Herb Drying Guide

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Complete Guide to Drying Herbs

Proper drying preserves medicinal properties while preventing mold.

General Principles

Key factors:

  • Air circulation — Prevents mold
  • Low humidity — Below 60%
  • Moderate warmth — 20-35°C
  • Darkness — Preserves color and potency

Drying Leaves and Aerial Parts

Hanging bundles:

  • Tie small bundles (2-3cm diameter)
  • Hang upside down in warm, dark, airy space
  • Drying time: 1-2 weeks
  • Best for: Sage, rosemary, thyme, lavender

Screen drying:

  • Single layer on clean screens
  • Turn daily
  • Drying time: 3-7 days
  • Best for: Mint, nettle, raspberry leaf

Drying Flowers

  • Spread in single layer, not touching
  • Handle gently
  • Drying time: 3-10 days
  • Best for: Calendula, chamomile, lavender

Drying Roots

  • Wash thoroughly
  • Slice into thin pieces (3-6mm)
  • May need gentle heat (dehydrator)
  • Drying time: 1-3 weeks
  • Must be completely dry to prevent mold

Using a Dehydrator

Temperature settings:

  • Delicate flowers: 35°C
  • Leaves: 40-45°C
  • Roots: 50-60°C

How to Know When Done

Leaves: Crisp, break cleanly

Flowers: Papery texture

Roots: Completely hard, snap cleanly

Test: Place in sealed jar 24 hours. If moisture appears, dry longer.

Common Problems

Mold: Increase ventilation, smaller bundles, use dehydrator

Brown/black color: Too much heat or too slow drying

Lost aroma: Temperature too high, too much light

Storage

  • Store whole when possible
  • Use airtight glass jars
  • Keep cool, dark, dry
  • Label with: herb name, date, location

Shelf life:

  • Leaves and flowers: 1-2 years
  • Roots and bark: 2-3 years
  • Seeds: 2-4 years
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