Drying Your Own Herbs

Terry
by Terry
2 Materials
5 Minutes
Easy
Are you tired of wasting your good money on store bought herbs? I know I am!
I often have to buy fresh herbs for a recipe that I'm making. I'll get them either growing in pots or fresh cut in plastic containers at the local grocery store. If I buy them in pots, I'm usually lucky enough to successfully plant them in my yard to use later. However, I often have to get the fresh cut and it is always more than I need. I don't know how many times the herbs have gone to waste in the refrigerator. I've even stood them up in glasses with a bit of water and covered them with baggies, which seems to keep them fresh a little longer. Well, after throwing away almost a whole container of tarragon, I decided to try drying them myself.
This is the type of herb I started with. I've done this with basil, tarragon, mint, cilantro, and parsley so I'm sure it will work with any herb. And you can also do this with herbs you grow in your own garden!
The mint in water the day after I used it
I'm usually successful keeping the herb for a few days in water in the refrigerator, but I can't use it all up before it starts to get funky.
Nice fresh mint leaves
When it starts to look like it's gonna "turn", I strip off the leaves and place them on a paper towel.
Next, I pop them in the microwave....
...and cover them with another paper towel. And set it on high for 5 minutes (because microwaves heat at different intensities, you may have to check it until you know how long you will need). The herbs are ready when they are very dry and crispy.
"Freshly" dried herb
The herbs will be very crisp but typically maintain their green color. I just pick them up and crunch them up with my fingers.
Here's what my mint looked like when I was done crunching it up and getting it ready to store with my other store bought mint. The first time I did this, I couldn't believe how successful it turned out and how easy it was.
A mix of my fresh dried and the store bought
Here is a close-up of my expensive store bought mint and my dried mint. See the bright green bits? That's mine! The next time you have fresh herbs, try drying it using your microwave and enjoy them for months rather than days.
Suggested materials:
  • Fresh herbs
  • Microwave
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Comments
Join the conversation
 2 comments
Next