How to Dry Fresh Herbs in Oven | Fast & Easy Method
sharing is caring!
Learn how simple it is to dry your own herbs in the oven with this fast and easy method. Preserve your fresh herbs quickly and effortlessly to enjoy their flavors all year long.
All week long I’ve been asking myself, “Why have I not dried my own herbs before?!”
It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while, and with a few rainy days last week, I finally decided to give it a try.
Armed with fresh rosemary, parsley, thyme, chives, lavender, and sage I snipped from my herb garden, I began experimenting drying herbs in the oven.
The results…amazing!
Not only did I preserve the vibrant flavors of my homegrown herbs, but our kitchen was filled with the most wonderful aromas that I was honestly not anticipating.
Drying your own herbs is so simple, rewarding, and literally anyone can do it.
Whether you have a garden full of fresh herbs or maybe a few store bought bundles, this method will help you reduce food waste and extend their shelf life.
I promise once you dry your own herbs, you won’t want to buy dried herbs from the grocery store again.
Follow along with this easy step-by-step guide, and you’ll have dried herbs all year long to use in your cooking adventures and more!
Why dry herbs?
Every year at the end of summer, I find myself throwing away some of our garden herbs because I just have too much.
Well let me tell you…not anymore!
Drying herbs is a great way to preserve them so you can use them long after the growing season ends.
Unlike store bought dried herbs that can be months or even years old (and we won’t even talk about the fact you typically have no idea where the herbs came from), homemade dried herbs retain their peak freshness and potency.
When you dry herbs yourself, you control the ingredients and the process.
Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the entire year.
What you’ll love about drying your own herbs:
outdoors & gardening
How to Create Your Own Kitchen Window Box Herb Garden
What You’ll Need to Oven Dry Herbs
These are the supplies you’ll need to dry herbs in the oven…
TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
*If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive a small commission. This does not add any cost to you, but helps me to continue to create & share meaningful content. Thank you for supporting my small business!
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list at the end of this blog post.
Step by Step Tutorial to Dry Herbs Using the Oven Method
Follow these simple steps and you’ll have dried herbs for all of your comfort food recipes in no time at all!
Step One: Harvest Herbs
You’ll want to gather your herbs in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot.
This helps to make sure the essential oils, which are responsible for the flavor, are at their peak.
Step Two: Rinse & Dry
Rinse the herbs under cool water to remove any dirt or bugs.
Gently pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Excess moisture can cause your herbs to steam rather than dry.
Step Three: Prepare the Herbs
Gently pull the herb’s leaves from the stems.
Note: It’s important to remove any tough stems from the herbs you’re drying to prevent them from affecting the texture and quality of your dried herbs. Tough stems can be fibrous and may not dry evenly, which could lead to mold or uneven drying.
Herbs with small leaves like thyme or oregano, you can use your fingers or a pair of scissors to snip the leaves from the stems.
For larger leaved herbs like sage or parsley, simply pluck the leaves off of the stems, discarding any damaged or discolored ones.
Once you’ve separated the leaves, spread them out in a single layer on your parchment lined baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overlapping.
This helps air circulate evenly and promotes uniform drying.
Step Four: Set Your Oven
Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting, usually somewhere between 140-170°F (60-75°C).
If your oven doesn’t go that low, you can prop the oven door open slightly so you can let a little heat escape.
Download Your Free Cozy Magazine
Step Five: Dry the Herbs
Place the cookie sheet in the oven.
Depending on the herb and your oven, drying can take somewhere between 1 to 3 hours.
It’s a good idea to check them every 30 minutes to prevent burning.
You can turn the herbs over to ensure even drying, however I did not do this step and the herbs dried just fine.
Step Six: Test for Doneness
Your herbs are ready when they crumble easily between your fingers.
Be careful not to over dry them, which can lead to a loss of flavor.
Step Seven: Cool & Store
Allow the herbs to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers.
Label your containers with the herb name and the date.
Store them in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency.
Tips
- Use herbs that are free from any signs of disease or damage to ensure the best quality and flavor.
- If you’re using store bought herbs, choose organic ones. These will be free from pesticides and chemicals.
- Spread herbs out in a single layer to ensure even drying. Overcrowding can lead to uneven drying and potential mold growth.
- Check your herbs regularly to avoid over-drying or burning. The drying time can vary based on the herb.
- Once fully dried and cooled, place herbs in airtight jars away from light and heat to preserve their flavor and potency.
- Label your containers with the herb’s name and the date of drying to keep track of freshness and usage.
How long do dried herbs last?
Dried herbs typically last for about 1 to 3 years when stored properly in an airtight container, away from light and heat. However, their flavor and potency will diminish over time.
While they might still be safe to use beyond this period, they may not deliver the same intensity of flavor as when they were freshly dried.
