Drying Herbs

[Lavender]

It's not too early to think about drying your herbs for winter use. Take a look through your herb garden. It's a good time to start collecting leafy herbs such as oregano, basil, mint, sages and such. This way, it will give your plant plenty of time to grow more & flower (if you're collecting the flowers too) and go to seed later. Leave at least 6 to 8 inches of plant & clip the stem just on top of a pair of leaves. This will cause your plant to branch out & provide LOTS more herbs! :) Check the underside for bugs, brush off any dirt. You can dry your herbs by tying them in bunches & hanging them in a nice warm place. Or if you don't have the space or the place to do that, paper bags are great. Label your bags & shake them often. I have a garage that I hang dry my herbs but I still like using paper bags the best.

[Yvonne Belisle]

Rubberbands are really good for hanging them because they shrink with the plants. You can then use string from the rubberband if you want.

[Lavender]

*smacks herself on the head!*

Sheesh! I never thought of using rubberbands! :rolleyes: You should see the "creative" ways I tie my herbs to keep them from falling as they dry.

[Yvonne Belisle]

I read it somewhere as a kid and it made sense to me. I'm surprised you hadn't heard of it.

[Spirahl]

Folklore states that Midsummer/Litha is when herbs are most potent so I do a major harvest on this day. And yes, you are rewarded with a second flush and healthier, bushier plants. "Creative ways to tie... " funny I do the same thing even though I know rubber bands are more practical. I just enjoy tieing knots for some reason... too many years as a Girl Guide?:D

Happy Midsummer's Day to you all! All is green and abundant, what a wonderful time of the year!:sunny:

[mucgwyrt]

Could you give a little more detail on how to dry using paper bags? I'd like to try it very much as I'm somewhat of a broom-close witch when it comes to my family...!

[Lavender]

Could you give a little more detail on how to dry using paper bags? I'd like to try it very much as I'm somewhat of a broom-close witch when it comes to my family...!
Just use plain brown paper bags...about lunch bag size or larger. After you harvested your herbs, shake off any creepy crawlies and put the herbs into the bag. Let it sit in a warm place and shake the bag a few times a day for air circulation. Depending on the herb and the moisture in the air, it may take 2-4 days or more to dry. I don't know where you are but it is so damp here that it would be impossible to dry any herbs right now...even if there were anything to dry!

And it's important to label your bags. You may think you will know what they are but all dry herbs really do look alike! :lol:

[mucgwyrt]

Does anyone know how to dry fruits, such as berries and even strawberries/apple etc?

[Isil Darkmoon]

The easiest way would be to buy or borrow a food dehydrator. It can also be done in a VERY low temperature oven or in the sun, over many hours. Otherwise I don't know much about drying fleshy fruits--sorry