No doubt that, herbs are considered compliment to most of recipes. Purchasing herbs from the shelves of supermarkets means getting products of lower quality that are stored for a long term. Consequently, knowing how to dry herbs from your own garden is to get the best quality.

Considering there are many ways of drying herbs, the best of them is to dry them in absolute air. This way assists in maintaining the basic contents of herbs like natural oil. This way of drying is advised also for some herbs that have not high moisture content, such as bay, oregano and thyme.

Best Way to Air Dry Herbs

It can cut herbs in the mid morning, as soon as confirming that the dew has dried. It must remove any insect damage or disease leaves. Herbs can put under cool water. Four or five small bundles of the herbs may be made. They may tied with string or using a band of rubber. Herbs bundles can be hanged in a ventilated place and left to be dried.

Some people prefer to place the bundled herbs in a paper bag as this helps to protect them from dust and the bag also catches any leaves that might fall off when they dry. Brown paper lunch bags work great for drying small bundles of herbs and are readily available. Simply cut or punch several holes in the paper bag. Place the herbs upside down in the bag and tie closed. Hang as normal. Check on the herbs in a couple of weeks. Leaves will be crispy and crumple between the fingers when dry.

How to Dry Herbs Using a Dehydrator

Herbs that contain a lot of moisture, like basil, mint or Chives, are best dried by using a food dehydrator, or freezing. If you're just learning how to dry herbs, you might want to look into getting a dehydrator. It's a fast and easy way and retains quality because the temperature and air circulation can be controlled. After rinsing place the herbs in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Drying times may vary due to moisture content, the thickness of the leaves and how much you trying to dry at one time. Herbs are dry when the leaves are crisp, and stems brittle.

Best Way to Store Dried Herbs

Store herbs after having dried, is important in order to maintain their freshness. There are many methods to store herbs, such as small plastic bags or jars. It must avoid light and heat. As soon as learning the ways of drying herbs, it will be considered as the first step towards being skillful cookers.