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From The Garden to the Pantry

November 28, 2023 by Kimberly Snyder 16 Comments

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Ready to combine your gardening and culinary skills? By learning how to dry herbs, you will be able to add them to your recipes year round!

From Garden to Pantry: Things You Need to Know About Drying Herbs for Culinary Use

Is it thyme to join your gardening skills and your culinary skills together? Learning how to dry herbs is the perfect next step! Discover how satisfying it is to use dried herbs from your own garden to enhance the flavor of your favorite recipes. Today, I am sharing several ways to dry herbs. 

The simple process of drying herbs helps preserve their flavor.  Once you learn the techniques, you will be ready to use the dried herbs to create your own culinary blends and herbal condiments!  

My friend, Melba from Cocoon Raw.is joining me today for the 4th installment in the gardening series  “Gardening from Coast to Coast!”. We started the series last month with  Garden Planning Design Ideas.  Every other Saturday,(we were late this week because of Thanksgiving and my home renovations!)  until the end of December,  we will share ideas ranging from garden planning, gifts for the gardener, growing zone challenges, and much more!    You will find a link to Melba’s post for this week  near the end of today’s post!  

bundles of assorted herbs laying on a wood plank

Let’s get ready to step into the garden and harvest some herbs for drying.  It is definitely thyme to bring the garden to the pantry and learn how to dry herbs and what to do with them after they are preserved.  

Before We Grab Our Garden Scissors

No matter how you arrived here today, whether you are joining me from Melba’s blog, you are one of my regular readers or perhaps you found me on Google or via Hometalk, I am so glad you are here!  My name is Kimberly and I have a passion for flowers (a former florist) and flour (a former pizzeria owner) and many things in between!  Especially rusty and chippy gardening tools!

rack head used as a garden tool holder

And when it comes to gardening, I often say I am a Zone 6a girl living in a tropical world!  After spending most of my gardening life in the Midwest in Zone 6a, even after 4 years of living in Zone 10a in sunny Southwest Florida, I still want to grab a blanket for a poinsettia when I see one in the landscape outside in January!!! 

Sharing things I have learned or experienced over the years is one of my passions.  My love of herbs is what prompted me to start my first entrepreneurial endeavor.  I often use the word “thyme” in place of “time”. Whether I am decorating my home or my garden, I call my unique style “Kim Style!”  I hope you enjoy your thyme here today and learn at least one thing during your visit!

How To Dry Herbs

Benefits of Drying Herbs

Drying herbs is a great way to preserve their flavor. The drying process can also help to concentrate the flavor of the various herbs.  Simply by removing moisture from the herbs, drying allows for a longer shelf life, ensuring that you will have access to the delicious herbal flavors all year round.  Additionally, dried herbs are often more potent than fresh ones, allowing you to use less in your recipes while still achieving the same level of flavor. Plus, the process of drying herbs is incredibly easy and can be done with minimal equipment, making it a budget friendly activity.  

Which Types of Herbs are Best for Drying

While nearly any type of herb can be dried, some are better suited for this preservation method than others. Herbs with low moisture content, such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage, are excellent candidates for drying. These herbs tend to retain their flavor and aroma well during the drying process. On the other hand, high-moisture herbs like basil and mint may not dry as successfully and could lose some of their essential oils, resulting in a less flavorful end product. However, if you can’t resist drying these herbs, there are ways to do so successfully, which I will cover a bit later.  

old white wooden box filled with pots of herbs

Preparing Herbs for Drying

Before you embark on the drying process, it is essential to prepare your herbs properly. Start by harvesting your herbs in the morning when their essential oils are at their peak. Avoid washing the herbs unless they are particularly dirty, as excess moisture can hinder the drying process. Instead, gently shake off any dirt or bugs and pat them dry with a paper towel if necessary. Remove any damaged or discolored leaves and separate the individual sprigs or leaves from the main stem. Once your herbs are clean and prepped, you are ready to begin the drying process.

Different methods of drying herbs 

There are several methods you can use to dry herbs, each with its own advantages and considerations. The method you choose will depend on your available resources, time constraints, and personal preference.

