Paper bag method- herb drying

[lesa]

I conducted the experiment with a bunch of mint. Put it into a paper bag, closed bag with rubber band. Waited 10 days or so- and voila! Perfectly dried mint- still green! Trying it with basil tonight. The microwave method works and keeps it green- but it takes quite a bit of time. This is one of those great- do it and forget about it. I still hang herbs to dry, but drying basil and some others, makes them turn black....Super easy!

 

[thistlebloom]

Lesa, did you hang them up once they were in the paper bag?

 

[lesa]

Oops, forgot the most important part- they spent 10 days in refrigerator.

 

[digitS']

Weeellll, the herb specialist's claim that you can dry things by putting them in a paper bag in the fridge . . .

has stood the test of peer review!



Steve

 

[NwMtGardener]

Oh, that's exciting, i'm going to do this with my mint and basil

 

[momofdrew]

thanks I am going to try this method...

 

[Carol Dee]

Wonderful. we will do this with the mint. I always thought it looked a bit gray when air dried. Now to find room in the fridge!

 

[calendula]

Thanks for sharing Lesa. I have always dried my basil in bunches on a rack. The flavor has always been well preserved, but it does darken quite a bit. I will have to give this a try. If there wasn't room in the fridge, do you think a cool room would work?

 

[lesa]

I don't know about the "cool" room- calendula. How about if you conduct that part of the experiment?? Then we can pool our data! I have an extra fridge for bee stuff- so I have some room for the bags...

 

[calendula]

I'd be glad to. It'll be a couple weeks before my basil is ready to be harvested, but once it's ready, I will have lots. My 9 year old son decided to plant basil in his little garden plot, plus I have several plants of my own. I wish we had an extra fridge, it sure would be convenient!