Drying herbs

[ourjen]

Hi,
I have just begun to grow my own herbs, I have a woodburning/multi fuel log burning stove and I would love to dry my herbs in the Winter with my stove.
Could anyone tell me please how and if this is possible.
Many thanks

[Cheezy]

Depending on the herb, about now is the right time to cut them, I usually wait until things like Oregano and thyme are in flower, then cut them back, and use the cutting to dry, this helps stop the plant putting too much energy into the flower and seed, and at this time of the year gives a chance to put on new growth before the winter. I don't dry rosemary, as I find it goes too stick like, and it has green growth all through the winter any way. Sage is good to cut now.

Be careful not to over cut into old wood, as this can kill them.

All I do is make a bunch , tie it with string and hang it up for a few weeks in a dry airy place (our pantry next to the air brick which is near the roof ). It does not have to be particualry warm or anything.

When they are dry ( usually a few weeks) I get a paper bag and put the bunch into it, scrunch the herb into bits, picking out as much stalk as possible then I put in small kilner jars for the winter.

[frozenthunderbolt]

With the exception of a few very thick, spongy or woody herbs like mallow, it is best to hang the cut herb in small bunches in a dark dry place (not too hot either or you risk loosing esential oils), then keep in an airtight container.