3 Easy Ways to Dry Your Fresh Herbs
Let's be honest: fresh herbs have a sneaky way of piling up. One day your basil is thriving, and the next you're staring at a big bunch wondering what to do with it all. Good news! Drying them takes just a few minutes and things you already have in your kitchen, and a Mason jar will keep them flavorful all winter long.
Here are three easy methods. Pick whichever one fits your day best, because they all work.
First things first: Give them a good wash
Pop your herbs into a bowl of clean water and swish them around. Change the water and repeat until it runs clear. Then make sure they're nice and dry before moving on.
Method 1: The microwave (when you're short on time)
- After cleaning and drying your herbs, lay them on a paper towel.
- Dry on high for 1 minute.
- Give them a little crunch test. If they're not quite dry, pop them back in for 15 seconds at a time until they're done.
Method 2: The oven (set it and forget it)
- Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature setting.
- After cleaning and drying your herbs, spread them on an ungreased baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Dry for 10 minutes.
- Check the crunchiness. If they need more time, add 3 minutes at a time until they're dry.
Method 3: Hang dry (the slow and simple way)
- After washing and drying, gather 3 to 10 stems into a bunch and tie them with twine or string.
- Hang them somewhere cool and dry.
- Check on them after 2 weeks, then every few days after that until they're ready.
Storing your herbs
Here's the most important tip: make sure your herbs are completely dry before you store them, or they can mold. Once they're crisp, tuck them into an airtight Mason jar and keep them in a cool, dry place.
Your dried herbs deserve a good home. A Mason jar keeps them fresh and flavorful, and it looks pretty on the shelf, too. Happy drying!
Ready to store your herbs?
Keep your dried herbs fresh and flavorful with reCAP Mason jar lids, made to seal in freshness and make storing, pouring and shaking easy.