How To Dry Basil? 6 Simple Methods

Do you know how to dry basil? Basil is one of the easiest herbs that is widely grown in summers. You can enjoy its flavor even when it is dried. Drying basil is a very simple process if you know how to do it correctly. You may many different methods of drying basil at home. In my article, I have picked out six simple methods for drying basil leaves. You can pick out any one method which is suitable for you. If you want to know how to dry basil, then you should keep on reading this article.

How To Dry Basil?

With the help of the following methods, you can easily learn how to dry basil.

1. In oven
2. In microwave
3. In dehydrator
4. In Paper Bag
5. By Air Frying
6. By Sun Drying

It is quite simple to dry them. One of the most popular ways to dry them is by using an oven. You can continue reading to know more about how to dry basil in detail.

Best 6 Different Methods To Dry Basil

Let us now learn how to dry basil in 6 different ways.

Dry Basil In Oven

You have arrived at the right place if you do not know how to dry basil in the oven. Here, are some easy steps that will help you to oven-dry your basil leaves.

1. Wash basil leaves in cool water to get rid of any dirt and dust.
2. Then pat them dry on a clean towel.
3. Let the moisture get naturally evaporated.
4. While drying makes sure you cover them with a paper towel.
5. You can even let them air dry for 2 to 3 days to reduce the oven time.
6. To begin, you have to preheat your oven to 170 to 180F.
7. Now, line your roasting pan or baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Place freshly washed basil leaves in a single layer on the parchment paper.
9. Finally, bake them for at least 1.5 to 4 hours.
10. Remove the tray and let it cool completely.
11. Crush the dried basil leaves with the help of your fingers.
12. Make sure you transfer them in an air-tight container.

Note: Make sure you do not burn your basil leaves.

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Dry Basil In Microwave

Even microwave dries basil leaves just like oven. You can follow these steps to learn how to dry basil in the microwave.

1. Wash basil leaves in cool water to get rid of any dirt and dust.
2. Then pat them dry on a clean towel.
3. Let the moisture get naturally evaporated.
4. While drying makes sure you cover them with a paper towel.
5. You can even let them air dry for 2 to 3 days to reduce the microwave time.
6. Now, you have to place one paper towel flat on your plate.
7. Place freshly washed basil leaves in a single layer on the paper towel.
8. Make sure you place another paper on top of the leaves.
9. Place this plate in the microwave for 30 seconds.
10. Remove the tray from the microwave and cool completely.
11. Crush the dried basil leaves with the help of your fingers.
12. Make sure you transfer them in an air-tight container.

Note: The time required for drying basil varies depending upon the size of the leaves.

Dry Basil In A Dehydrator

Some people like to use the dehydrator to dry basil. This method comes in handy when you want to dry tons of basil in a short time. Let us now know how to dry basil in a dehydrator.

1. Wash basil leaves in cool water to get rid of any dirt and dust.
2. Then pat them dry on a clean towel.
3. Let the moisture get naturally evaporated.
4. While drying makes sure you cover them with a paper towel.
5. Make sure you let them air dry for an hour.
6. Set your dehydrator at 35 or 95 degrees F.
7. Place fresh basil leaves in a single layer on the dehydrating tray.
8. Place this tray into the dehydrator for five to six hours.
9. Remove the tray from the dehydrator and check whether they are dried.
10. If not, you can leave them to dry for few more hours.
11. Crush the dried basil leaves with the help of your fingers.
12. Make sure you transfer them in an air-tight container.

Note: This method can also be used for drying and preserving fruits and vegetables.

Dry Basil In Paper Bag

You must be surprised to know that herbs dry best in paper bags. Though this method takes a little longer time than other methods, it’s worth it! Keep on reading to know how to dry basil in a paper bag.

1. Wash basil leaves in cool water to get rid of any dirt and dust.
2. Now, make small holes in a paper lunch bag.
3. Place the freshly washed basil leaves into the bag.
4. Secure it open ends of the paper bags with a rubber band.
5. Place this paper bag in a cool place.
6. After a week, check whether the basil leaves are dried or not.
7. If not, again keep them for 3 to 5 days.
8. Crush the dried basil leaves with the help of your fingers.
9. Make sure you transfer them in an air-tight container.

Note: Sometimes, you may need 1 to 2 weeks to completely dry basil leaves.

