Oven Dried Fresh Herbs
Learn how to dry fresh herbs in the oven with this quick and easy method. Preserve the vibrant flavors of your garden herbs to use all year round in your favorite comfort food dishes.
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.
