Natural Organic Herbal Remedies

Drying Herbs In Shed

Drying herbs at home will produce far superior product than the packaged store-bought varieties. The healing properties,  flavour, colour and taste are better preserved if you do it yourself. The three essentials for successful herb drying are ventilation, shade and right temperature.

Preparing Herbs for Drying

Freshly picked herbs, leaves, flowers and roots should be removed from direct sunlight as soon as they are harvested. Sun rays will draw out the essential oils, dehydrate the plant and bleach the leaves rather quickly.

Discard any weeds or discoloured leaves. You want the healthiest of plants to preserve most nutrients. Leaves should be left on the stalk while herbs should be separated into bunches and loosely tied with a twine or a string. Gently cut the flower heads and wash the roots with cold water to rid any dirt or soil. Chop the roots into pieces for easier drying. Each piece should be about 1 inch thick or about 2.5 cm

Where to Dry Herbs

Herbs can be dried anywhere that there is plenty of air circulation, shade and some warmth. Attics, sheds,  barns or airy garages are all great places to dry herbs.

Bunches of herbs should be hung upside down away from walls or any constraints for the air movement. Herbs can be spread on trays or sheets of waxed paper stacked several high with separation between layers. Once again air circulation is critical. If you are using tray method make sure to turn over the herbs several times to ensure complete drying. If the weather is damp and cool small fan or convector heater will do the trick. Another great way to dry herbs is by placing them in the low heat oven. The air movement will dry the herbs rather quickly preserving most of the nutrients.

How Long To Dry

The drying time will depend on the particular herbs’ affinity to hold water, which part of the herb are you drying, the amount of air circulation, and  drying temperature.

As a general rule, the time will vary between 3 – 7 days. Leaves should be brittle and crumble once pinched. Stalks and stems should break. If they bend that means that there is some moisture in between the cells. Roots should be dry enough to snap.

Once dried herbs weigh about one eighth of the weight of  fresh plants. Their aroma, look, smell and taste should be much like the fresh herb.

Drying Temperatures

Drying Herbs In Dehydrator

As far as the temperature is concerned when drying herbs, slow and steady is the best way to go. An ideal temperature is between 32 – 34 degrees C  (90 – 93 degrees F).  If you are using a convection oven make sure that the temperature does not exceed 34 degrees C (94 degrees F).  Higher temperatures will alter and destroy essential oils and other goodies present in herbs. Make sure that the drying area has reached this temperature before placing you herbs.

After several days of drying the temperature can be lowered to 25 – 27 degrees C ( 77 – 81 degrees F) to complete the process. Turn the herbs several times to ensure complete drying. 

Once again, air circulation is essential.