Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

how to dry herbs in the refrigerator

(1 rating)
Recipe by
Teresa G.
Here, KY

This is a super-easy way to dry fresh herbs. In my opinion, it preserves the color and fresh flavor must better than other methods I've tried. Bonus: Your refrigerator will smell wonderful!

(1 rating)
prep time 15 Min
method Refrigerate/Freeze

Ingredients For how to dry herbs in the refrigerator

  • bunch
    fresh herbs (such as sage, rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, parsley, tarragon, mint etc...)
  • cold water for washing herbs
  • sheet
    paper towels
  • twist ties, rubber bands or tape to close ends of packets
  • marker or ink pen

How To Make how to dry herbs in the refrigerator

  • 1
    Lay clean kitchen towel(s) or a layer of paper towels on work surface.
  • 2
    Thoroughly wash herbs under cold running water; place clean herbs on towels.
  • 3
    Inspect herbs and remove, and discard, any leaves or spots that appear brown or blemished.
  • 4
    Pat herbs dry with paper towels; leave on towels to continue to air-dry for up to 1 hr.
  • 5
    Tear off several sections of new paper towels; place on work surface.
  • 6
    Remove leaves from stems; discard or repurpose stems.
  • 7
    For ROSEMARY: Strip the needles from the stem by holding top end of stem with one hand; with fingers of other hand, grasp the stem directly under the top and pull toward the cut end of the stem. Discard stem.
  • 8
    NOTE: You may mince herbs or leave whole, your choice.
  • 9
    Place herb leaves on a section/sheet of paper towel; roll towel up, around the leaves, like a cigarette.
  • 10
    Secure ends using a twist tie, rubber band or tape.
  • 11
    Write name of herb and the date on the bundle.
  • 12
    Place bundles on highest shelf in refrigerator for approximately 2 weeks.
  • 13
    After 2 weeks, open bundle to inspect for dryness.
  • 14
    If not thoroughly dried; re-tie ends and return to refrigerator for a few more days. If dry, empty herbs into plastic zipper bags or spice jars, label and date.
  • 15
    Store away from light.
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