Best Organic Herbs

DRIED HERBS – HOW TO PREPARE THEM

Herbs are plants that are often used in cooking, medicinal
purposes and other means. Also, herbs are dried to concentrate
their flavor and to preserve them for a longer period of time. Dried
Herbs on the other hand are dried to fit for a certain use which
requires the absence of water in the herbs which usually is for food
preservation. But how are these Dried Herbs formed?

There are ways and means to dry an herb. One of them is
through Air Drying. According to allotment.org.uk, upon picking
them from the soil, the withered leaves should be first removed.

It should be tied on a stick and blanched in boiling water for a
few minutes. Shake off any more excess water and safely put
into a muslin cloth and hang up to dry. It is suggested that the
herb is placed where there is enough radiation; for example, over
a stove or in airing cupboard. The span of time for the herbs varies
depending on the kind of environment where it is put. Herbs dry in
a few hours if there is enough heat while it may take 3-4 days if
there’s none.

You’ll just be sure that the herbs are already dry if
the leaves are brittle and the stems break instead of bending. If
the place where the herbs are dried has dust as a problem, you
may opt to cover the herbs with paper bag as they dry.

Another way to prepare Dried Herbs is through Drying
in the Oven. Just like in Air Drying, the withered leaves should
be taken off first. Put the herbs in a muslin cloth and blanch
for 1 minute in boiling water. Take off any excess water and
spread on a tray. Put them inside the oven and heat at 45-55°C.

It would take about an hour to dry the leaves. They are crispy
when completely dry. In storing the Dried Herbs, it should be
crushed using your hand or rolling pin, discarding the stalks. It
should then be kept in air tight containers to preserve the
fragrance. It should not be exposed to bright lights to preserve
their colours.

Using the Microwave Method is an easy but sensitive way of
Drying Herbs. First, you should put two sheets of absorbent
Kitchen roll, put the herbs above and put above them a paper
towel. In every 30 second interval, put the Microwave on High
then turn the Herbs onto the other side. The whole process should
take no longer than 3 minutes for the Herbs to be dried completely
and to avoid

Dried Herbs are useful especially in cooking our food and in the
field of medicine. Having prior knowledge on this is a great
advantage. It is your edge over the others in the future.