The dryer the air of the room the faster the basil will dry. If youre using a food dehydrator ready it for operation according to the manufacturers instructions.
Usually there is plenty of herb left at the end of the season.
Dehydrating basil. Check every 2 to 3 hours within those ranges rotating trays if necessary. We want to lay the leaves in a single layer with space in between each one so there is plenty of air circulation. Preheat the oven to 170 F.
2192021 Drying basil using your oven is possible. Microwaves vary in their power so proceed in 30 second stages checking the basil to see when it fully dried. Growing enough to basil to dry.
Lay each leaf in a single layer on the racks and allow them to dry in the machine until completely crisp. If youre using the oven set it to the lowest temperature – 200 F 93 C or lower. 9162020 You can also dry basil in a food dehydrator.
For fruits like apples bananas peaches and nectarines drying times will range from 6 to 16 hours. These fresh herbs can be preserved easily by drying them and one way to get it done quickly is by using a dehydrator. If you live in a particularly humid climate you may want to set your temperature as high as 125 degrees.
If humidity levels in your house and outside are low start checking at 6 hours but dont be surprised if basil takes 12 to 24 hours to dry completely. If your dehydrator has the option to preheat it do so now. A dehydrator can be used with nearly all herbs but is especially good for herbs such as basil oregano tarragon lemon balm and mints.
You will know basil is dry enough when the leaves are crisp and crumbly. First wash the herbs and ensure that the excess water is removed. 7182018 Lay the basil out on the dehydrator racks leaving space between them for the air to circulate and only one leaf thick on each rack.
Herbs are best harvested just before the first flowers open when the buds are full. A super fast method of drying basil uses the microwave. 672019 Drying Basil Using a Dehydrator There are plenty of excellent quality food dehydrators available and the key is finding a unit thats the right size for your needs.
If the machine has a temperature setting set the dehydrator between 95 to 115 degrees. Growing herbs in an herb garden can provide fabulous fresh herbs during growing season. Preheat your dehydrator with the thermostat set between 95 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Set your dehydrator to the setting indicated by the manufacturer of your dehydrator for herbs mine was 90F. 422020 Basil is an easy herb to grow and dry. Since drying basil takes up a lot of surface area get out every dehydrator tray you have.
Place on dehydrating trays and dry at 135 to 145 F until pliable. I cut my larger leaves in half on the stem to help with the drying process. These herbs have a high moisture content and they often mold if they are not dried quickly in a dehydrator or some other method.
Its important to layer food to ensure even drying. In fact its quicker than the hang-drying method that takes days or weeks to dry the herbs thoroughly. If its clean leave it as is.
A dehydrator uses low heat and adequate air circulation to suck moisture from food to preserve it. Apricots grapes figs and pears can take anywhere between 20 to 36 hours. So resist the temptation to place it outside.
Place a tissue or kitchen towel over a microwave safe plate and place the leaves on it. Basil leaves dry beautifully in either an oven set to very low heat or a food dehydrator. Heres how to dry basil in the oven.
1032016 Place dehydrating trays in dehydrator and set at herb setting just about the lowest setting there is 35C or 95F. Home drying basil with a dehydrator can produce a high-quality dried product that is infinitely better than the store-bought version for flavour and aroma. 10192010 Prepare your oven or food dehydrator.
Every dehydrator is different however if yours only has an onoff button skip this step. Use caution to prevent the herbs from scorching. Grow at least half-a-dozen basil.
1042013 Storing herbs is a great way to add flavor variety to your stored foods. Dry the leaves of excess water by placing them on a paper towel. If your herbs are damp be sure to gently blot them dry with a.
