How to Dry Sage

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By Ashlee Simmons
eHow Contributing Writer

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Drying sage is easy to do. Sage is a fragrant, edible herb that becomes more potent when it is dried. You can use sage for medicinal, culinary, and decorative purposes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Fresh Sage, Scissors, Paper Towels, String, Paper Bags, Clothes Pins

Harvest the Sage

Step 1

Harvest fresh sage either in the morning or evening.
Step 2

Using scissors, cut the sage about halfway down the stem.
Step 3

Continue cutting until you have a large bunch of sage.
Step 4

Shake the sage out so any loose leaves will drop. This also rids the herb of pests and insects.
Step 5

Take the sage bunch inside.

Examine and Wash the Sage

Step 1

When you are inside, lay the sage out on a smooth surface.
Step 2

Carefully examine the herbs and pluck off any dead or damaged parts.
Step 3

This is your second opportunity to get rid of any insects that might be hiding in the sage.
Step 4

Take the sage to the sink and wash with cool water.
Step 5

Lay out paper towels on the counter and put the sage on top to dry.

Make Bunches and Hang the Sage

Step 1

When the sage is dry, take a handful of stems.
Step 2

Take a small piece of string, about 3 inches, and tie it around the bottom of the sage bunch.
Step 3

Put the sage bunch inside of a paper bag.
Step 4

Hang the sage upside down and wrap the bag around the sage stems.
Step 5

Take another piece of string, about 6 inches, and tie the bag to the sage stems.
Step 6

With the scissors, carefully poke holes in the bottom of the paper bag.

Dry the Sage

Step 1

Take the paper bags and hang them from a drying line, indoor clothes rack, or other area where the sage will not be disturbed.
Step 2

Use clothes pins to attach the bags to the line.
Step 3

Hang the bags from the bottom so that they are hanging upside down.
Step 4

Leave the bags for 12 to 14 days.

Get the Dried Sage

Step 1

After the 12 to 14 day period is up, check on the sage.
Step 2

Take a bag of sage and open it up.
Step 3

Check that the sage is dry.
Step 4

There should be no mold growth or peculiar smell.
Step 5

If you think the sage is contaminated, discard it immediately
Step 6

Take the dried sage and store it in containers with a secure lid or zip lock bags.
Step 7

To use the sage, crumble it between your fingers, crush it with a mortar and pestle, or chop it finely with a knife.