How to Dry Sage

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

1. Harvest fresh sage either in the morning or evening.

2. Using scissors, cut the sage about halfway down the stem.

3. Continue cutting until you have a large bunch of sage.

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

5. Take the sage bunch inside.

Examine and Wash the Sage

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

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

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

4. Take the sage to the sink and wash with cool water.

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

Make Bunches and Hang the Sage

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

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

3. Put the sage bunch inside of a paper bag.

4. Hang the sage upside down and wrap the bag around the sage stems.

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

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

Dry the Sage

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.

2. Use clothes pins to attach the bags to the line.

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

4. Leave the bags for 12 to 14 days.

Get the Dried Sage

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

2. Take a bag of sage and open it up.

3. Check that the sage is dry.

4. There should be no mold growth or peculiar smell.

5. If you think the sage is contaminated, discard it immediately

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

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