Drying Herbs

Could anyone suggest a good way to dry herbs for storage through the year. I found if I put them in jars that they get moldy sometimes and I need to throw them out. I really do not have the space to lay them out and let them dry over time. Any suggestions?

Do you have ceiling space somewhere where you can put a screw or suction hook? Traditionally, herbs are dried in bunches hanging upside-down. I've even done it from the ends of my curtain rods (though you should keep drying herbs away from heat and sunlight) You need to use whole branches to make this work; when they dry you can take off the leaves and then put them in jars.

If you have a dehydrator, that works great!

I believe Alton Brown suggests drying in between two furnace filters attached to a box fan. I think I saw that a while back. Maybe one of the AB enthusiasts can help us out...

tyrus wrote:I believe Alton Brown suggests drying in between two furnace filters attached to a box fan. I think I saw that a while back. Maybe one of the AB enthusiasts can help us out...

http://www.goodeatsfanpage.com/Season7/ ... vation.htm

This week on Going Local, there's a recipe for preserving basil by layering it with parmesan cheese. I've not tried it, but I bet it makes the cheese pretty good, too!


http://www.goinglocal-info.com/my_weblog/

According to Nance Klehm, the most dedicated forager I know, a great place to dry herbs in on the dashboard of your car on a sunny day. Your car makes a great solar oven! Drive around with them for a few hours and you'll have perfectly dry herbs.

I have yet to test this theory.

JC

More info on herb drying is here and here.

Hanging in bunches in a dry place is easiest.

I usually put a paper lunch bag punched with holes around the herbs when I hang them to dry. That keeps dust off the herbs and keeps loose leaves from dropping on the floor.

The drying herbs in the car idea is fantastic. Thanks!

Hi,

There is a joke you can tell a mushroomer by looking at their house. Their screens will be down for use in drying mushrooms. I have seen people do this, though less now since hydrators are easily and cheaply available.

My oven has a setting for dehydrating, which I haven't used. It also has a setting for shabat that hasn't been used either. So many features, not enough time!

Regards,