Drying herbs at home doesn’t have to be complicated — yet many beginners get overwhelmed by the process. Do you need a dehydrator? Is sunlight okay? What about mold? The truth is, you don’t need fancy tools or perfect conditions to dry herbs successfully. In fact, one simple method can make the entire process foolproof — and that’s what we’ll cover in this article.
If you’ve struggled with browning, mold, or weak flavor in your dried herbs, this single technique can help you get consistent, flavorful results without much effort.
Why Dry Herbs at Home?
Drying herbs is one of the easiest ways to preserve your garden harvest or extend the shelf life of fresh store-bought bunches. Unlike freezing, drying requires no electricity, and once done, dried herbs can last up to a year.
But improper drying can lead to:
- Loss of flavor
- Browning and discoloration
- Mold or spoilage
- Wasted time and effort
That’s why it’s important to dry herbs correctly — and why this article focuses on the one drying hack that works even in small spaces and humid weather.
The Simple Hack: Use a Brown Paper Bag
If you only remember one thing, remember this:
Dry your herbs in a paper bag with holes punched in it.
That’s it. No trays. No dehydrator. No direct sunlight. Just a plain brown paper bag, a string, and a pair of scissors.
Why It Works
- Protects from light, which can degrade flavor and color
- Improves airflow without letting dust or insects in
- Absorbs moisture, preventing mold and rot
- No electricity required, perfect for off-grid drying
- Great for small spaces, like apartments or shared kitchens
Step-by-Step: How to Dry Herbs Using a Paper Bag
This method is ideal for herbs like basil, mint, parsley, thyme, oregano, sage, and more.
What You’ll Need:
- Fresh herbs (washed and fully dry)
- Brown paper lunch bags (medium size)
- Hole puncher or scissors
- String or rubber bands
- Marker for labeling
Instructions:
- Harvest at the Right Time
Cut herbs mid-morning after dew has dried. Avoid overly mature or damaged leaves. - Clean and Dry
Rinse herbs gently under cool water to remove dirt and bugs. Pat them dry with a towel and let air-dry for at least 30 minutes. - Prepare the Bag
Punch 6–8 small holes all around the sides of the bag for ventilation. Label the bag with the herb name and date. - Bundle the Herbs
Tie 3–5 stems together with string or a rubber band. Make sure the bundle is not too thick — airflow is key. - Insert and Hang
Slide the herb bundle upside-down into the paper bag. Gather the bag opening around the stems and tie it shut with string. - Hang in a Dry, Dark Place
Use a hook, coat hanger, or rack to hang the bag in a warm, well-ventilated room — ideally away from direct light or humidity. - Wait and Check
After 1–2 weeks, open the bag and test for dryness. Leaves should crumble easily between your fingers. - Store Properly
Once dry, remove the leaves, discard stems, and store in airtight glass jars away from heat or sunlight.
Why This Hack Is Better Than Air-Drying Alone
Traditional air-drying leaves herbs exposed to dust, insects, light, and inconsistent airflow. This bag method prevents all of that.
| Method | Risk of Mold | Light Protection | Space Efficient | Beginner-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open air drying | Moderate | No | No | Medium |
| Dehydrator | Low | Yes | Requires counter space | Medium (requires purchase) |
| Paper bag method | Low | Yes | Yes | High |
Works Even in Humid Weather
One of the most frustrating parts of herb drying is dealing with moisture in the air. If you live in a humid climate, herbs take longer to dry and can develop mold.
This is where the paper bag trick really shines.
- The bag absorbs excess humidity
- The punched holes allow gentle airflow
- Herbs stay protected without rotting
If you’re still worried, place a dry rice packet or desiccant sachet inside the bag (just make sure it doesn’t touch the herbs).
Which Herbs Work Best with This Method?
This paper bag hack is especially useful for soft or fragile herbs that don’t dry well in direct air.
Ideal Herbs:
- Basil
- Mint
- Lemon balm
- Parsley
- Dill
- Cilantro
- Oregano
- Tarragon
- Chives
- Marjoram
Caution:
Woody herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme don’t require the bag method — they can be bundled and hung directly in open air. But you can still use the bag if pests or dust are a concern.
Pro Tips for Better Results
- Don’t overload the bag – one bundle per bag ensures airflow.
- Avoid plastic bags – they trap moisture and cause mold.
- Use multiple small bags instead of one large one.
- Hang bags in a closet, cabinet, or pantry — away from steam or heat.
- Rotate bags occasionally to ensure even drying.
Signs Your Herbs Are Fully Dried
- Leaves are brittle and crumble between fingers
- Stems snap cleanly (not bend)
- Aroma is strong when crushed
- No visible moisture or soft spots
If herbs still feel pliable, give them another 2–3 days.
Storage After Drying
Once your herbs are dry:
- Remove leaves from stems
- Store in labeled glass jars or metal tins
- Keep away from heat, light, and moisture
- Use within 6–12 months for best flavor
Avoid plastic containers, which can cause herbs to sweat and degrade over time.
Final Thoughts
Drying herbs doesn’t have to be messy, complicated, or high-tech. This paper bag hack is the perfect starting point for beginners and a smart shortcut for anyone looking to preserve herbs in small spaces or humid climates.
It’s low-risk, low-cost, and surprisingly effective — helping you lock in flavor, preserve color, and build a year-round supply of kitchen herbs without needing a dehydrator or professional setup.
FAQs
What size bag should I use for herb drying?
Standard brown lunch bags work best. They’re big enough for small bundles and easy to hang.
Can I dry more than one type of herb in the same bag?
It’s best to keep each herb in its own bag to avoid flavor mixing and uneven drying.
How long does it take to dry herbs in a paper bag?
Most herbs take 7–14 days depending on moisture, humidity, and thickness.
What if I see mold in the bag?
Discard the affected herbs immediately. Start again with smaller bundles and ensure they’re completely dry before bagging.
Can I use this method for flowers or medicinal herbs?
Yes — chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, and other delicate botanicals dry beautifully in paper bags using the same technique.