Drying basil in a dehydrator is the perfect way to preserve the fresh basil from your garden. As basil is an annual plant, it will die down over winter. It is important to pick all the leaves before the winter cold and preserve them. This allows you yummy basil throughout the long winter months!
If you’re looking for an easy way to dry basil leaves, a dehydrator is a perfect option. Home food dehydrators quickly remove moisture from food, making them a great option for making your own dried herbs.
In this blog post, we show you how to dry basil leaves in a dehydrator. Not only is this method quick and easy, but it also preserves the flavor and nutrients of the basil.
So, if you’re looking for an easy way to save some time and money, read on!
Quick Content Navigation
Advantages Of Drying Basil In A Dehydrator
Dried basil leaves are used in cooking to add delicious flavor to foods. When you dry fresh basil leaves and store them properly, you ensure delicious basil taste all year.
This is important because fresh basil may not be readily available and, it can be expensive in certain seasons. As we said earlier, basil is an annual herb that only grows in warm weather. For people living in colder climates, you may only be able to grow basil during summer and maybe spring.
Please note, as dehydrating removes any moisture from food, dried basil will have a stronger flavor. This is generally true for all dried herbs.
You can air-dry or oven-dry basil, however we love using our home food dehydrator. The process is relatively quick and easy, and delivers great tasing dried basil leaves.
So, let’s take a look at the advantages of drying basil leaves using a food dehydrator.
- When you dry basil leaves in a dehydrator, you’re not just preserving their flavor and nutrients – you’re also preserving their color. Unlike other methods of drying basil, such as air-drying or oven-drying, a dehydrator will ensure that your herbs retain their vibrant colors.
- When you dry basil leaves in a dehydrator, they will last for months. So, if you’re looking for a way to make your herb last, a food dehydrator is the way to go.
Now that you already know the significance of drying basil, let us discuss the method to dry them.
How To Dry Basil In A Dehydrator
Our expert guide will ensure the best result for great tasting dried basil leaves.
In drying basil in a dehydrator, you will need the following:
Follow these 6 steps for delicious dried basil all year:
- Remove basil leaves from the stem and wash thoroughly.
- Use clean kitchen towel to pat dry the leaves, or you can allow them to air dry.
- Once the leaves are dry, spread them out the fine mesh sheets. Make sure the leaves are not touching so that they dehydrate evenly.
- Set your home food dehydrator to the lowest setting.
- Place the sheets with the basil leaves inside.
- Check on the leaves every hour and remove them once they reach your desired dehydration level. Some people prefer them super dry and crisp, others like them semi-dried.
Watch the quick video tutorial below.
What is the Best Way to Store Dried Basil Leaves?
Once you have dried your basil leaves in a dehydrator, you will need to store them properly.
The safest storage method is to seal them in an airtight container. This will help keep them fresh for months.
Our home preserving experys highly recommended that you use any of the following:
Glass jar with an airtight lid
The gold standard for any dried herbs is to store them in a glass jar. These are proper preserving jars, but recycled bottles with plastic or metal lids are also fine. Make sure the lid is airtight to keep the leaves fresh for a long time.
Vacuum canister
A vacuum canister is also a great option for storing dry basil leaves. Keep the leaves fresh and free from moisture for longer by using a system to remove air from the container. We recommend these top food storage containers.
Zip-lock bag
You can also store your dry basil leaves in a zip-lock bag. Just make sure to squeeze out as much air as you can, without crushing the basil, before sealing the bag.
Read our recent article on using zip-lock bags with a vacuum sealer for the best results.
Vacuum sealer and bag
A vacuum-sealed bag is the best way to store dry basil leaves for freshness. A dedicated, heavy-duty bag with all the air removed will allow you to keep basil fresh for at least 12 months. In fact, if sealed and stored correctly, basil will keep without spoiling up to 18 months, depending on the climate.
To seal it, of course, you will need a good home food vacuum sealer. Vacuum sealing your dried basil will give you the longest period of storage.
FAQ
Q: Can I use an oven to dry basil leaves?
A: Yes, you can use an oven. However, we highly recommend drying basil in a dehydrator as it is more effective and will preserve the flavor and nutrients of the herbs.
Q. Can you air-dry basil?
Q. What setting is best when drying basil in a dehydrator?
Q. Is a microwave good to dry fresh basil?
Conclusion
So, if you have a dehydrator and some fresh basil leaves on hand, go ahead and give drying them a try.
Not only is it a great way to preserve your herbs, but it also gives you quick and easy access to their flavor whenever you need it.
And who knows? Once you taste the amazing results of drying basil leaves in a dehydrator for yourself, you may just be hooked!
Delicious Recipes that Use Dried Basil Leaves
Now that you learned drying basil leaves in a dehydrator, as well as how to store them, you can start using them in your recipes. Here are some recipes that use dried basil leaves:
- Basil Pesto
- Tomato Basil Soup
- Basil Chicken
- Spaghetti with Basil and Tomato Sauce
We hope that this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions or tips, feel free to leave them in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Hi! I’m Sally-Anne!