to dry don't make the bunch too large because it may turn black or moldy.Some herbs dry very well when spread on trays, but don’t spread them too thickly. Parsley leaves, for instance, are so thick they can be spread only one layer deep. Thyme, however, holds so little moisture you can just leave a big pile in a basket.

In order to dry herbs you need to have the herbs to dry, just click on HERB PLANTS for a real selection of herbs.

If drying small leaved plants like thyme put the stems of the plant togerther and dry in bunches. When they are dry on the stems then you can easily strip the leaves off the stem with your fingers. On the other hand when drying larger leaved plants pick the leaves off and spread out to dry. With the right conditions they both should dry in 4-7 days. The larger the leaf the more time to dry and may take 2 weeks. To check for dryness crumble a few in your hand and if they crumble cleanly then they are ready. If not then keep drying.

Peak of flavor is right when they are picked. Pick at midmorning just as the leaves are dried but before it is too hot. To avoid harming the plant you can cut off as much 3/4 of it.Rinse quickly in cool water and dry with paper towel. Also to pick at the right time of the year is to pick just before the blooms come out.

A tip for drying is to bundle your herbs in a cool place in a paper bag. Make the bundles small so they don't touch the sides of the bags. When they crumble easy they are ready to store in glass jars for storage.

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