Air Drying

Air drying is the most traditional and straightforward method of drying herbs. To air dry your herbs, tie them in small bundles and hang them upside down in a warm, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This method works best for herbs with low moisture content, such as rosemary, thyme, and sage. The drying process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the herb and environmental conditions. Once the herbs are completely dry and brittle, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

assorted herbs, bundled and hanging on a piece of twine

Oven Drying

If you need to speed up the drying process, oven drying is a great option. This method is particularly useful for herbs with higher moisture content, such as basil and mint. To oven dry your herbs, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in an oven set to the lowest temperature (usually around 150°F/65°C) and leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Keep a close eye on the herbs to prevent them from burning, and stir them occasionally for even drying. Once the herbs are dry and crumbly to the touch, remove them from the oven and let them cool before storing.

Using a Dehydrator

If you have a dehydrator, drying herbs becomes even easier. Dehydrators provide a controlled environment with consistent airflow, resulting in efficient and even drying. Simply spread the herbs out on the dehydrator trays, making sure to leave enough space for air circulation. Set the dehydrator to a low temperature (around 95°F/35°C) and let it run until the herbs are completely dry. The drying time will vary depending on the herb and moisture content, but it generally ranges from a few hours to overnight. Once the herbs are dry, remove them from the trays and store them in airtight containers.

How to Store Dried Herbs 

Proper storage is crucial to preserve the flavor, color, and aroma of your dried herbs. After the herbs are completely dry, remove any remaining stems or debris and crumble them into small pieces. Transfer the herbs to airtight containers, such as glass jars or resealable bags, and store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Label the containers with the name of the herb and the date of drying to ensure freshness. When stored correctly, dried herbs can retain their quality for up to a year, allowing you to enjoy their flavors long after the growing season has ended.

How to Use Dried Herbs in Your Recipes

Dried herbs are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of culinary creations. They can be added directly to soups, stews, and sauces, providing a burst of flavor that complements the other ingredients. When using dried herbs in recipes, remember that their flavors are more concentrated than fresh herbs, so you will need less. As a general rule, use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs called for in a recipe compared to fresh herbs. However, taste as you go and adjust accordingly to achieve the desired flavor.

In addition to savory dishes, dried herbs can also enhance the flavors of baked goods. Add a sprinkle of dried rosemary to a loaf of bread, infuse dried lavender into a batch of shortbread cookies, or incorporate dried basil into homemade pizza dough. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with different combinations of herbs can lead to exciting and unique flavor profiles.

Quick Overview For Successful Herb Drying

To ensure the best results when drying herbs, keep these tips and tricks in mind:

1. Harvest herbs in the morning when their essential oils are at their peak for maximum flavor.

2. Use only clean and undamaged herbs for drying.

3. Avoid washing the herbs unless necessary, as excess moisture can hinder the drying process.

4. Choose the appropriate drying method based on the herb’s moisture content and your available resources.

5. Monitor the drying process closely to prevent herbs from burning or over-drying.

6. Store dried herbs in airtight containers in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

7. Label containers with the name of the herb and the date of drying for easy identification.

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Popular Herbs for Drying and Their Culinary Uses

While nearly any herb can be dried, some are more commonly used in cooking. Here are a few easy to grow herbs for drying and their culinary uses:

– Rosemary: Known for its robust and pine-like flavor, dried rosemary is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Use it to season roasted meats, potatoes, and vegetables or infuse it into olive oil for a fragrant dipping sauce.

– Thyme: With its earthy and slightly minty flavor, dried thyme adds depth to soups, stews, and roasted meats. It pairs well with other herbs like rosemary and sage and is a key ingredient in classic French dishes like coq au vin and bouquet garni.

– Oregano: Dried oregano is a must-have herb for Italian and Greek cuisine. Its pungent and slightly bitter flavor makes it perfect for tomato-based sauces, pizza, and grilled vegetables. Sprinkle it on top of homemade focaccia or mix it into meatballs for an authentic Mediterranean taste.

