Drying Herbs in September

Oregano, Sage, Celery, and Lemon Balm Drying in the Foyer

This year we were a bit late harvesting our herbs due to baby 4′s August arrival.  Normally, we harvest in early spring before blooms emerge, again in mid-summer, then in late fall. This year, we harvested in late summer, but we will still have more than we need for the winter.

Why grow and harvest your own herbs?

1. It’s easy! Most herbs love the cooler mountain air and its soil.
2. Fresh herbs from the grocery store are expensive!
3. Freshly dried herbs from your own garden taste 10 times better than any dried herbs from the grocery store.

How do we dry herbs?

• Cut them from the plant.
• Wash them in the sink (unless there was a rain).
• Tie them on the line to dry in a dry area with good air flow.
• Take them down after about 3 weeks.
• Store in an air-tight container.

I like to leave the leaves on the stems until ready to use. Perhaps, they retain more of their flavor this way, but it is more of a habit for me to do it this way than a reasoned act.

In the Homeschool: Children are able to learn where “seasoning” comes from. Herbs are not just from a container in the store, but are plants that we can grow and harvest ourselves. When they taste the difference on their pizzas, that is the reward!