Whether you grow your own herbs or buy them fresh from a market, drying them is one of the best ways to preserve their flavor and medicinal value. But before you start the drying process, a common question arises: should you wash herbs before drying?
The short answer is yes, usually — but how you wash them and how thoroughly you dry them afterward can make or break the quality of your dried herbs.
In this guide, we’ll explore when and how to wash herbs before drying, which herbs benefit from washing, how to dry them properly afterward, and what mistakes to avoid for mold-free, flavorful results.
Why Washing Herbs Matters Before Drying
Washing herbs before drying helps remove:
- Dirt and dust
- Insects and eggs
- Pollen
- Residues from pesticides or fertilizers
- Animal droppings (especially outdoors)
Even if your herbs look clean, they may carry particles you don’t want in your tea or food later. Washing is especially important for culinary herbs, medicinal use, or anything you plan to consume directly.
When You Should Wash Herbs Before Drying
You should always rinse herbs if:
- You picked them from a garden or outdoor space
- They were exposed to rain, wind, pets, or wildlife
- You bought them from a store or market (organic or not)
- They have visible dirt, dust, or residue
Even indoor-grown herbs can collect dust or aphids — a quick rinse is good insurance.
When You May Not Need to Wash Herbs
There are rare exceptions when washing might not be necessary or advised:
- Wildcrafted herbs where water could spread mold (some foragers dry without washing)
- Delicate herbs (like lavender flowers or chamomile) that bruise easily — these should be gently brushed or shaken, not soaked
- Very dry environments where herbs are extremely clean and bug-free
If you skip washing, make sure you inspect each leaf carefully and only dry the cleanest specimens.
How to Wash Herbs Before Drying: Step-by-Step
Washing herbs is simple, but doing it gently is key. Here’s how:
1. Fill a Bowl with Cool Water
Use a large bowl or basin of clean, cool water — never hot, as it can damage oils.
2. Submerge and Swish Gently
Place a handful of herbs into the bowl and swirl them gently for 10–20 seconds. Don’t soak too long — you’re rinsing, not cooking.
3. Lift, Don’t Pour
Lift the herbs out of the water instead of pouring the water out. This lets dirt settle at the bottom instead of resettling on your herbs.
4. Repeat if Needed
For very dirty herbs, use a second rinse or a fresh bowl of water.
5. Lay Out to Dry
Place herbs on a clean towel or paper towels and gently pat dry. Spread them out in a single layer so air can circulate.
Drying Herbs After Washing: Crucial Steps
Wet herbs must be completely dry before you begin the actual drying process (hanging, dehydrating, or otherwise). Otherwise, you risk mold and dark spots.
Methods to Dry Washed Herbs Before Drying:
- Air dry: Leave them on a towel in a warm, dry place for 1–2 hours
- Pat dry: Use paper towels to absorb surface moisture
- Salad spinner: For leafy herbs like parsley or basil, spin gently to remove water
- Fan drying: A low fan nearby can speed the process, especially in humid areas
Only begin long-term drying (on a string, rack, or dehydrator) once the surface moisture is fully gone.
Washing Different Types of Herbs
Each herb has a different texture and level of fragility. Here’s how to handle the most common types:
| Herb Type | Should You Wash? | Handling Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Mint | Yes | Use gentle swirling and pat dry thoroughly |
| Basil | Yes | Handle gently, can bruise easily |
| Parsley | Yes | Shake off water or spin before drying |
| Thyme | Optional | Can brush off dirt if visibly clean |
| Rosemary | Yes | Rinse stems under cool water stream |
| Lavender | Optional | If clean, skip wash — brush gently instead |
| Oregano | Yes | Swish, pat dry, and hang upside down |
| Chamomile | Optional | For flowers, avoid rinsing if possible |
| Lemon Balm | Yes | Very soft — rinse briefly, dry carefully |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Washing herbs too late
Don’t wash herbs after they’ve started drying — moisture reactivates enzymes and can lead to mold.
2. Using hot water
Hot water breaks down oils and softens leaves — always use cold or cool water.
3. Not drying herbs before hanging
Wet leaves hung in bunches will trap moisture, leading to rot or mildew.
4. Washing bruised or old herbs
Only wash fresh, healthy herbs. Damaged ones won’t dry well or keep their flavor.
FAQs
Should you wash herbs before air drying?
Yes. Washing herbs before air drying removes contaminants and improves safety, especially for culinary or medicinal use.
How do I wash herbs without bruising them?
Use a bowl of cool water, swish gently, and avoid squeezing or pressing the leaves. Always pat dry instead of rubbing.
Can I wash herbs and dry them immediately in a dehydrator?
You can, but make sure all surface moisture is removed first. Use towels or a spinner to reduce wetness before dehydrating.
Is it okay to wash herbs before hanging them on a string?
Yes, as long as they are completely dry on the surface before tying. Wet bundles promote mold.
What if I forgot to wash my herbs and already dried them?
Inspect them carefully. If they look clean and show no sign of bugs or dirt, they’re probably fine — but next time, rinse them first.
Final Thoughts
So, should you wash herbs before drying? In most cases — absolutely. A gentle rinse helps eliminate contaminants and makes your dried herbs safer, more flavorful, and longer-lasting.
Just remember: what matters most is drying them properly afterward. Even a perfectly clean herb can go bad if it’s hung or stored while still wet.
Wash wisely, dry thoroughly, and your herbs will reward you with months of freshness — no matter the season.