{"id":15567,"date":"2015-05-21T15:17:09","date_gmt":"2015-05-21T19:17:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/?page_id=15567"},"modified":"2024-05-23T14:39:30","modified_gmt":"2024-05-23T18:39:30","slug":"4275e","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/4275e\/","title":{"rendered":"Bulletin #4275, Let\u2019s Preserve: Dried Herbs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Let’s Preserve<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\"herbs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Reprinted with permission from <\/em>So Easy to Preserve, 6th edition, 2014. Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu<\/a>.<\/strong>
Find more of our publications and books at extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drying is the easiest method for preserving herbs. Simply expose the leaves, flowers or seeds to warm, dry air. Leave the herbs in a well-ventilated area until the moisture evaporates. Sun drying is not recommended in Maine because the herbs can lose flavor and color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Selecting Herbs<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The best time to harvest most herbs for drying is just before the flowers first open when they are in the bursting bud stage. Gather the herbs in the early morning after the dew has evaporated to minimize wilting. Avoid bruising the leaves. They should not lie in the sun or unattended after harvesting. Rinse herbs in cool water and gently shake to remove excess moisture. Discard all bruised, soiled or imperfect leaves and stems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Dry Herbs (YouTube video)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drying Methods<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dehydrator drying is a fast and easy way to dry high quality herbs because temperature and air circulation can be controlled. Pre-heat dehydrator with the thermostat set to 95\u00b0F to 115\u00b0F. In areas with higher humidity, temperatures as high as 125\u00b0F may be needed. After rinsing under cool, running water and shaking to remove excess moisture, place the herbs in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Drying times may vary from 1 to 4 hours. Check periodically. Herbs are dry when they crumble, and stems break when bent. Check your dehydrator instruction booklet for specific details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another method, especially nice for mint, sage or bay leaf, is to dry the leaves separately. In areas of high humidity, it will work better than air drying whole stems. Remove the best leaves from the stems. Lay the leaves on a paper towel, without allowing leaves to touch. Cover with another towel and layer of leaves. Five layers may be dried at one time using this method. Dry in a very cool oven. The oven light of an electric range or the pilot light of a gas range furnishes enough heat for overnight drying. Leaves dry flat and retain a good color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microwave ovens are a fast way to dry herbs when only small quantities are to be prepared. Follow the directions that come with your microwave oven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the leaves are crispy dry and crumple easily between the fingers, they are ready to be packaged and stored. Dried leaves may be left whole and crumpled as used, or coarsely crumpled before storage. Husks can be removed from seeds by rubbing the seeds between the hands and blowing away the chaff. Place herbs in airtight containers and store in a cool, dry, dark area to protect color and fragrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Less Tender Herbs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The more sturdy herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme, summer savory, and parsley are the easiest to dry without a dehydrator. Tie them into small bundles and hang them to air dry. Air drying outdoors is often possible; however, better color and flavor retention usually results from drying indoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tender-Leaf Herbs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\"Basil<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Basil, oregano, tarragon, lemon balm, and the mints have a high moisture content and will mold if not dried quickly. Try hanging the tender-leaf herbs or those with seeds inside paper bags to dry. Tear or punch holes in the sides of the bag. Suspend a small bunch (large amounts will mold) of herbs in a bag and close the top with a rubber band. Place where air currents will circulate through the bag. Any leaves and seeds that fall off will be caught in the bottom of the bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dried herbs are usually 3 to 4 times stronger than the fresh herbs. To substitute dried herbs in a recipe that calls for fresh herbs, use 1\/4 to 1\/3 of the amount listed in the recipe. For example: if a recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of a fresh herb, use 1 teaspoon of the dried herb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a9 2015<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call 800.287.0274 (in Maine), or 207.581.3188, for information on publications and program offerings from University of Maine Cooperative Extension, or visit extension.umaine.edu<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu\/title-ix\/<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Let’s Preserve Reprinted with permission from So Easy to Preserve, 6th edition, 2014. Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu.Find more of our publications and books at extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/. Drying is the easiest method for preserving herbs. Simply expose the leaves, flowers or seeds to warm, dry air. Leave […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":407,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-15567","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBulletin #4275, Let\u2019s Preserve: Dried Herbs - Cooperative Extension Publications - University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Drying is the easiest method for preserving herbs. Simply expose the leaves, flowers or seeds to warm, dry air. Leave the herbs in a well-ventilated area until the moisture evaporates. 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