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Herbs can be dried and used for medicinal purposes throughout the
year. This is done by drying the herb foliage or drying the fruits. These dried
substances can then be stored for use as dried herb ingredients right
through the year.
Before you harvest any herb material for drying, make
sure that the correct plant has been identified before you attempt so dry
it. If you are in any doubt
whatever, then do not use the herb for drying - or any other purposes.
Remember, all wildflowers and plants in the UK are
subject to laws relating to their uprooting or picking. NO wild plant may
be uprooted without permission. You should not dry herbs collected from
the wild without permission. |
Harvesting Herbs for Drying
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In the right climatic conditions, herbs
can also be hung up to dry. |
For drying herbs, use only fresh specimens and in
particular healthy growth on the herbs when choosing leaves and stems for drying.
With perennial herbs, it is a good idea to cut off the uppermost part
of the stem - allowing the herb to then shoot out new shoots and
flowers which again can be used at a later date for drying.
Natural drying of herb material is by far the best, and
possible with most varieties. This is accomplished by spreading the
herbs to be dried onto a sheet or so of clean paper, newspapers can be
used as a last resort to dry your herbs!
Place the paper and herbs in a lightly shaded spot
with plenty of ventilation, but no too much direct draught to cause
problems. Turn the herb material over from time to time as you dry it. Once properly
dried, the herbs can then be stored in suitable containers. |
You should always dry herbs with a that have a high level of
volatile oils in this manner, otherwise much of
their potency can be lost if you dry the herb too quickly.
There are exceptions to this with some herbs or herb
parts that should be dried by artificial means. For instance, you can dry
some roots
or fruits by means of heating.
The dried herb leaves can be crushed and then stored in
airtight containers - not clear glass, for direct light can have a
detrimental effect on the qualities of the herb. In any event, dry herbs
can lose their effectiveness after a time, so keep a steady supply of
herbs growing for drying purposes. You can dry herbs right through the
growing season and on into the dormant period.
Once you dry your herbs, make sure that the container is CORRECTLY labelled.
Back to A-Z of Herbs |
