How to Dry Herbs and Retain Their Quality
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.
One of the easiest ways to dry herbs is to air dry them and this slow drying process which doesn’t rob the herbs of their natural oils, works best with herbs that don’t have a high moisture content, like oregano, bay, and thyme.
How to Air Dry Herbs
Cut herbs in mid morning after the dew has dried. Remove any leaves that show insect damage or disease and, if necessary, rinse under cool water and pat dry. Make small bundles of the herbs, about four or five stems together and tie with string or use a rubber band. Hang the herb bundles in a warm, well ventilated area to dry.
There are many other ways of drying herbs. It may use paper bags. To do that, small bundles will be placed upside down in the bag and tied well. It must remember to punch some holes in the bag to permit air entering. The bag, then, may be hanged as usual. Two weeks, later, the bag can be opened and herbs may be taken as well.
Way of Drying Herbs with a Dehydrator
If a food dehydrator or freezing are used, drying of herbs including more moisture will be best. A dehydrator is a best way of drying. It is quicker and easiest way that maintains the herbs’ high quality and control of air circulating and temperature as well. Drying times are varied according to moisture contents. Also leaves’ thickness and quantities of drying per a time are reasons of different times of drying. As soon as the leaves are crisp, and stems brittle herbs can be dried.
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.