Dried herbs can really bring out the flavor of your favorite foods. Crumble them over a tasty stew or soup dish, sprinkle them on your salad, include them in dry rubs, or use them to add flavor to roasted vegetables. We all have our favorite ways to use them and our favorite places to buy them (hint: right here at Nino’s!). But did you know you can dry your own herbs too?
If you have a garden of fresh herbs, why not give drying a try? Or maybe you received some fresh herbs from a neighbor or friend, and you’re wondering what to do with them. Either way, we have answers for you right here.

What are some of the ways you can dry herbs?
There are a few methods you can use. You can hang, oven dry, or use a dehydration appliance, if you have one.

What is the proper way to hang dry herbs?
Go out to the garden on a warm, dry day when the herbs are free from moisture, and cut the herbs toward the stem about 3 inches down. Make sure you cut fresh herbs that are mold, mildew, and insect free. Next, take a bunch of the herbs and tie dental floss or twine about halfway down the bunch of stems making a tight knot. Then, hang the herbs upside down on hooks in a cool, dry place for up to 3 to 4 weeks.

What is the proper way to oven dry herbs?
You can oven dry fresh herbs by removing the herbs from their stems and placing them onto a clean cookie sheet. Next, place the cookie sheet into the oven at 175°F until they dry out.

What is the proper way to dry herbs using a dehydration appliance?
If at all possible, follow the guide book that came with your dehydration machine. It should have a section in it specifically for drying herbs. If for some reason yours does not, you can place your fresh, de-stemmed herbs onto the dehydration racks. Then, turn the machine on the low setting, or set it to 200°F for 6 to 8 hours.

How do you store the dried herbs?
Once your herbs are dried, you can grind them up using a clean coffee-grinding device, a pepper mill, mortar and pestle, or blender. After grinding, you can store them in airtight containers that do not allow moisture in. Dried herbs will stay fresh this way for up to 6 months.

Ready to try your hand at drying fresh herbs?
Come on into Nino’s for a full selection of fresh, high-quality herbs as well as a full range of produce. Whether it’s fresh vegetables and herbs, tasty recipes, or prepared foods, you can trust us to exceed your expectations every time.