Drying and storage of herbs is something that many people make mistakes. If you want the dried herbs to last for a long time and do not spoil, look at the right procedure. In case of incorrect preservation, pests can get into them.
If you grow herbs in the garden, believe that it does not have to be there just for decoration. Herbs can be used, for example, in the kitchen or for. Alternatively, you can dry, store herbs and use them gradually. However, it is important to know how to dry and store herbs. Surprisingly, many people make mistakes. What do you know how to do it?
How to dry herbs
When you say drying, many people imagine exposure to the sun. It would make sense, didn’t it? After all, the warm sun dries. Yes, but as far as herbs are concerned, the basic rule is the opposite. Never dry herbs in the sun. In this case, the sun causes oxidation and loss of not only color but also active substances and smells.
So the herbs should be dried in a dark, dry and warm place, with a temperature ideally up to 40 degrees Celsius. However, if you want to dry roots and fruits, you can dry them up to 60 degrees Celsius. At the same time, it is important to make sure that the place will be well ventilated.
Once you have a selected drying point, the first thing with herbs needs to be done is to get rid of dirt and undesirable parts. Then you can make the herbs volumes that you hang behind the stems. Another option is to spread the herbs in thin layers on the mat. To make the drying even, turn the herbs regularly. You can find out that the herbs are ready for storage according to 3 factors. First, the consistency of the herbs will be dry and fragile. Secondly, if you rub the leaf or flower in your fingers, it should be easily crushed. Thirdly, If you put a herb for a few hours in a glass container, if the container remains unorrected, the herb is well dried.
How to store herbs
Herbs can be stored in two ways. And in the short term and in the long term. Fresh herbs are stored for a short time. Remove yellowed and faded leaves first, then insert the herbs in a wet paper towel. Subsequently, the herbs are wrapped in a closable plastic bag, which is placed in the refrigerator. Remember that you can only store fresh herbs for a few days before it does not spoil.
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Storage of dried herbs is long -term. First, it is important to prepare airtight containers, ideally from dark glass. Fabric bags look cute, but they do not save herbs from insects and moisture. Place the containers in a cool, dry and dark place. It is also important to mark vessels to know where the herb has its place. At the same time, add the date to be better orientated in.
