Some of my favorite childhood memories include exploring the mountains in Cyprus and foraging for wild oregano. My father would comb the landscape looking for the herb. You see, this wild oregano was the secret ingredient to many Greek-Cypriot meals. One of the greatest herbs to grow and dry if you will.
Luckily, there is no longer a need to scour the mountainside for oregano. We simply grow it in the backyard and dry it for use all year long.
Adding spices in dishes will take them from ordinary to extraordinary so why not have a homegrown selection to choose from?
Especially oregano. There can never be too much oregano in the pantry.
Taking the time to grow some of the herbs and spices you use in the kitchen will not only spice up your cooking it will help you save money too!
In this blog post, we’ll talk about our top 10 herbs and spices that can be grow and dried for the home pantry.
Read on to learn more!
Helpful Products from Amazon for Growing and Drying Herbs
Our Favorite Herbs to Grow and Dry
1) Basil
The first herb to grow and dry on our list is basil.
Widely used in cuisines around the world, basil can flavor soups, stews, sauces, salads, and even cocktails thanks to its unique aroma and flavor.
It’s simple to grow basil at home, and drying it after harvest is a great method to always have it on hand for cooking. Basil does best when it is directly sown in containers or pots rather than starting seeds indoors.
I have also found a lot of success winter sowing seeds. After planting, make sure to water regularly.
Basil likes to be moist but does not like to be drenched. Basil likes to receive a full six hours of direct sunlight so be sure to plant it in an area that is not too shaded.
When harvesting basil, never pull the plant from its roots. Simply pinch the uppermost leaves as it grows.
Not only will this method provide an ample harvest, but it will also ensure the plant continues to grow larger and larger. The plants can be harvested by pinching the leaves as they grow.
Look for an area on the plant where the leaves grow in groups of four. Simply pinch two of the leaves and leave the other two to continue to grow.
How to Harvest and Dry Basil
To harvest, trim the stems slightly above the point where the leaves converge using scissors or pruners.
To ensure that the plant continues to grow, make sure to leave some leaves on the stem.
When your basil has finished growing, lay it out on a screen or paper plate and let it air dry for about 5-7 days, flipping it over every so often.
I particularly enjoy these drying racks for drying herbs. They fold up effortlessly for storage after I’m done using them and have multiple layers that let me dry a variety of herbs at once.
Put the basil in an airtight container once it has completely dried out.
In addition, basil leaves may be frozen instead of dried.
This is my preferred method. I’ll remove the top stems’ leaves with a pair of scissors and put them in a sandwich bag and pop into the freezer.
During the winter months when I do not have fresh basil, I will use up my frozen bagged basil.
It works well in salads, pizza, soups, and stews. It retains its flavor well and is quite wonderful!
Basil provides a stunning taste and aroma to a number of foods, making it an excellent herb to grow and dry for your pantry.
Meals will be improved whether you use fresh or dried basil in your recipes.
2) Cilantro
Cilantro is the second herb on our list. Although a popular herb, it elicits a strong reaction from most people.
It’s rather pungent flavoring and aroma is the reason that most people either love it or hate it.
Try adding cilantro to marinades, salsas, tacos, guacamole, curries, and even salads. It will enhance the flavor of all these dishes.
Cilantro can be grown outdoors. We like to incorporate it in flower beds as a filler plant in the summertime. Alternately, cilantro can be cultivated year-round inside in pots.
The herb requires full sun and moist soil. When grown outdoors, make sure to keep the soil evenly moist by watering it regularly and fertilizing it every few weeks.
If you allow cilantro to flower, it will reseed itself each year. As a matter of fact, one of my garden beds is full of cilantro.
I let it reseed itself each season and enjoy fresh cilantro before the heat sets in and again in the fall when the heat dissipates and the cooler weather rolls in.
If you allow your coriander to flower, the coriander, or cilantro seeds, can be gathered to use in meals or saved to plant again in the spring.
How to Harvest and Dry Cilantro
To harvest cilantro, simply snip the leaves from the stem as needed. You can also dry cilantro easily and use it at a later time.
To do this, snip the plant towards the base of the plant. Next, gather the stems and secure with a rubber band or piece of twine.
Hang bunches of the herb upside down in a cool, dark place for about two weeks until the leaves become brittle and fall off.
Once the leaves are completely dry, it’s time to store them. Crush the leaves with your fingers and collect them over a paper towel or paper bag. A mortar and pestle can also be used if you have one handy.
I like to store my herbs in small mason jars for long-term storage. They look pretty stored this way and I like that it is easy to use the herbs once I need them.
Sealable bags, Tupperware, and any airtight container can be used.
Cilantro is a wonderful herb to add to your backyard garden. It can be used to flavor many meals and will add variety to your dishes.
It’s also an easy herb to grow and dry for future use.
Try adding some freshly harvested or dried cilantro to your favorite recipes for added flavor and aroma!y
3) Chives
Chives are one of the prettiest flowering herbs to grow and dry. They have a mild onion-like flavor that makes a wonderful addition to soups and salads as well as a garnish to potatoes and even morning eggs.
Chives are native to Asia, Europe and North America and luckily for us they are one of the easiest herbs to grow.
The best way to grow chives is to plant them in full sun or part shade in well-draining soil. They like a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If you are unsure of the pH of your soil, consider a soil testing kit. Soil can be amended with sulfur (lower ph) or lime (raise pH) to get it just right.
