DIY Outside: Drying and Using Herbs

Every year I plant herbs in pots on my patio to use primarily for cooking. I use a lot of cilantro and rosemary. While I only use cilantro in its fresh form, I like drying rosemary to use throughout the year. Rosemary retains its aromatic oil and flavor even after it is dried. Today I am drying rosemary to be used in next week's DIY. Here is how I did it.

Tools:

scissors

fresh herbs

yarn or twine

Step 1: Using sharp scissors, cut 3-6 long even branches of rosemary.

Step 2: Using about 10-12" of yarn or twine, tie stems together at one end. Make a loop within your tied yarn. The loop will allow you to hang the rosemary to dry.

Step 3: Hang rosemary in a cool, dry place. Because I live in the southern United States, our weather is too humid to allow the rosemary to dry outside. I hung my rosemary bundle in our laundry room. A small 3-6 stem bundle will usually dry within a week, but drying time may vary depending on humidity.

Storing dried herbs: Small glass jars with tight fitting lids work best. Stored dried herbs are typically good for up to 1 year.

Substitution: Substitute one teaspoon of dried for every tablespoon of fresh the recipe calls for.

Uses for dried rosemary:
-put a few sprigs in your bath or a foot soak
-wrap in cheesecloth and steep in hot water for tea
-infuse olive oil
-compliments potato, chicken and lamb dishes
-add it to fragrance sachets for car or closet

I hope this easy diy inspires you to grow and dry your own herbs and use them in creative and delicious ways!

Happy drying,
Grace