– Sage: Dried sage has a warm and savory flavor that complements poultry dishes, stuffing, and creamy sauces. It can also be used to make flavorful compound butter or infused into vinegar for a unique salad dressing.

– Basil: While basil is traditionally used fresh in dishes like caprese salad and pesto, dried basil can still be used to add a hint of its distinctive flavor to sauces, soups, and marinades. It pairs well with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, making it a go-to herb in Italian cuisine.

Drying herbs is a simple yet transformative process that allows you to enjoy the flavors of your garden throughout the year. Whether you choose to air dry, oven dry, or use a dehydrator, the end result will be a collection of aromatic and flavorful herbs that can help elevate your culinary creations to new heights. From rosemary and thyme to oregano and sage, the possibilities for using dried herbs in cooking and baking are endless. So, why not bring the garden to your pantry and savor the incredible taste of home-dried herbs? Start your herb drying journey today and unlock a world of culinary delights.

piece of slate with Herb Trough written on it. Placed in an old wooden trough filled with herbs

More Ideas From the Gardening Coast To Coast Series:

Every other Saturday, until the end of December,  we will share ideas ranging from garden planning, gifts for the gardener, growing zone challenges, and much more! 

This week we are focusing on preserving the garden’s bounty.  Food preservation is an important skill to develop that is easy for the beginner gardener.  Learn and understand some of the techniques, such as harvesting at the right time, handling of the vegetables to keep the textures, timing to preserve the best flavors, selecting the correct storage container, types of easy preservation techniques (pros and cons) and how long you can freeze your vegetables for safety reasons.

a photo collage of items for garden preservation

Freezing Vegetable from The Garden

To Learn More About How To Use Herbs (Both Fresh & Dried) In Your Cooking

Herb Themed display

Dessert Herbs? Who Knew?

glass tea pot with lemon verbena leaves steeping in it

What is A Lemon Verbena Infusion?

china tea cup filled with tea

Thymely Tips For Brewing Tea

 

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Filed Under: Blog Post, Gardening Tagged With: budget friendly, cooking with herbs, gardening "Coast to Coast", Herb Gardening, pantry

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Comments

  1. Kim Beaulieu says

    November 28, 2023 at 12:48 pm

    This is such a great tutorial for drying herbs properly. I need to try the lemon verbena infusion asap!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      November 28, 2023 at 2:35 pm

      You will love the lemon verbena infusion! Thank you for visiting the blog today!

      Reply
  2. Amy says

    November 28, 2023 at 2:26 pm

    Such great information! I’d love to make my own tea doing this. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      November 28, 2023 at 2:34 pm

      Thank you, Amy! Creating your own herbal tea blends is a great way to get started! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  3. Liz says

    November 28, 2023 at 3:19 pm

    Thanks for the great guide!! I tossed all my herbs from the garden this fall and now I know better!!!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      November 28, 2023 at 3:21 pm

      In all honesty, I should have published this post about 2 months ago! But, you can save the information for next year! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  4. Jennifer Quillen says

    November 28, 2023 at 4:28 pm

    I love all of this info!! I’ve finally managed to keep a basil plant alive, and now I am about to start trying to actually GROW some other herbs. Thank you for all of these tips!!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      November 29, 2023 at 9:01 am

      I am so glad you found the information helpful! I love to grow and dry my own herbs! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  5. Jeannette says

    November 28, 2023 at 7:15 pm

    Thank you for sharing such a clear step by step guide!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      November 29, 2023 at 9:02 am

      You are so welcome! So glad you found it helpful! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  6. Elaina says

    November 29, 2023 at 8:45 pm

    Thank you for all these great tips! I haven’t tried drying my own herbs yet but would love to try air-drying rosemary & thyme in the near future.

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      November 30, 2023 at 1:48 pm

      Thank you , Elaina for stopping by! I am so glad you found the post helpful! I think you will enjoy drying your own rosemary and thyme! It is so easy!

      Reply
  7. laura says

    December 2, 2023 at 10:12 am

    congrats Kimberly on KA feature in thistlekeeping!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      December 2, 2023 at 2:51 pm

      Thank you, Laura! It is always an honor to have her feature one of my posts!

