If you like saving money, drying herbs in a dehydrator is a very good idea and a good investment.
While a food dehydrator may seem like a splurge, it is an investment for a hobby that can save you time, energy, and money in the long run.
Try Drying Herbs in a Dehydrator and Enjoy Delicious Herbs Year-Round
So, how do you go about drying herbs in a dehydrator?
Well, it isn’t too hard, but before we go into details. Let’s discuss the types of dehydrators good for drying herbs that are out there.
There are two kinds of dehydrators, a boxed dehydrator with removable trays, and those small ones with stackable trays.
Don’t be afraid of using either one. The boxed kind is big and allows hot air to circulate appropriately, without requiring you to move things around. The size also allows you to dehydrate various herbs at a time.
The smaller kind is a bit less reliable, so you should consider checking your herbs during the process. On the other hand, it is very small and compact, so it saves counter space and uses less energy.
Okay, now that we got that covered, let’s discuss the 6 steps
Step #1: Choose the right herbs
Before you start drying herbs in your dehydrator, make sure you pick the right herbs, as some taste better dry than others.
Some good examples include basil, thyme, parsley, oregano, tarragon, and mint. These all have high water content, so they mold quickly when fresh.
Don’t let them go bad, and dry them to save them for whenever you feel ready to use them.
Step #2: Clean the herbs
As with most produce, it is important to make sure there isn’t any dirt or traces of microorganisms. You can wash your herbs thoroughly and let them air-dry completely.
Also, get rid of any stems or imperfections. It is a good idea to separate the big leaves from the stems as well, so that they can dry evenly.
Step #3: Organize the herbs carefully
Once your herbs are clean, place them on a single layer in the dehydrator, which helps dry them evenly.
If necessary, cover the trays with a screen to prevent them from falling. Big-boxed dehydrators don’t require this though.
Step #4: Check for good airflow
To allow for better air circulation, you may need to remove some of the trays and use only two or so. This is key in allowing the hot air to move around the entire tray.
Step #5: Set to the lowest temperature and dry!
Now that you have organized the herbs appropriately, you can set the thermostat of the drying herb dehydrator to the lowest setting.
There are, however, models that don’t have a thermostat, so you should pick the shortest time and check the herbs regularly.
Conditions vary, but a typical temperature for drying herbs varies between 95-120 degrees F.
Step #6: Store your herbs and enjoy
Allow your herbs to cool down, and then crush them into smaller pieces. You can store in an airtight container or a Ziploc plastic bag. Keep the herbs in a dry and cool space.
You are now ready to start drying herbs in a dehydrator whenever you want. Enjoy herbs year-round without any problems.
