Title: Dehydrator Hints For Herbs
Categories: Dehydrator Herb Hints Text
Yield: 4 Servings

		**NOTE** This is primarily
		Intended to give you some
		Practical
		Information about drying
		Herbs
		Describe
		One individually for their
		Nutritional and medicinal
		Properties
		There are some excellent
		Books which do so, in detail
		We suggest that
		You purchase such an herbal
		Reference and discover this
		Fascination
		Field
		Yard is a useful herb. You
		Might
		Start with the lowly
		Dandelion, or maybe some
		Plantain
		Grass .. but don't waste
		Them, do it now!
		There are too many herbs to
		Almost every weed in your
		Even the quack

GENERAL INFORMATION: Gahter each herb when it is lush, green and full of chlorophyll. Get in the habit of picking when at it's freshest. Or, carry a few plastic bags in your pockets whenever you take a walk. You just never know when you might come across something that you can dry for future use. Avoid picking near roads, where herbs are dusty and subjected to automobile exhausts fumes, etc.

Pick clean. The les 'garbage' you gather with your herbs (other plants, twigs, dirt, dead leaves, etc), the less work for you later.

Rainwashed herbs seldom need additional washing. But, don't pick them dripping wet. Let the sun do some of your work for you.

Roots need to be scrubbed. If you have a quantity, use your washing machine. First, hose off loose dirt, then agitate awhile in a washerful of cold water.

When you've gathered large amounts of herbs, spread them out on old sheetsor big towels (keeping each one seperate) in a darkened room to wilt and shrink up a little before loading your dehydrator trays. (Herbs left exposed to light will quickly loose their color). The wiltedleaves take less room in the dryer and dry faster. While they are spread out, you have a chance to cull out large stems, dead leaves, etc, before drying.

DRYING: Arrange herbs loosely on dryer trays to allow adequate air flow. Rotate trays as needed for even drying.

The key to high quality dried herbs is fast drying at low temperatures. Never exceed 105F. Most herbs will dry in one day and the quality will be excellent.

As herb dry and shrink, consolidate them, making room for more fresh herbs on the upper trays.

STORING: Make sure your herbs are crackly dry before packaging. If ther is any moisture present, they may be subject to mold and deterioration. Make sure to remember to label them immediately.

Origin: Dry It - You'll Like It! circa 1973. Shared by: Sharon Stevens, Jan/95.

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