      Reply

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Hello! Kimberly (Kim) Snyder and I'm glad you're here. An entrepreneurial spirit, I've owned a flower shop and antiques store, a pizza parlor and now we're in Florida living a new adventure. Join me as we downsize into our new digs and continue the adventures! WRITER & BLOGGER

Kimberly Snyder shares the adventures of moving to Florida and beginning again in a new space as a herbalist, a creative, and a serial entrepreneur

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Not sure if I ever shared this version of the pott Not sure if I ever shared this version of the potting bench. I started decorating it with a lavender theme. I must have gotten distracted before I finished it! It just needs a few potted lavender plants ti finish it! #lavender #farmhousedecorating #gardenstyle #fromfarmhousetoflorida #pottingbench
Simple Summer sugar mold idea! I made the flower o Simple Summer sugar mold idea! I made the flower out of the trim from an old pillowcase.  #sugarmoldcenterpiece #sugarmolddecor #fromfarmhousetoflorida #farmhousedecor #fauxhydrangeas #gardenstyledecor #cottagedecor #kimstyledecor
Mother’s Day week is here! If you have been foll Mother’s Day week is here! If you have been following me for a while, you know I can’t resist filling a dough bowl (or2) with blooming plants! I designed this one with a combination of vintage garden tools, an old book and a selection of plants.  It would make the perfect gift fire that special Mom in your life! #mothersdaygifts #mothersday #mothersdaygiftideas #gardenstyle #farmhousedoughbowl #doughbowl #kimstyledecor #fromfarmhousetoflorida
I don’t talk about my faith a lot. I do believe I don’t talk about my faith a lot.  I do believe God puts certain people in your path for a reason.  An example of this occurred on Tuesday.  It was colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy day.  I was really nervous about how it would all work since it was my first time since I had my cancer surgery. 

 The nurse that was taking care of me in the pre op area turned out to be the same nurse who had prayed for me last year. My husband was in the parking lot of the medical center speaking with his friend who happened to work at the center with this particular nurse. I was very sick at the time and they prayed for my healing.  It was great to be able to thank her in person and let her see that the prayers had been answered. ❤️

Then the anesthesiologist came in and told me about his cousin who had also been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer about a year ago. He mentioned some of the treatments his cousin had had and how important a positive attitude is.  I was touched that he took the time to tell me about his cousin’s experience. 

 We had arranged in advance to have my husband’s friend as the nurse anesthesist.  He was able to pray with us as well as reassure us about the procedure.

The procedure went well. The three polyps that the surgeon removed were sent to pathology.  The report is already back and there no evidence of cancer.  Prayers were answered again❤️

#coloncancersurvivor #coloncancer  #coloncancersucks  #colonoscopy #sigmoidoscopy  #fromfarmhousetoflorida
Celebrating my “roots” for Earth Day and beyon Celebrating my “roots” for Earth Day and beyond! The tractor was painted a few years ago by a dear family friend @annrund  The two white wooden hearts were purchased at one of my favorite shops in Illinois @thefeatherednest1  #fromfarmhousetoflorida #farmhousedecorating #gardenstyledecor #gardenstyle #kimstyledecor
Instagram post 18068406688937948 Instagram post 18068406688937948
Two different ways to display this Easter bunny: r Two different ways to display this Easter bunny: rustic wooden box or an oval dough bowl! Which do you like better? #eastervignette #fromfarmhousetoflorida #easterdisplay #cottagedecor #kimstyledecor
Need a quick dough bowl decor idea? Simply tie mus Need a quick dough bowl decor idea? Simply tie muslin ribbon around a bouquet of silk tulips! I used white but any color would work! #doughbowls #farmhousedoughbowl #farmhousedecor #fromfarmhousetoflorida #cottagedecor #kimstyledecor
In honor of National Pet Day, sharing the first ti In honor of National Pet Day, sharing the first time I met Mowgli! He jumped right up into my arms proving he was #destinedtofly  I just happened to be wearing a #antomiestyle tank!  With Capri jeans, it makes an #everydayanatomie look!

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