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Drying Herbs without a Food Dehydrator

Wednesday, March 13, 2013 10:58

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(Before It's News)

Dried mint leaves after 2 weeks

Dehydrating food is a handy skill to have but may not seem practical while living in an apartment in the city. You may not have room for a food dehydrator in your small apartment kitchen, but you can actually dry herbs without one.

Most recipes call for just a pinch of herbs but when you buy it at the grocery store you end up with large bunch that ends up withering in the fridge. But it doesn’t have to go to waste if you air dry it.

Here’s what you need to do:

Wash the herbs thoroughly.
Without tearing or crushing the leaves, gently dry them with a towel.
Lay the herbs on a clean kitchen towel, or on a paper towel.
Leave the entire thing on a high shelf or another out-of-the-way spot in the house where it can be undisturbed for a couple of weeks.
Check in one week. The photo above was after two weeks. The rate of drying depends on the humidity level in your area, so your drying time may be quicker if you live in a dry climate.
After three weeks, the herbs should be thoroughly dry. This is what the mint looked like after it was completely dry.

Dried mint leaves after 3 weeks

You can tell it is ready when you feel the leaves and stems are somewhat brittle and can easily be crushed by your fingers. Store whole in an airtight container, or crush the herbs and store in a recycled clean spice container.

Now you’ll have dried herbs whenever you need it for a recipe.

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