Drying herbs is a simple and rewarding way to preserve your garden’s bounty, but many people unknowingly ruin their herbs with common mistakes. From improper cleaning to storing too early, these errors can lead to mold, flavor loss, and wasted effort.
If you’re planning to dry herbs for cooking, tea, or home remedies, this guide will help you get it right from the start. Below are the most important things not to do when drying herbs, based on real experience and best practices.
1. Don’t Wait Too Long to Harvest
Herbs are most potent right before they flower. Waiting too long can result in:
- Reduced flavor and aroma
- Tougher, woodier stems
- Essential oil loss
What to do instead: Harvest in the morning after dew has dried, when oils are strongest and leaves are clean.
2. Don’t Skip Washing (If Needed)
Some gardeners avoid washing herbs out of fear they’ll absorb water — but skipping this step can leave behind:
- Dirt and debris
- Insects or eggs
- Pesticide residue
What to do instead: Gently rinse herbs under cool water and pat dry thoroughly with a towel. Air dry completely before tying or laying out.
3. Don’t Overcrowd Herbs
Piling herbs too close together, whether in a bunch or on a rack, restricts airflow and invites mold.
What to do instead: Keep bundles small (pencil-thick or less), and when laying herbs flat, ensure they don’t overlap. Always allow for airflow on all sides.
4. Don’t Dry in a Humid Space
Moisture in the air slows the drying process and increases the risk of:
- Mold
- Discoloration
- Musty odors
What to do instead: Dry herbs in a room with low humidity and good ventilation. Use a fan if needed, but keep it gentle.
5. Don’t Use Direct Sunlight
Sunlight may seem helpful, but it breaks down the essential oils in herbs — the very compounds you want to preserve.
What to do instead: Dry in a dark or shaded area. Indoors is best for maintaining color, flavor, and medicinal value.
6. Don’t Tie Large, Tight Bunches
Thick herb bundles trap moisture and can lead to uneven drying or internal mold that’s hard to detect until it’s too late.
What to do instead: Tie herbs in small, loose bunches, and space them well. Use rubber bands to accommodate shrinkage as they dry.
7. Don’t Use Ovens Without Care
Trying to speed up drying in a hot oven is risky. High temperatures can:
- Burn delicate leaves
- Evaporate essential oils
- Make herbs taste dull or bitter
What to do instead: If using an oven, keep it below 95°F (35°C) and leave the door slightly open. A dehydrator is safer and more consistent.
8. Don’t Forget to Flip or Rotate Herbs
When drying flat, herbs left untouched may dry unevenly. Trapped moisture leads to spotting or rot.
What to do instead: Turn or flip herbs every day. This ensures even drying and helps you monitor progress.
9. Don’t Store Before Fully Dry
This is one of the most common and damaging mistakes. Even slightly damp herbs can develop mold after storage.
What to do instead: Herbs should feel crisp, brittle, and snap cleanly when bent. If in doubt, wait another day.
10. Don’t Store in Clear Jars in the Sun
Even after drying, herbs are sensitive to light. Storing in clear containers near a window causes:
- Faded color
- Loss of potency
- Shorter shelf life
What to do instead: Store in dark glass jars or opaque tins, and keep them in a cool, dark cabinet.
11. Don’t Mix Herb Types While Drying
Each herb has its own moisture content and drying speed. Mixing them leads to uneven results.
What to do instead: Dry one herb variety per batch. For example, dry thyme separately from basil or mint.
12. Don’t Skip Labeling
Dried herbs can look very similar once stored — especially after a few months. You might forget what’s what.
What to do instead: Label every container with:
- Herb name
- Form (whole, crushed, etc.)
- Drying or packing date
This keeps your herbal pantry organized and usable.
FAQs
Why did my herbs turn brown during drying?
Overheating, drying too slowly, or exposure to light are common causes. Use a dark, well-ventilated space and avoid ovens unless carefully controlled.
How do I know if my herbs are dry enough?
They should feel papery and snap cleanly. If leaves still bend, they’re not ready.
Can I use moldy herbs if I remove the bad parts?
No. Mold spores spread invisibly. Discard the entire batch if you see mold.
How long should drying take?
Usually 3–10 days, depending on herb type and conditions. Woody herbs dry faster than soft leafy ones.
What if I live in a humid climate?
Use a dehydrator or air-conditioned room. You can also use paper bags with ventilation holes to wick moisture and protect herbs.
Final Thoughts
Drying herbs is simple — but the details matter. By avoiding these common drying mistakes, you’ll end up with herbs that are not only beautiful and aromatic but also safe and effective for months to come.
Whether you’re preserving herbs for cooking, teas, or home remedies, remember: the goal is low moisture, low light, and good airflow. Follow these do-nots, and you’ll never waste a batch again.