Can you dry herbs without a dehydrator?

Absolutely! Air drying is an easy, no-fuss way to dry herbs without any special equipment. Simply bundle the stems, tie them together with twine, and hang them upside down someplace dark and dry. Most herbs are fully dried within two weeks.

Can you dry herbs in the oven?

Yes, but unlike air-drying herbs (which is a slower yet gentler process), oven-drying requires a bit more attention to make sure you don’t accidentally burn the leaves. The key is setting your oven to the lowest temperature possible (between 170°F and 200°F) and knowing where the hot spots are. I wrote a full guide on how to dry fresh herbs in your oven .

How long do dried herbs last?

The benefit of drying your own herbs at home is knowing exactly how fresh they are. They haven't been sitting on a shelf at the store for who knows how long, so home-dried herbs generally retain their aroma and flavor for longer. Most herbs last six months to a year in typical storage conditions (though if you keep them away from light, heat, and humidity, they can store for up to two years without losing potency).

Canning, Freezing & More Preserving

Dried herbs hanging from wooden rack on wall, including anise hyssop, tarragon, parsley, and mint bundles

Recipes, Canning, Freezing & More Preserving

The Easiest Way to Dry and Store Herbs From Your Garden

It doesn't take any special equipment to dry herbs from your own garden. Air drying is one of the most effective ways to preserve your favorite culinary herbs. The key is timing your harvest properly so you can maximize their aroma and flavor. Here's how to gather, dry, and store your herbs for the longest shelf life.

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