If you have a herb garden or leftovers from your fresh herb purchases, you can dry them for later use. This means you will still have your favourite herbs even when they are out of season. You can also dry chillies and mushrooms.
Air drying is an ancient method of preserving crops. It is very effective offers you the opportunity of experiencing intensified flavours in your cooking plus make your kitchen smell groovy. Most hydrophobic driers are cheap and easy to use. You can opt for simply ‘open’ drying or use one of the many stacked mesh products available in home stores or online shopping. They are easy to use and portable.
Pic: Herb drying rack
Simply hang it in your kitchen, pantry or your garden in an area that is not exposed to rain or direct sunlight or moisture. If exposed to direct sunlight or moisture in the drying process, they will spoil.
Drying times will take anywhere from 5 days to a few weeks, depending on the types of herbs you’re drying. Remove when dried. The herbs are dried when they just become crisp and no moisture can be felt.
What are you waiting for?
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
