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Herb Drying

September 16th, 2012 at 07:29 pm

DH has grown quite a few herbs this year. Actually, because of the mild winter, we had a pot of rosemary, a pot of sage, and a pot of oregano that made it through the winter. DH planted basil, thyme, tarragon, and dill in the ground as well as another rosemary.

I have enjoyed using these fresh herbs, but someone asked the other day if I dried them. I tried once before just tying them up, but I didn't like working with them afterwards.

So, I went to that wonderful invention called the Internet and googled drying herbs. I found a couple of sites that explained how one can dry them in the microwave. I really didn't want to put out the money for a dehydrater. So, I've been experimenting and I have a nice little stockpile for the winter.

I decided yesterday since I still have plenty left, I might dry some extra and put in small bags and label them and give them away. I have some friends who enjoy cooking and I thought it might be a nice surprise for them. Plus, I hate to see anything go to waste.

Posted in Food / Groceries | 5 Comments »

5 Responses to “Herb Drying”

  1. LuckyRobin Says:
    September 16th, 2012 at 07:55 pm 1347825330
    1347825330

    I like the method of drying just the leaves (or single sprigs of things like oregano) by laying them out on a window screen, putting another window screen on top and laying it over a couple of saw horses. You leave them out in the sun to dry, and if the weather goes bad you can quickly move them to shelter.

  2. Jerry Says:
    September 16th, 2012 at 09:20 pm 1347830440
    1347830440

    My mom's dehydrator broke, and now that leads her to dry her stuff outside or with the oven overnight. Either way seems to offer some insurance of effective drying and she does really well with it.
    Jerry

  3. rob62521 Says:
    September 16th, 2012 at 11:56 pm 1347839768
    1347839768

    Both seem like good ideas. I have been using the microwave.

  4. alianora Says:
    September 17th, 2012 at 06:27 pm 1347906439
    1347906439

    I've also heard that you can chop up the fresh herbs and freeze them in ice cube trays with olive oil so you just have to toss them in the pan when cooking. I keep planning to try it, but I keep accidentally letting the basil bolt.

  5. LuckyRobin Says:
    September 17th, 2012 at 09:14 pm 1347916444
    1347916444

    Yes, you can freeze most herbs very successfully, but freezing basil will make it turn black, so if that bothers you it's something to be aware of. Some herbs change a bit in flavor when you freeze them in water. I wonder if freezing them in the olive oil makes a difference there?

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