How to Dry Basil Flowers

Basil is favorite herb for home gardeners. It has a rich flavor that is popular in many types of cooking. Sweet basil is most commonly grown for making pestos and tomato sauces, but there are many types of basils with a variety of flavors like lemon, cinnamon and licorice. Basil plants have long stalks with leaves that range in color from bright green to dark purples and flowers that can be white or lavender. Basil has the best flavor if you dry it before it blooms. However, you can still dry it if it has bloomed.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden shears or scissors
• Cool water
• Paper towels
• Rubber bands

1. Harvest stems of basil by cutting them near the ground with scissors or garden shears.

2. Rinse the stems with cool water to remove any dirt or insects and then pat dry with a paper towel.

3. Gather three to five stems together and wrap a rubber band around the stems near where they were cut.

4. Hang the stems indoors or in a shady spot to dry. The ideal temperature for drying basil is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure that there is some air circulation, like a nearby open window, to prevent mold and to speed drying.

5. Leave hanging for five to 10 days until the stems are dry.

Tips & Warnings

• To save the leaves to be used in cooking, remove the dried leaves and crumble them into a glass jar for storage. Store in an cool, dry place for up to one year.
• Don't dry basil in direct sunlight.

References

• Growing, Selecting and Using Basil
• Drying Basil
• Minnesota Gardening

Resources

• Basil in the Garden