[rugbymad40]

My herb bed is doing exceptionally well and I would like to preserve some for use over the winter.  Has anyone got any tips on drying herbs for culinary use?  I have also heard you can freeze them?

[hermon]

i've done basil in the freezer just picked the leaves put them in a plastic tub put them in the freezer and they didn't stick to badly together.

[GrannieAnnie]

I usually freeze mine too, I chop them up, put them into ice cubes trays with a little water, then use a block at a time, or with chives, I chop and put them into small butter cartons or similar with no water and then just take out what I want, did that once with curly parsley too

[mellowmick]

I've done google searches on food dryers, especially home built ones, and they look fairly simple; boxes heated by electric light bulbs and you put stuff on trays. Would do herbs, but also tomatoes and the like.

[Oliver]

fairly simple food dryers; boxes heated by electric light bulbs

Thanks for that. She was going to get round to it herself. Basil is probably best put in the freezer in plastic bags. Never tried drying it.
Thyme and such like - tie in bunches and hang them up (upside down! is always quoted!!) in a cool airy place to dry out, then strip the dried leaves off the stalks into little jars. Burn the stalks on an open fire for a lovely smell.

[GrannieAnnie]

There aren't many cool airy places around at the moment Oliver!!!

[Oliver]

There aren't many cool airy places around at the moment Oliver!!!

Too right! If ever I get the chance I won't have a coat with buttons that won't undo ...

[GrannieAnnie]

I could sew you a zipper on!!!!!!


Ouch!!!!! lol