How to Dry Herbs

Harvesting the herbs

• Know if are wanting the flowers or the leaves for harvesting.
• If you are wanting the leaves, cut healthy branches of the herb before the plant flowers.
• If you are wanting the flowers, pick them just as they are opening up. You don't want spent flowers.
• Don't cut back more than 2/3 of the plant.
• Harvest the leaves or flowers in mid morning after the dew dries off.
• Shake any insects off.
• Wash the herbs and pat dry if necessary.

How To Dry Herbs

1. I use screens or cookie sheets in a warm area out of direct sunlight to dry my herbs. Unless it is a high moisture plant it can be dry by the end of the day.
2. Lay the branches of herb in a single layer on a screen and place in a warm area where there is plenty of air circulation.
3. Turn periodically for even drying.
4. When it is crispy dry it is finished and ready to be stored.

1. Remove the bottom inch or so of leaves from the herb.
2. Bundle a few branches together and tie with an elastic.
3. Place upside down in a paper bag that has a few holes punched in it
4. Check after a couple of weeks to see if it is crispy dry.

Storing the herbs

1. Strip the leaves off of the branches and in the case of lavender, strip the flowers off of the branches.
2. Don't crush or chop the herb as it deteriorates quicker that way. Do so just before use.
3. Store your herbs in clean dry containers. I like using canning jars. Label with name and date stored.
4. Keep your containers in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
5. Herbs will be good for about a year in these conditions.