May 15 2010
Herb Drying – Hang Them Upside Down
Herb drying is pretty simple. The majority of herbs can be dried by the simplest of all drying methods: hanging upside down. Through the years this technique of dehydration has been and still is the traditional way to dry plants. Our colonial ancestors used this method. Old pictures show material neatly bunched and suspended over the kitchen mantel or from the rafters. Drying barns are still a familiar sight in many parts of the country. The cut plants are hung upside down, and when the slant boards of the barn are opened, the air circulates, it evaporates the moisture, and the leaves dry. This method of drying preserves both the form and color of the herbs.
Cut the herbs on a bright sunny day and at a time in their growth when the color is at its brightest. Leave enough stem on the end of the leaf for tying.
Preparation of herbs
Remove all unnecessary parts from the stem since the less there is on the stem, the faster it dries. This does not mean to strip the stem bare, but rather to use discretion as to how much can be safely left for drying.
Hanging herbs
Group 3 or four stands into a small bunch and tie them together securely. As stems lose their moisture they shrink in size and unless tied securely often loosen enough to slip out. Rubber bands, children’s hair bands, or twist ties are very effective in keeping the materials bound.
Suspend the bunched herbs upside down. This keeps the stems straight and flower heads up right. Plants may be suspended in any fashion that allows free passage of air to all services. Hang bunches on the line like close on the clothesline. Wire clothes hangers are ideal for clipping the herbs for hanging.
Space for hanging
Use any warm, dry spot to hang plants provided it has free circulation of air. Plants should not be covered, shut up in a closet, or exposed to direct sunlight while drying.
Time for drying
In eight or 10 days the majority of herbs are dry. Weather conditions and temperature were will have an impact on the number of days required. While they are driving, plants go through various stages of limp mess. When completely dry, plants will be stiff to the touch and the stems will snap easily.
Storing herbs
If you want to keep whole leaves, you may wish to freeze them in plastic bags or store them upright in mason jars. You may crush the leaves and store them in small jars such as baby food jars or you may freeze peace in plastic bags as well. If you put the leaves in jars and store them in a cool dark place, they will hold both flavor and color for up to 12 months.
As you harvest your plants this summer, consider driving many of your herbs to use throughout the year. The hanging method for herb drying is virtually free, makes your house smell good, and lets you extend the life of your garden for months.