Hey friend! What can I help you find?
Search our entire site!
Are there different methods to dry herbs besides a conventional oven?
Yes there are!
Here’s a few other popular herb drying methods…
Air Dry
To air dry fresh herbs, gather herbs into small bunches and tie the stems together with a string. Hang them upside down in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. This method can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the type of herb and the humidity in your home.
Food Dehydrator
A dehydrator is a great way to dry herbs, if you have one. Arrange herbs on the dehydrator trays in a single layer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for temperature and drying time.
Air Fryer
This is the newest way to dry herbs, since an air fryer has become a staple appliance in most of our homes. Set your air fryer to the lowest temperature setting (around 120-140°F or 50-60°C) and place the herbs in a single layer in the basket. Just like oven drying herbs, drying time can vary, so check the herbs regularly to avoid over drying.
FAQ’s: Oven Dried Herbs
How do I know when my herbs are fully dried?
Herbs are fully dried when they crumble easily between your fingers. The leaves should be crispy and not bendable. If the herbs are still pliable or feel moist, they need more drying time.
Can I dry herbs in a convection oven?
Yes! A convection oven is great for drying herbs. The fan in convection ovens helps with air circulation, which can speed up the drying process.
How should I store dried herbs?
Once the herbs are completely dried and cooled, store them in airtight containers, such as glass jars or plastic bags. Keep them in a cool, dark place to preserve their flavor and potency.
How to Use Your Dried Herbs
Now that you have a stash of dried herbs, the possibilities of how you can use them are truly endless!
- Seasoning Dishes: Dried herbs are great for seasoning your homemade dishes. Sprinkle them over roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or stir them into soups and stews for a burst of flavor.
- Homemade Herb Blends: Combine your dried herbs to create custom herb blends. You can mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme for a versatile Italian seasoning, or rosemary, sage, and thyme for a savory poultry rub.
- Herbal Teas: Dried herbs make wonderful herbal teas. Steep dried mint, chamomile, or lavender in hot water for a soothing and aromatic drink. Experiment with different combinations to create your unique tea blends.
- Infused Oils & Vinegars: Create flavorful infused oils and vinegars by adding dried herbs to olive oil or vinegar. Let them steep for a few weeks to develop rich, aromatic flavors. Use these infusions for salad dressings, marinades, or drizzling over dishes.
- Baking & Cooking: Incorporate dried herbs into your baking and cooking. Add dried rosemary or thyme to bread dough, sprinkle dried basil into pasta sauces, or use dried dill in homemade dips and dressings.
- Crafts & Gifts: Dried herbs can also be used for DIY projects and gift giving. Create linen sprays, potpourri, or homemade bath bombs with dried lavender or mint. Packaged in decorative jars, your dried herbs make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
You might also
Enjoy These Popular Posts
Shop My Favorite Products
Shop my favorite home decor & lifestyle products, my LTK sources, and my Amazon Storefront. By making a purchase with one of my affiliate links, I earn a small commission which helps me continue to create meaningful content for you!
I look forward to sharing more of my home with you and inspiring you to have a well loved home! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LIKEtoKNOW.it.
xoxo, heidi
Oven Dried Fresh Herbs
Materials
- Fresh Herbs of your choice
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Spice Jars
Instructions
- Rinse the herbs under cool water to remove any dirt or bugs.
- Gently pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess water.
- Gently pull the herb's leaves from the stems. Herbs with small leaves like thyme or oregano, you can use your fingers or a pair of scissors to snip the leaves from the stems. For larger leaved herbs like sage or parsley, simply pluck the leaves off of the stems and then discard any damaged or discolored ones.
- Spread the leaves out in a single layer on your parchment lined baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overlapping.
- Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting, usually somewhere between 140-170°F (60-75°C). If your oven doesn’t go that low, prop the oven door open slightly so you can let a little heat escape.
- Place the cookie sheet in the oven. Depending on the herb and your oven, drying can take somewhere between 1 to 3 hours.
- Your herbs are ready when they crumble easily between your fingers.
- Allow the herbs to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers.
- Label your containers with the herb name and the date.
- Store them in a cool, dark place to maintain their freshness.
Notes
- Use herbs that are free from any signs of disease or damage to ensure the best quality and flavor.
- If you’re using store bought herbs, choose organic ones. These will be free from pesticides and chemicals.
- Spread herbs out in a single layer to ensure even drying. Overcrowding can lead to uneven drying and potential mold growth.
- Check your herbs regularly to avoid over-drying or burning. The drying time can vary based on the herb.
- Once fully dried and cooled, place herbs in airtight jars away from light and heat to preserve their flavor and potency.
- Label your containers with the herb’s name and the date of drying to keep track of freshness and usage.
Don’t forget to pin this for later…
shop the post
