How to Dehydrating Herbs in a Dehydrator

 If you love growing herbs but don’t want them to go to waste, dehydrating herbs in a dehydrator is one of the best ways to keep them fresh for months! 

This post contains affiliate links to products we recommend.  We do make a portion off any you may purchase.  See full disclosure here.

It’s an easy and effective way to preserve flavor while making sure you always have homegrown herbs on hand. Let’s go over the basics.

Is It Better to Dry or Dehydrate Herbs?

Air drying and using a dehydrator both work for preserving herbs, but dehydrating herbs in a dehydrator is faster and more reliable. 

A dehydrator provides even airflow and controlled temperature, which helps herbs dry quickly without losing too much flavor or color. Air drying can take days or weeks, while a dehydrator gets the job done in just hours.

How Do You Clean Herbs Before Dehydrating?

Before you start dehydrating herbs in a dehydrator, you need to clean them properly. Gently rinse your herbs under cool water to remove dirt and insects. 

Shake off excess water and lay them on a clean towel to dry. I like to use a salad spinner to dry off the herbs quickly so they don't get soggy.

If your herbs have thick stems or large leaves, you might want to pat them dry with a towel to speed up the process.

How Long Do You Dehydrate Herbs?

The drying time depends on the type of herb and the moisture content. Delicate herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint take about 1-2 hours. 

Thicker herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano can take up to 4 hours. Always check your herbs to make sure they’re fully dried before storing them.

What Herbs Are Worth Drying and Which Are Not?

Most herbs are great for drying, but some hold their flavor better than others. Good choices include:

• Oregano

• Thyme

• Rosemary

• Sage

• Mint

• Lavender

Soft, leafy herbs like basil, chives, and parsley can lose their vibrant taste when dried. They might still be useful for cooking, but they won’t have the same punch as fresh herbs. 

If you want to keep their fresh flavor, try freezing them in olive oil or making herb pastes.

How to Dehydrate Herbs in a Dehydrator

You’ll need fresh herbs, a dehydrator, and airtight containers for storage. 

Rinse the herbs gently under cool water to remove dirt and pests. Pat them dry with a towel or let them air dry completely. 

Remove any wilted or damaged leaves. For herbs with thick stems, like rosemary or thyme, strip the leaves from the stems.

Spread the herbs in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. This ensures even drying.

Most herbs dry well between 95°F and 115°F. Using a lower temperature helps preserve color and flavor.

Run the dehydrator for 1-4 hours, checking periodically for doneness. Delicate herbs like mint or basil dry faster, while thicker ones like rosemary take longer.

Fully dried herbs should be crisp and crumble easily when touched. If they feel soft or bend, let them dry longer.

Let the herbs cool completely before storing them in airtight containers. Keep them in a cool, dark place to maintain their flavor.

Dehydrating herbs in a dehydrator is a simple and effective way to keep your homegrown flavors available year-round. 

With the right drying time and storage, you’ll always have flavorful herbs ready for your next meal. Give it a try and enjoy the taste of your garden, even in the middle of winter!

Jump to Recipe ⬇️

------