Drying & Storing Herbs
The general dehydrator-and-hanging-bundle method behind every dried-herb ingredient list in this section — temperature range matters more than most home dehydrator settings assume.
Same core principles apply whether it's a whole bundle of stems or a single tray of leaves — the goal is removing moisture fast enough to prevent mold, without cooking off the volatile compounds that make the herb worth drying in the first place.
Dehydrator Method
90–110°F is the ideal range; 110°F is a hard ceiling — going higher starts to break down volatile oils and delicate compounds. Good airflow and low humidity in the drying space matter as much as temperature. Dry in a shaded area or with the dehydrator's cover on if it has one — direct light degrades color and potency during the drying process itself.
Hanging Bundle Method
Gather small bundles of stems (thin enough that air moves through the whole bundle, not just the outside), secure with string or a rubber band, and hang upside-down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space. Slower than a dehydrator but works well for sturdier herbs and doesn't require equipment.
Doneness & Storage
Herbs are fully dry when leaves crumble easily between fingers and stems snap rather than bend — use your senses, not just a timer, since humidity and herb thickness both change drying time significantly. Store fully dried herb in an airtight jar away from light and heat; properly dried and stored herb generally keeps its potency for 1–2 years.