Drying Herbs for Kitchen Use. How to dry herbs

 

Herb growing and drying is an easy kitchen "preserving" task .  Herbs do not require a lot of care and three of the Five herbs that I dried today are perennial and return every year.  Oregano, Sage and Rosemary return every year.  Rosemary and Oregano are  evergreen in growing Zone 8 a .   I normally can find these in my garden year round.  Sage will semi die back sometimes offering a  sparse leaf every now and then in the winter months.   Basil and stevia I replant every year.  Basil is very easy to grow.  You will need a sunny spot with soft soil.  I cast seed every year in a pot or corner of the garden bed and water regularly until I have a healthy plant then just water weekly .  Stevia I pick up at local nursery or Lowes.  It is a fast growing plant that pinching it back increases its growth.

The first task is to collect your leaves .  Select blemish free leaves that look healthy.  Wash them well and drain as much of the water off that you can.  I place my herbs on a old towel and pat them gently dry.  Drying the leaves will make the drying process go a lot faster.  

I use a dehydrator to dry my herbs.  It is quick and neat.  You can use your stove and microwave as well.  Google offers may ideas on this process if you do not have a dehydrator.  

Once I have my leaves washed and patted dry I arrange them on a dehydrator tray .  Try not to mix your leaves unless you are making a mix.  

I took about 4 hours to dry completely. I checked  the trays about every hour rearranging leaves that were stacked .  

I store my herbs in jars with air tight lids.

There is a huge difference in the taste and smell of leaves that have been dried at home verses bought off the shelves.  The cost is minimal, and to be honest gathering, washing and drying are all therapeutic.  Hope you dry a few herbs yourself the winter soups and stews will be tastier.   

Happy Summer!

Sheryl  

Woman Cave

The concept is : Everyman needs a workshop or Man Cave.  Ladies we do too!  In the last post I hinted around to some changes to the metal building you saw in the back ground Here is the journey to the new improved Woman cave...

We have been making some good changes here at the Red Tin Inn.  They are all about out buildings that serve their purpose with out the "out" building look.  I was shocked that Handy Hubby was on board.  I was also excited, because when he gets fired up only good things start to happen.  

I failed to get all phase photos so we will say this is phase 3 before paint phase and pre.

"woman cave".   

 After a lot of begging he relinquished the cute building with  potential to me and  knew that his work was not done.  

Phase 4:  The paint is on and the front design has been hashed out.  We decided on a pergola roof and a 4 x 10 stoop.  We did not extend the full length of the building because of power lines and water lines.  

 The photo was taken with the smart phone .  The only way I could sneak one in!

Phase 5:  She is complete!  Hubby gives it his last approval before Clean up starts.  (hint this is were I come in)

The tools and ladders are put away and the clutter is dealt with.  New Window treatments are up.

 Now I have been given free reign!!

Just a few notes:  The doors and windows were salvaged from upgrades made to the house.  Those are the two windows and door we removed when we added the screen porch.  The stoop decking boards do have  cracks between then since I vacuum and bath the Lab Beau on it.  The decorative end took a little more time with the jig or scroll saw however they really make a difference.   The small details make a big difference!  And last but not least, Everything is done is phases because we are on a budget and the time we have taken with our projects have made us appreciate the finished product even more. My next post I am thinking we may take a look at the "Garden"