Herbs dry fast and lose flavor to heat, so use the lowest setting.
Step by step
- Harvest before flowering, mid-morning after the dew dries, per Penn State Extension.
- Spread stems so they don't touch, and dry herbs separately from fruit and vegetables.
- Dry at 95 to 110°F (Penn State) or 95 to 105°F (Missouri Extension).
- Test: leaves should be crispy and crumble easily.
- Store whole in airtight containers away from the stove and windows; crush just before using.
How long they keep
Most dried herbs keep well up to a year, per Penn State. Judge by aroma.
Which dehydrator
Check that it goes low enough. See the best dehydrators for herbs.