Dry Basil In Air Fryer

By using an air fryer, you can easily dry basil leaves at your home. You can continue to read to know how to dry basil in an air dryer.

1. Wash basil leaves in cool water to get rid of any dirt and dust.
2. Then pat them dry on a clean towel.
3. Let the moisture get naturally evaporated.
4. While drying makes sure you cover them with a paper towel.
5. Make sure you let them air dry at least for an hour.
6. Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer at 360 degrees F.
7. Now, place the dried basil leaves in the basket of your air fryer.
8. Cover the basket with a rack.
9. Place the basket in the fryer for at least 3 minutes.
10. Turn off the fryer to check the condition of the leaves.
11. Crush the dried basil leaves with the help of your fingers.
12. Make sure you transfer them in an air-tight container.

Note: Make sure you shake the basket filled with leaves after every one minute.

Dry Basil By Sun-Drying

This process works only if you have enough time and patience. If you are interested to learn how to dry basil without an oven, then you should keep on reading.

1. Wash basil leaves in cool water to get rid of any dirt and dust.
2. Then pat them dry on a clean towel.
3. Now, place a wire mesh or drying mat over the towel.
4. Keep this towel under the sun for several days.
5. You can also place some rocks so that the drying mat doesn’t move.
6. Crush the dried basil leaves with the help of your fingers.
7. Make sure you transfer them in an air-tight container.

Note: Ensure that the leaves do get the maximum amount of sunlight for drying.

Materials Required 

Below I have listed down some materials you may need for this procedure.

• Fresh basil leaves
• Airtight containers
• Dehydrator trays
• Ceramic microwaveable plate
• Microwave-safe paper towels
• Baking sheets
• Parchment papers
• Silicon baking mat (optional)
• Paper towels

FAQ

How Do You Dry Fresh Basil?

You can dry fresh basil into an oven. You can follow the below steps for this procedure.

1. Wash basil leaves in cool water to get rid of any dirt and dust.
2. Then pat them dry on a clean towel.
3. Let the moisture get naturally evaporated.
4. While drying makes sure you cover them with a paper towel.
5. You can even let them air dry for 2 to 3 days to reduce the oven time.
6. To begin, you have to preheat your oven to 170 to 180F.
7. Now, line your roasting pan or baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Place freshly washed basil leaves in a single layer on the parchment paper.
9. Finally, bake them for at least 1.5 to 4 hours.
10. Remove the tray and let it cool completely.
11. Crush the dried basil leaves with the help of your fingers.
12. Make sure you transfer them in an air-tight container.

How Do You Preserve Fresh Basil Leaves?

You can easily preserve fresh basil leaves by storing them in air-tight containers. However, you can also wrap them in a dry paper towel and keep them in a sealed plastic bag.

Can You Dry Basil On The Counter?

Yes, you can dry basil on the counter.

Do You Wash Basil Before Drying?

Yes, it is very important to wash basil before drying. This will help you to get rid of any dust or dirt on your leaves.

How Do You Dry Basil Leaves Naturally?

Wash and pat dry your basil. Spread the leaves evenly and in a single layer in a herb drying rack in a place with good air circulation, out of the sun. Allow the leaves to dry for a few weeks. Place the whole leaves in an airtight glass container in a dark and dry place.

How Long Does Dried Basil Last?

Dried ground herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano last for 2-3 years. If they are dried and stored in their natural, whole form (e.g., basil or bay leaves), then they should last a little longer, about 3-4 years.

How Do You Wash Basil Before Drying It Out?

Do You Wash Basil Before Drying? Yes! Simply fill a sink with cool water and gently swish stems around to clean them. Lay them out, single layer, on a towel or hang to dry.

Is It Better To Freeze Basil Or Dry It?

Is your garden overflowing with basil? You can dry it or freeze it, but freezing retains the fresh taste better. Before you start, wash basil in cold water and dry; a salad spinner works well for this step.

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Conclusion

In the above article, we have studied how to dry basil in detail. One of the easiest ways to dry them in the oven. You have to simply lay these leaves on a baking sheet and bake them at the lowest setting. This process usually takes 3 to 4 hours to completely dry basil leaves. Make sure you store them in an air-tight container. Apart from the oven, you can also naturally dry them by keeping them in a paper bag or directly under the sunlight. By understanding how to dry basil, you can now easily use them in your recipes.

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