how to dry botanicals for use in natural health & beauty
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Drying garden herbs, flowers, berries and barks for use in your own delicious recipes and healing remedies and botanical beauty blends isn't difficult, and is a great method of preserving the goodness of your fresh botanicals. Once dried, botanicals keep well, and can be used throughout the year to create tea infusions, cordials, flavoured alcohols, herb vinegars and skin care preparations. Air drying is the traditional method of drying botanicals, but due to the length of time required, other methods of drying have become very popular.
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Top Tip for drying:
- Roots, bark, sliced fruits and berries are the most difficult to dry. Wash the botanicals to remove excess soil, and cut off the stem.
- Large roots, bark, fruits and berries can be sliced or chopped into smaller pieces, and placed in a single layer on paper on a rack or baking tray. Turn them frequently to ensure even drying.
drying methods
Drying times vary according to the type and part of the botanical being dried, and the method you use. Botanicals are completely dry when leaves & flowers appear brittle, and easily crumble when pinched. Stems, stalks and roots should snap cleanly.
Air drying (very good for: basil, dill, fennel, mint, oregano, marigold, parsley, rosemary, sage, geranium, tarragon, thyme)
Air drying (very good for: basil, dill, fennel, mint, oregano, marigold, parsley, rosemary, sage, geranium, tarragon, thyme)
- Air drying your botanicals takes approximately 3 weeks, but depends on the plant and drying conditions.
- Drying can take place in light or shade. Shade increases the dry time but preserves more of the plant goodness.
- Herb leaves, stems and flowers can be air dried by spreading them in a single layer on wire cooling racks or a baking tray.
- Some herbs & flowers can be tied in bunches and left to hang by their stems. Tie small bunches for sufficient air circulation and avoid hanging the bunches in direct sunlight.
- Bunches with seeds and blossoms can be secured with a paper or muslin bag over the heads. As they dry, the seeds and flowers will fall into the bag.
Food dehydrators:
- Dehydrators provide a quick and easy method of drying botanicals. They range in price, size and drying times, so it's a good idea to do some research to ensure it meets your needs before purchase.
- Preheat dehydrator before use. Drying times can range from 1 to 12 hours, depending on the plant, and the drying temperature.
- If herbs are damp, dry them with a paper towel or clean tea towel and spread them in single layers on the shelves
- It's important to check your botanicals during the drying process. You may need to rearrange shelf positions to ensure the herbs/flowers dry evenly.
Oven drying and microwaves:
- If speed is needed, you don't have a food dehydrator, or the time of year or environmental conditions don't suit air drying, it can be helpful to dry your botanicals in the oven or microwave.
- Microwaves can be used for small quantities, but for a larger batch, an oven is the best option.
- Lay the herbs and flowers in a single layer on a baking tray, place them in a preheated oven at low temperature. Drying time will take a few hours, and you should check your botanicals regularly to ensure they don't burn.
how to store dried botanicals:
Once dried, store your dried herbs, flowers, berries, fruits, roots & bark in a dry container, out of direct sunlight. Brown paper bags, or dark glass jars work well, but be sure to clearly label your container with the plant identity and date of packaging. If kept in a dry, dark place, delicate herbs, leaves and flowers will keep for up to a year. Berries, dried fruits, roots & bark will keep for up to 2 years. Discard any dried products that look mouldy or smell musty, as they will contaminate any preparations made with them.
Important considerations & cautions:
Although botanicals (herbs, spices, plants) are considered safe for most people when used in cooking or in small amounts, inappropriate use of some of these botanicals could be dangerous. The content on this site shares our own personal use of botanical ingredients, is for information only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Prior to using any botanicals in recipes or remedies, you should always do your own research, and consult with a medical professional, your GP, or a qualified herbalist.