Playful Teas

Loose Leaf Teas Blended with Love & Giggles in the Pacific Northwest

Preserving Herbs

"The most common way to preserve herbs is to dry them and this method is perfect for many common herbs. There are other techniques, however, which are more appropriate to particular herbs and preserve their qualities more effectively.

Drying in Trays

Drying eliminates the water in the herb but retains its essential oils. Whichever drying method you use, herbs should be dried quickly at an even temperature, out of direct sunlight. The air must be able to circulate round the herbs and it is best to keep individual herbs separate as they are drying.

To dry herbs naturally, spread the herb sprigs, roots, petals, or seed heads evenly over trays lined with sheets of absorbent paper, such as a newspaper. For large-leafed plants, such as lovage and comfrey, remove the leaves from the sprigs before you dry them. Leave the herbs for a week or so until completely dry, turning them regularly and replacing the paper if it absorbs too much moisture. Roots will take a little longer.

If you dry herbs regularly, it is worth making a drying frame. Stretch cheesecloth or fine netting over a rectangular wooden frame and lay the herbs on the frame to dry. The frames can be stacked on top of one another as long as there is about 2 inches between them. Place new herbs on top of drier ones as the moisture will rise.

You can speed up the drying process by placing the trays or frames in a warm airing cupboard for three or four days. ALternatively, you can dry them in the plate-warming section of a cooker or at the bottom of a conventional oven with the door ajar, leaving the ovn on its lowest setting for a few hours If you have a traditional fuel-burning stove, you can dry the herbs in the slow oven.

The most modern method is to use the microwave. Spread out the herbs on three layers of a paper towel and cover with another sheet of paper towel. The herbs will take only 2-3 minutes on high, but will be ruined if you leave them too long. Therefore, it is best to microwave for 30 seconds, check and turn them over, then continue in short bursts until they are dry."

- " Herbs in Your Home; A Guide to Enjoying Herbs in Cooking, Crafts, and More" by Wendy Hobson. 1998. Page 9.