Hanging Bouquets
Drying herbs is without a doubt the easiest and most efficient technique. It’s also the most popular method as it preserves the taste of the herbs. The principle is to eliminate the water contained in the plants. Varieties like thyme, rosemary and oregano lend themselves well to drying. Simply cut the stems, clean them and dry them by tying them into small bouquets. Hang them upside down in a dark and airy space. Too much humidity would interfere with the drying.
It takes slightly less than a week to allow the herbs to dry properly. Then, transfer them to well-identified, airtight containers and store them in a dry place, away from light.
Microwave Method
To dry herbs faster, some people use the microwave. This method is quick, but the results vary based on the type of herb and its water content. Sandwich the herbs between two paper towels. Run the microwave for 1 minute, then again in 30-second bursts. Note that the drying time rarely exceeds 3 minutes.
Seed Collection
You need to wait until the herbs have blossomed if you have any hope of collecting the seeds, and then must wait until the husks begin to brown before you cut the stems. Place them in a paper bag. A few weeks later, the seeds will come off by themselves and gather at the bottom of the bag. Then you can simply store them in airtight spice jars.
In this article, find out all about the freezing technique of preserving herbs.