Easy Techniques
The biggest reason people want to know how to dry fresh basil leaves isn’t necessarily for the benefits. More often than not, it’s actually because they just harvested a ton from the garden.
- Clean The Leaves - Rinse the leaves and stems in cool water. - If there are any stubborn stains, you can wipe them off with a damp piece of kitchen towel or cloth.
- To start, preheat the oven to its lowest setting. This is usually around 160ºF (70ºC). - Place the dry basil leaves in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Heat the dehydrator on the “herb setting.” It’s usually around 95ºF (35ºC). - Stack the leaves in a single layer and leave them for 12-24 hours. They should be crumbly and crisp when they are done.
- Gather the stems and wrap them together tightly using a string. - Leave them to hang upside down in front of a window. You need direct sunlight to quickly dry the leaves, and the airflow will help deter bacterial growth and pests.
- Place a piece of kitchen towel on the microwave plate. Then, stack the leaves in a single layer. Cover them with another piece of towel. - Microwave the leaves in 30-second intervals.
Once you’ve successfully dried your basil leaves, you can store them inside an airtight container.