Homely Scientist

Well it’s another theme day here on the old SciHealth channel.  Today’s theme is Summer.  Hmm, odd that because summer is winding down.  Well, kinda.  Regardless I saw on Lifehacker last week a little post about drying herbs.  Why dry herbs?  Well first you should be growing herbs, no not that herb.  In case you haven’t noticed (and boy I have lately) dried and fresh herbs at the store can be ungodly expensive.  Heck in some places safron is kept behind the counter (it is the most expensive herb by weight you can buy).  Growing herbs is very easy (generally).  I have some oregano, mint, and sage at the moment growing nicely on the deck (in pots of course).  But while fresh herbs are great, they tend to be a tad hard to find in January.  So, you dry herbs to use later.  But how?  Actually it’s really easy.  Now while the Lifehacker reader suggests a back of the car window technique I think that’s more than a little harsh.  Herbs should be dried a tad slowly so the nice flavour compounds don’t get lost.  So my favourite way is by the water heater.  In my last apartment my water heater was in a little closet.  So when I had some rosemary to dry I hung it (upside down gives the best results) in the room and it was perfect.  For herbs to dry nicely they should be kept in the dark, have lots of airflow, and not be allowed to mould.

At this very moment I have some mint drying in the kitchen.  I’m making good use of a otherwise useless potrack.

If you aren’t growing herbs, you might have a neighbor who is and might part with a few sprigs for you (you might also have to walk away with a zucchini, so be warned).  Give it a shot.

Tags: drying herbs

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