3 Easy Ways to Dehydrate Herbs Without Electricity
Drying herbs has to be one of the easiest things to do to preserve your harvest and save money. You can use your dehydrated herbs for: gifts, tea blends, spice mixes, potpourri and so much more.
I love projects that take very little time and effort but have big rewards; dehydrating herbs is just that- easy and effortless.
Drying Herbs: A Simple Way to Preserve Your Harvest and Save Money
Drying herbs is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to preserve your harvest. Not only does it help you save money, but it also allows you to enjoy the fruits (or rather, the leaves) of your labor all year round.
Dehydrated herbs have so many uses—they can be turned into thoughtful gifts, blended into teas, mixed into spices, added to potpourri, and so much more.
As someone who loves projects that are low-effort but offer high rewards, I can confidently say that drying herbs fits that bill perfectly. It’s a simple, hands-off process that yields incredible results.
Why You Should Dry Your Own Herbs
There are several great reasons to dry your own herbs:
1. Saves Money
Drying your own herbs is significantly cheaper than buying them from the store. For example, a small handful of bay leaves might set you back $5.00, while an entire bay plant costs around $4.00—and you can harvest from it for years! The savings add up quickly when you start drying your own herbs.
2. Organically Grown
Even herbs labeled as organic in stores may still be exposed to certain chemicals during their growth or processing. By drying your own herbs, you can ensure that they are 100% chemical-free, giving you peace of mind and better quality control over what you consume.
3. Freshness
When was the last time you bought dried herbs and wondered how old they were? Store-bought herbs can sit on shelves for months, if not longer. By drying your own, you know exactly how fresh they are, and they’re always just a step outside your front door.
Three Easy Ways to Dehydrate Herbs Without Electricity
Before you being to dehydrate your fresh herbs, you need to harvest them. A rule of thumb is never harvest more than 1/3 of the plant.
To learn more, visit North Carolina Extension website.
No special equipment is required to dehydrate herbs, making this an ideal project for anyone, including children.
1. Hang Herbs to Dehydrate Them
- After cutting, washing, and thoroughly drying your herbs, gather them into small bunches.
- Secure the stems together with twine, string, or even a rubber band.
- Hang them upside down in a well-ventilated area. Avoid hanging them in the kitchen, as the moisture from cooking can slow down the drying process.
I use this method not only for drying herbs but also as a rustic, inexpensive decoration throughout the year.
2. Dehydrate Herbs in Your Car
During the summer, your car’s dashboard can double as a mini dehydrator. Simply place a layer of newspaper, paper towels, or a hand towel on your dashboard, lay your herbs on top, and let the heat do the rest.
The warmth from the sun will dry the herbs efficiently, and the aroma that greets you when you open the car door is an added bonus!
3. Use a Window Screen to Dehydrate Herbs
If you have an old window or door screen lying around, you can use it to dry your herbs. Spread the herbs out on the screen in a single layer.
If you have a second screen, you can sandwich the herbs between them to prevent them from blowing away.
This is an excellent method for solar drying, and it’s a great way to repurpose something you might otherwise throw away.
Storing Your Dehydrated Herbs
Once your herbs are completely dried, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their potency. I like to store my herbs in airtight containers or jars.
For extra protection against moisture, you can add a cotton ball or an oxygen absorber to the container, but it’s not strictly necessary.
Don’t forget to label and date your herbs immediately after storing them. While dried herbs can last anywhere from one to three years, their potency tends to decrease over time.
To get the best flavor and effectiveness, try to use them within a year.
Ways To Use Dehydrated Herbs
Some of our favorite ways to use our dehydrated herbs are
These are just a small sample of the ways you can use your herbs. Drop a comment about how you use your dehydrated herbs, or share your favorite recipe!
I use sheet pans, four across, in my “dash board dehydrator,” for drying herbs as well as bell peppers. It would also work very well for drying berries and fruit.