11 Herbs to Dry Now for Freshness That Lasts All Year

Drying herbs isn’t just about preservation—it’s about locking in their essence. The right method can mean the difference between dull, lifeless flakes and vibrant, potent seasonings that elevate cooking and wellness routines.

Eleven herbs stand out with unique drying and storage techniques, ensuring your garden’s bounty stays fresh, fragrant, and effective for months.

1. Basil

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Fresh basil transforms beautifully through air-drying when bundled in small groups and hung upside down in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. The drying process typically takes two weeks, and leaves should become brittle to the touch.

Store dried basil leaves in airtight glass containers in a cool, dark place for optimal preservation. 

Crush only when ready to use, as this helps maintain maximum flavor for up to one year.

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2. Rosemary

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This hardy Mediterranean herb dries exceptionally well due to its woody stems and low moisture content. The most effective method is to use a dehydrator at 95°F for 18-24 hours or air-dry by suspending small bundles in paper bags with punched holes.

Store dried rosemary in an airtight container, keeping the leaves whole until needed. 

Properly stored in a cool, dark place, rosemary maintains its potent flavor for up to a year.

3. Thyme

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For peak flavor, harvest thyme just before blooming, cutting stems in the morning after dew has dried. The herb can be dried by hanging small bundles in a paper bag with holes for ventilation or using a dehydrator at 95°F for 8-10 hours.

Once dried, strip leaves from stems and store in an airtight container away from light and moisture. 

Properly stored thyme retains its flavor for up to six months.

4. Mint

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Fresh mint requires thorough drying to prevent mold. Use a dehydrator at 95°F for 2-5 hours, or air-dry by hanging bundles in paper bags in a well-ventilated area. The leaves should be completely dry and crumbly before storage.

Store dried mint leaves in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. 

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When properly dried and stored, mint maintains its flavor and aroma for up to 12 months.

5. Sage

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Sage leaves dry best in a dehydrator set at 95°F for 20-24 hours or by air-drying in small bundles. They should be completely dry and brittle before storage.

Store dried sage in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. When properly stored, dried sage maintains its potency for up to one year.

6. Oregano

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Bundle oregano stems and hang them upside down in a dark, dry spot covered with perforated paper bags to catch falling leaves. Alternatively, use a dehydrator at 95°F for optimal results.

Store dried oregano leaves in glass bottles or airtight containers away from light and air to preserve flavor. 

When stored properly, dried oregano maintains its quality for up to six months.

7. Lemon Balm

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Harvest lemon balm just before blossoming for maximum flavor. Dry in a dehydrator at 95°F for 12-18 hours, or hang small bundles in a clean, dry, dark place for one to three weeks.

Store dried lemon balm leaves whole in paper bags or glass jars, avoiding plastic containers that may cause condensation. 

Crumble only when ready to use to maintain optimal flavor.

8. Tarragon

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Harvest tarragon stems in the morning after the dew has dried but before the day’s heat. Place stems in a dehydrator at 95°F for 2-4 hours, or hang small bundles in paper bags with ventilation holes in a dark, dry area.

Store dried tarragon leaves in airtight glass containers away from light and heat. 

Properly stored, the herb maintains its distinctive anise-like flavor for up to six months.

9. Parsley

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This versatile herb dries best in a dehydrator at 95-110°F for 1-4 hours or by hanging small bundles in a well-ventilated area. Check regularly for complete dryness, as the leaves should crumble easily.

Store dried parsley in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. 

It retains its color and flavor for up to one year when properly dried and stored.

10. Chamomile

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Focus on drying the flower heads, which contain the most beneficial compounds. Use a dehydrator at 95°F for 2-4 hours, or lay flowers on screens in a single layer in a warm, dark place with good air circulation.

Store dried chamomile flowers in airtight glass containers away from light. 

Properly dried and stored chamomile maintains its calming properties for up to one year.

11. Lavender

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Harvest lavender stems just as the buds open for optimal oil content. Bundle stems loosely and hang upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area, or use a dehydrator at 95°F for 2-4 hours.

Once completely dry, strip buds from stems and store in airtight containers away from light and heat. 

Dried lavender retains its fragrance and properties for up to one year.

Source:

  1. Taylor and Francis
nancy
Author & Editor |  + posts

Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.