Drying herbs is a tried-and-true way to preserve the flavor, aroma, and nutrients of your garden harvest. While hanging bundles of herbs is the traditional method, not everyone has the space or conditions for that setup. If you’re looking for a clean, compact, and effective option, drying herbs on a tray might be the perfect solution.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to dry herbs on a tray step by step, which herbs are best suited for this method, what kind of trays to use, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to know when your herbs are ready for storage.
Why Dry Herbs on a Tray?
Drying herbs on a tray is ideal for those with limited space or for soft, leafy herbs that don’t dry well when hung. It also allows you to dry smaller quantities and keep different herbs separated easily.
Benefits of tray drying:
- Works indoors or outdoors (with shade)
- Doesn’t require hanging space
- Reduces risk of mold (with proper airflow)
- Allows you to dry multiple herbs at once
- Easy to set up and clean
Best Herbs for Tray Drying
Tray drying works well for almost any herb, but it’s especially helpful for delicate, leafy herbs that wilt or bruise easily.
Great herbs to dry on trays:
- Basil
- Mint
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Lemon balm
- Dill
- Tarragon
- Chives
- Oregano (if leaves are removed from stems)
Woody herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage can also be dried on trays, though they may also do well when hung.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the right materials:
✅ Herbs
Harvest fresh, healthy stems — ideally in the morning after the dew has dried.
✅ Tray or Surface
Use one of the following:
- Mesh screen tray (ideal)
- Wire cooling rack
- Paper towel-lined baking sheet
- Bamboo drying tray
- Sieve or strainer basket
Avoid plastic or flat trays that don’t allow airflow.
✅ Optional Tools
- Fan (to improve airflow)
- Cheesecloth (to cover herbs and keep dust off)
- Labels (to track herb names and drying dates)
How to Dry Herbs on a Tray — Step by Step
Step 1: Harvest and Wash Herbs
- Pick herbs before they flower — this is when oil content is highest.
- Rinse gently in cool water to remove dirt, bugs, or residue.
- Shake off excess water and pat dry completely with paper towels.
Important: Wet herbs mold easily. They must be surface dry before going on the tray.
Step 2: Prep and De-Stem (If Needed)
- Remove tough stems or woody stalks if drying just the leaves (like for mint or parsley).
- Keep smaller sprigs whole for easier handling.
- Lay out similar herbs together — drying times may vary between types.
Step 3: Arrange on the Tray
- Place herbs in a single layer, not stacked.
- Spread them out so leaves are not touching or overlapping.
- If using paper towels, avoid layering herbs too thick — paper can hold moisture.
Tip: Use mesh or slotted trays for the best airflow and faster drying.
Step 4: Choose a Good Drying Spot
Set the tray in a spot that is:
- Warm (70–85°F / 21–29°C)
- Dry
- Out of direct sunlight (to preserve color and oils)
- Well-ventilated
Good locations include:
- A kitchen shelf away from steam
- Pantry with open door
- Spare room with a ceiling fan
- A dry closet or cabinet with airflow
Step 5: Monitor and Flip Daily
- Flip herbs every 12–24 hours to help them dry evenly.
- Check for signs of mold or wilting.
- Drying time typically takes 3–10 days, depending on herb type and humidity.
Use a fan nearby for better airflow if your environment is humid or still.
Step 6: Test for Dryness
Herbs are fully dry when:
- Leaves crumble easily between your fingers
- Stems snap, not bend
- Color is retained (bright green or appropriate natural shade)
- Aroma is still present but lighter than fresh
If herbs are still soft or bendy, they need more time.
Step 7: Store the Dried Herbs
Once herbs are completely dry:
- Remove any stems or twigs
- Store whole or crushed (crush only before use for better oil retention)
- Place in airtight containers: glass jars, metal tins, or zip-seal bags
- Label each container with herb name and drying date
- Store in a dark, cool, dry place — like a cupboard or pantry
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Drying herbs while still wet: Always let herbs fully air-dry after rinsing. Trapped moisture leads to mold.
❌ Overlapping leaves on the tray: Crowding slows drying and encourages spoilage. Keep herbs in a single layer.
❌ Placing tray in direct sunlight: Sunlight bleaches herbs and breaks down essential oils. Always dry in the shade.
❌ Not flipping herbs: Stagnant herbs can dry unevenly. Flip daily for best results.
❌ Storing before fully dry: Always check for crispness before sealing in containers.
How Long Do Herbs Take to Dry on a Tray?
| Herb | Drying Time (Tray Method) |
|---|---|
| Mint | 4–6 days |
| Basil | 5–7 days |
| Parsley | 4–6 days |
| Lemon balm | 4–7 days |
| Oregano | 3–5 days |
| Cilantro | 4–6 days |
| Dill | 2–4 days |
| Sage | 5–8 days |
| Thyme | 3–6 days |
Humidity and room temperature may increase or decrease drying time. Use the crumble test as your final indicator.
Final Thoughts
Drying herbs on a tray is a simple, effective, and flexible way to preserve your harvest — no fancy equipment or large spaces required. Whether you’re drying parsley from your balcony planter or mint from your garden, tray drying gives you more control and faster access to crisp, flavorful herbs.
The key steps are:
- Use dry herbs
- Spread evenly
- Dry in the shade with airflow
- Store only when completely crisp
With a little care and patience, tray drying will give you reliable, aromatic herbs ready for cooking, tea, or remedies all year long.
FAQs
Can I use a baking tray for drying herbs?
Yes, but line it with parchment or paper towels and make sure herbs are in a single layer. Avoid using non-breathable trays in humid rooms.
How do I know when herbs are fully dry?
Leaves will crumble easily, and stems will snap when bent. There should be no soft spots or moisture left.
Can I stack trays to dry multiple herbs?
Yes, if they are mesh or ventilated trays. Make sure air can flow around each level.
What herbs should not be dried on a tray?
Most herbs work well, but thick, woody stems (like rosemary) may take longer. You can still tray-dry them by removing leaves first.
Is it safe to dry herbs in the kitchen?
Yes — as long as it’s a dry, well-ventilated part of the kitchen away from steam, sinks, or stove heat.