Cut & Dried

DRYING YOUR HERB HARVEST OFFERS AN EASY WAY TO PRESERVE ITS FLAVOR AND USEFULNESS FOR PROJECTS AND RECIPES YEAR-ROUND.

- JAN BERRY

Obtaining high-quality dried herbs starts with proper harvesting: Gather herbs after morning dew has evaporated but before the hottest part of the day. Pick leaves and flowers that look and smell at their peak, skipping over any that are riddled with insects or look unhealthy. If needed, gently shake or brush off loose dirt or sand, but avoid washing an already dry plant.

There are several ways to go about drying your herbal bounty, from old-fashioned hanging bundles to electric dehydrators. Experiment with each until you find the one most suited to your personal style.

IN THE AIR