Drying Parsley Herbs

 

In the past the parsley herb was seen as a sign of victory. Greeks used the herb to decorate the tombs of the kings and crown the victors.
Romans used parsley for intoxication. This herb known as a parsley biennial is commonly used for medicinal problems, such as a herb tea to relieve cough and is generally the ingredient in homeopathic medicine.


The parsley plants have a crisp, curly and bright green leaves. Also within the parsley family is coriander. It is considered one of the most nutritious foods. It contains potassium, calcium, vitamin C and vitamin A.


The parsley herbs are also known for their culinary properties. This culinary herb can spice up a simple cuisine in many ways. It has a savory and mild flavor, which is an ideal property to be as a flavor mask for food with harsh flavor, i.e. Parsely can sweeten your breath after eating garlic.
Parsley herb is good for the digestive system and blood circulation. This herb used as a tea is a good diuretic; it helps your kidneys in removing excess water from your system. Parsley herb is an excellent detoxifier and a good aid for menstrual pain. It is also beneficial for people with rheumatism, gout, and arthritis.


Drying parsley herbs can be done in 3 simple ways. You can choose one method or all of them, depending on your capacity. It also depends on your patience and availability of the apparatus in your home.


Harvest your parsley herb prior to flowering, in the morning before the dew dries off and the sun gets hot.


Dry the leaves first by paper towels before drying them up to your desired method.


MICROWAVE DRYING

  • Paper towel dry the herbal leaves
  • Put it in the microwave for 30 minutes
  • Turn it every 30 minutes
  • When they are brittle, crumble them up
  • Store them in a container
  • Keep them in a dark and dry room

OVEN DRYING

  • Prepare your herbs
  • Set the oven in the lowest setting
  • Arrange the herbs in a single layer on a baking sheet
  • Turn the leaves every 30 minutes
  • When they are brittle crumble them up
  • Place them in a jar and store them in a dark and dry place

AIR DRYER

  • Choose a dark and well ventilated place
  • Gather parsley and make bunches of 5-8 pieces.
  • Pop the leaf end and put it on a paper bag
  • Close the open end and hang them upside down
  • This method will only take 1-3 weeks. Check the herbs regularly for any mould or fungus that can form on the herbs.  
  • The leaves soon will be brittle when they are dried
  • Crumble them up and store them in an airtight container
  • Put the container in a dark and dry place

Drying parsley herbs, on your own, brings assurance that your parsley is freshly dried. By drying them up, you have a year round supply of dried parsley for your kitchen and personal use. There are no more problems during winter season and no need to buy them at the supermarket. Make your own, use your own; be proud of what you own.