By Douglas Dedrick
Can you believe that the leaves are already changing colors?! No doubt about it, winter is coming. Fortunately, that means it’s also harvest season! And harvesting herbs is a great way to prepare for a long winter indoors. In the last issue we covered some of the amazing native herbs that are available to us in the Hudson Valley. But how do you dry and store them for the winter?
Today, let’s take a look at 3 simple methods!
Method #1: Bundling Herbs for Air Drying
Here’s the deal, when it comes to larger herbs one of the most efficient ways to dry them is a simple bundle. Whether it’s mugwort, St. Johns wort, bergamot, rosemary, mint, or golden rod, this method works great and allows herbs to dry with minimal effort and maximum aesthetics. All that is required is some twine (jute).
Step 1: Cut the useful part of the plant and wash (if needed).
Step 2: Create a bundle by tying the base of the stems with about 3 tight wraps.
Step 3: Next loosely wind the twine around the bundle towards the tip of the stem, and then back down.
Step 4: Then tie off the bundle with a loop at the base of the stem so that you can hang your herb bundle.
Step 5: Finally, hang your bundle. Herb bundles can be hung in any dry and well ventilated covered area. Most herbs will dry in a few days to a week, however they can be left hanging as long as you need as long as they are out of extended periods of direct sunlight.
Tip! Bundles should be moderate in size and loosely wound so that air can flow through efficiently.
Method #2: Oven Drying
On the other hand, for smaller quantities or herbs like oregano, thyme, and flowering herbs like chamomile, oven drying or using a dehydrator can quickly dry small quantities of herbs.
Step 1: Harvest the useful part of the plant and wash (If needed, be sure to remove excess moisture).
Step 2: Next, prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and set your oven temperature to 170 degrees.
Step 3: Finally, place your herbs on the tray and place the into the oven. Rotate them as needed until they are dry.
Tip! It’s easier to remove leaves from the stems of most plants when they are dry.
Method #3: Drying Rack/Solar Dehydrator
This method works best for roots when oven drying may not be the optimal option. Especially when dealing with larger quantities. There are many different ways to build an outdoor drying rack or solar dehydrator. While we won’t have time to discuss those options today, I encourage you to look into those if you would like to dry roots.
Step 1: Whether it’s sassafras, barberry, Japanese knotweed or dandelions, start with digging up as much of the root as possible.
Step 2: Shake off excess dirt. For the best results allow the dirt to dry above ground in a covered location for a couple days to allow for the easy removal of dirt.
Step 3: Wash off the roots by using a high pressure setting on the water hose, or using a stiff bristle brush. When possible, use the brush as adding moisture can add complications to the drying process.
Step 4: (for larger roots) Larger roots should be cut into smaller chunks so they can dry before they rot. In my experience this is most easily accomplished with a good set of pruning sheers.
Step 5: Finally, spread your herbs on the drying rack or dehydrator and rotate as needed.
Tip! A fan can speed up the process if the drying rack is indoors.
Warning! If you harvest invasive species like Japanese Knot weed be careful not to drop ANY of the roots where they are not already established. Even a very small piece can cause the plant to spread.
It’s true, harvesting herbs for the winter is a great way to add some spice to the often long NY winters. And bundles of dried herbs can add a spicy natural touch to your home as well! Mix and match any of these methods in order to get the most out of your fall harvest. May you have a warm and spice filled winter!
Author Bio: Douglas Dedrick is a writer, landscaper and founder of American Grit. AmericanGritFulvic@gmail.com