Drying herbs is one of the easiest and most natural ways to preserve their flavor and healing properties. But what if you don’t have access to direct sunlight? Whether you live in a cloudy climate, a small apartment, or simply want to avoid the downsides of sun exposure (like color fading or oil loss), you can absolutely dry herbs without sunlight — and often get better results doing so.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to dry herbs indoors or in shade, what tools (if any) you’ll need, the pros and cons of different no-sun methods, and how to avoid common mistakes like mold, poor flavor, or over-drying.
Why Avoid Sunlight When Drying Herbs?
Although sun-drying seems natural, direct sunlight can actually degrade some of the very compounds you’re trying to preserve:
- Essential oils (the source of flavor and medicinal benefit) break down in strong UV light
- Color fades, especially in soft herbs like mint, basil, and parsley
- Overheating can cause leaves to become brittle and tasteless
Sunlight also introduces temperature fluctuations and increases the risk of over-drying or uneven drying.
That’s why most professionals and herbalists prefer shade drying, indoor air drying, or dehydrators — especially for delicate or medicinal herbs.
Best Ways to Dry Herbs Without Sunlight
Here are the most effective, proven methods to dry herbs without using sunlight:
1. Air-Drying Indoors (Traditional Hanging Method)
Air drying is slow, gentle, and works without electricity or sun exposure.
How to do it:
- Tie small bundles (4–6 stems) of herbs using twine or rubber bands
- Hang upside down in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated room
- Keep away from windows and moisture sources (like stoves or showers)
- Drying takes 5–14 days, depending on the herb and humidity
Tip: Cover bundles with paper bags (with holes) to protect from dust and improve drying in humid areas.
2. Drying Herbs on Screens or Racks
For leafy herbs like mint, basil, and lemon balm that are too soft to hang:
- Lay herbs in a single layer on mesh drying screens or baking racks
- Set the rack in a dry, shaded spot with good airflow
- Flip herbs every 12–24 hours
- Drying time: 3–7 days
Avoid plastic trays without ventilation — trapped moisture increases mold risk.
3. Use a Food Dehydrator
A dehydrator gives you full control over temperature and airflow — no sun or weather needed.
Steps:
- Set temperature to 95–115°F (35–46°C)
- Arrange herbs in a single layer on trays
- Dry for 4–12 hours, depending on herb type
- Store immediately once crisp and fully dry
This is the best method for large batches or humid environments.
4. Oven-Drying at Low Temperature
Oven drying works without sun and can be done year-round, though it’s less precise than a dehydrator.
How to do it:
- Preheat oven to the lowest setting (100–120°F or 38–49°C)
- Spread herbs on parchment paper in a single layer
- Leave the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape
- Check and flip herbs every 30–45 minutes
- Drying time: 1–3 hours
Only use this method for small batches and avoid it for delicate herbs (they may scorch).
5. Microwave Drying (For Emergency Use)
If you’re drying a very small batch and need herbs quickly, the microwave works — with caution.
Instructions:
- Sandwich herbs between two paper towels
- Microwave on high for 15–30 seconds
- Repeat in short bursts until herbs are crisp
- Cool before storing
This is best for sturdy herbs like thyme or oregano. Avoid for basil or mint — they burn easily.
Herbs That Benefit Most from No-Sun Drying
These herbs lose color and potency quickly in sunlight, so indoor drying is best:
- Basil
- Mint
- Parsley
- Lemon balm
- Cilantro
- Chives
- Chamomile (flowers)
- Lavender (buds)
Even for hardier herbs like rosemary and thyme, drying without sun helps preserve their vivid green color and strong aroma.
Tips for Best Results When Drying Herbs Without Sun
- Harvest in the morning after dew has dried, but before full heat sets in
- Wash gently if needed, then pat completely dry before drying
- Dry in small batches for better airflow
- Label your herbs after drying — they often look similar when dry
- Store whole rather than crushed to retain oils longer
- Keep containers airtight, in a cool, dark cupboard
Signs That Herbs Are Fully Dry
Knowing when herbs are ready is essential to prevent mold in storage.
Herbs are fully dried when:
- Leaves crumble easily between fingers
- Stems snap cleanly
- Texture is crispy, not leathery
- There’s no sign of moisture when rubbed
- The aroma is still present, though slightly lighter than fresh
If in doubt, dry for another day or two. Over-drying is better than under-drying.
Storing Dried Herbs (No Sun Needed Here Either)
Once herbs are fully dry, proper storage is just as important:
- Use airtight glass jars, metal tins, or resealable pouches
- Store in a dark, dry cupboard — never above a stove or in direct light
- Add a silica gel packet (optional) for extra moisture control
- Label with name and drying date
- Avoid plastic bags for long-term storage — they can trap moisture
Properly stored herbs last 6–12 months with good potency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Drying herbs in humid or dark, damp spaces like bathrooms or basements
- Skipping the drying rack step for leafy herbs that can’t be bundled
- Not washing herbs, especially those grown outside
- Rushing storage — never store warm or flexible herbs
- Using high heat that scorches the leaves
Avoiding sunlight is good — but make sure airflow and temperature are right.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need sunlight to dry herbs. In fact, avoiding it can actually give you better color, stronger scent, and a longer shelf life — especially for delicate herbs like basil, mint, or parsley.
Whether you choose to air-dry, use racks, or go with a dehydrator, what matters most is:
- Clean herbs
- Low, steady heat
- Excellent airflow
- Patience
With these tools and techniques, you’ll be able to preserve your herbs all year long — no sun required.
FAQs
Can I dry herbs in the shade?
Yes, and it’s often better than direct sunlight. Dry in a warm, shaded, well-ventilated space for best results.
What if I live in a humid climate?
Use a dehydrator, fan-assisted room, or oven to ensure herbs dry fast enough to prevent mold.
Is drying herbs indoors safe?
Yes. Indoor drying is one of the safest methods if the space is dry, clean, and has good airflow.
Should I dry herbs near a window?
Avoid direct sunlight. A bright room is fine, but keep herbs away from direct sun exposure.
How do I keep dried herbs from getting moldy?
Make sure they are 100% dry before storage, and always use airtight containers in a cool, dark place.