Tips on drying herbs

Question

I have some parsley, chives and dill in my garden and would like to find out how to dry them for use later on in the season. Oh yes and onions too - if it is possible to dry the onion tops.

Perhaps someone has a recipe or web site link or cook book reference that you could suggest.

Thank you all.

Answer 1

Just trying to dry the parsley and chives will not work to well. Especially the parsley will give you a problem. What you want is to get the water out as quick as possible and keep the taste and fragrances in tact.

It's best to freeze dry them, or use a dehydrating food processor. Alternatively you can freeze them. This will leave them healthy for half a year or so.

I wouldn't do that much with the onions but to store them in a dry and cool place

Answer 2

The best way is to get a food dehydrator. You can get one very reasonably if you get one second hand. Its especially useful if you have a garden you can dehydrate anything you can't use up or that you want to keep for later. You can use it to dry fruit and vegetables-its fantastic.  

Answer 3

Just me but I would just freeze the onion tops and dry the herbs in the oven or in a sealed container in the windowsill.