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Post by estatigua (Tiggy) on Dec 27, 2006 17:21:32 GMT -5
How to dry herbs
There are three main ways for you to dry herbs. You can air dry them, oven dry them or even microwave dry them.
Air drying: Simply tie them in bunches (about 5-6 flowers in every bunch) and hang them upside-down in a dark and dry place, about 70 F.Depending on what kind of herb you are drying it can take a few days and up to weeks for them to dry completely. For thicker Parts or heavier roots it may take more than a year.
Oven drying: Put the herbs on a sheet in a thin layer and place them in a low setting oven.
Microwave drying: Put the herbs on a plate and set the microwave on low. According to your microwave and how much herbs you have in it, it can take about 2-5 minutes.
To dry leaves and flowers: Spread the leaves and flowers in a basket. This will take about 1-2 weeks before it's dried.
To dry seeds: Hang bunches of flowers inside a paper bag. The dried seeds will fall down to the bottom of the bag.
The herbs are ready when they are as dry as paper and they crumble when you rub them between your fingers.Once the herbs are dry, store them in ceramic containers or in dark glass jars with tight-fitting lids because herbs will deteriorate when they get exposed to oxygen.Don't forget to put labels on your containers! Keep the herbs in a dark and cool place like a closet or a cupboard.Dried herbs can retain their medicinal value for years.
Some herbs can also be frozen. Specially herbs with soft leaves like Comfrey, Basil, Borage, Fennel, Dill and Parsley.
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Post by *Gypsy* on Jan 29, 2007 19:42:35 GMT -5
I do the microwave to dry them most often, its fast and ez
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