They need to be watered regularly during dry spells, but otherwise they can take care of themselves!
Once they’re planted and established, chives will grow back year after year.
How to Harvest and Dry Chives
When it comes to harvesting chives, simply cut off the top inch or two of each stem as you need them for cooking.
The stems should be spread out to be dried on a drying rack or they can be hung upside down in a cool dry place until all the moisture has evaporated. Once they are completely dry, store in airtight containers for up to a year.
Using chives in the kitchen is easy, simply chop the stems finely before adding them to your recipe. Chives add a subtle onion flavor that goes great with eggs, fish, potatoes, salads, and sauces.
They can also be blended into dips and spreads to give them an extra flavor boost.
In addition to the stems, the chive flower is also edible. Add it to butter, infuse it in oil, or add them to salads for a colorful addition.
4) Dill
Dill is an herb that’s a classic addition to salads, sauces, soups and more. It has a strong, pungent aroma with a slight hint of sweetness.
It goes great in cream cheese dips, potato salads and other traditional dishes. Dill also pairs well with fish, potatoes and eggs.
When using dried dill, remember that the flavor is much more intense than when using fresh dill. A little goes a long way!
How to Harvest and Dry Dill
Dill is a hardy annual that grows quickly and easy to harvest. When it comes time to dry it, you can simply pick the whole plant and hang it upside down in a warm and dry place.
Once the leaves have dried out, you can easily strip them off the stems and store them in airtight jars for future use.
5) Fennel
Fennel is a popular herb used in many culinary dishes and teas. It has a mild, sweet licorice flavor that adds a unique flavor to your dish. It’s easy to grow and dry your own fennel for use in the kitchen.
When planting your fennel, choose a sunny area with well-drained soil. Plant the seeds directly in the soil about 1/4 inch deep and water them regularly. The seedlings should emerge in 7-14 days. When the plants are 4-5 inches tall, thin them out so they have plenty of space to grow.
How to Harvest and Dry Fennel
Harvest fennel when it’s 8-10 inches tall. Cut the stems off at the base with sharp scissors. Fennel can be hung upside down in a warm, dark area or dried on screens or trays until they are brittle. Once it is completely dry, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Fennel is an essential ingredient in Italian dishes like sausage and fish, as well as Indian and Asian cuisine. Add it to salads, soups, sauces, and stuffings for a unique flavor boost.
Dried fennel can also be used to make herbal teas, which are known to be calming and soothing. Enjoy the fragrant flavor of fresh-grown fennel year-round with just a bit of effort!
6) Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant and popular herb that adds an unmistakable aroma and flavor to dishes. It is also known for its calming and soothing effects, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Growing lavender in your garden or in a pot is relatively easy, but it does require some care to ensure it gets enough sunlight and water.
How to Harvest and Dry Lavender
Once your lavender is fully grown, you’ll need to harvest the flowers and hang them upside down to dry. The best time to harvest is when the flower buds start to open.
Once they are completely dry, store the flowers in an airtight container away from light and heat.
Dried lavender can be used in a variety of ways. Dried lavender can be used as a garnish for salads and desserts, steeped in tea for a fragrant beverage, or even added to bath salts and beauty products.
Lavender essential oils are also popular for their calming and relaxing effects, making them great additions to body lotions, massage oils, and aromatherapy candles.
7) Marjoram
Marjoram is an herb that is a member of the mint family, and has an incredibly distinct flavor. It’s commonly used in a variety of dishes such as soups, stews, sauces, marinades, and teas.
Growing marjoram is relatively easy, as it’s not picky when it comes to soil conditions. This herb loves full sun and well-drained soil, so if you have these conditions in your garden, you’re all set! Marjoram can be grown from seeds or cuttings and will start to flower in late spring.
How to Harvest and Dry Marjoram
When harvesting marjoram, make sure to snip off the leaves in the morning right after the dew has evaporated. You can also harvest it after it starts to bloom by cutting off the stems that have the flowers.
Once harvested, you can either dry or freeze the leaves. To dry marjoram, hang bunches of it upside down in a cool and dry place. After the leaves are completely dry and brittle, store them in airtight containers.
To freeze, just spread the leaves out on a baking sheet and pop it into the freezer for a few hours until it’s frozen solid. Once frozen, you can put it into an airtight container or plastic bag and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to use it.
Marjoram is an incredibly versatile herb that adds an amazing flavor to your dishes. Growing and drying this herb is easy and will add a wonderful flavor to your pantry staples.
8) Oregano
When it comes to herbs and spices, oregano is one of the most popular and versatile. It has a strong, aromatic flavor that can be used in many dishes, such as Italian cuisine and
Mediterranean dishes. Oregano is a great herb to grow and dry for your pantry, as it retains its flavor when dried.
To grow oregano, you’ll need to provide it with a sunny spot in your garden and well-draining soil. It’s best to plant oregano in the spring and keep it watered throughout the growing season.
How to Harvest and Dry Oregano
To dry oregano, cut the stems when the flowers are in full bloom and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place. Once the leaves are crisp, simply crush them into a powder or store them whole.
Oregano can be used to flavor all sorts of dishes, from soups and stews to sauces and marinades. It is a key ingredient in Greek and Italian cooking and can also be used as a garnish on salads or pizzas.
Adding dried oregano to your pantry will ensure that you always have the flavor of fresh oregano on hand.
9) Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic herb with a woody flavor that pairs well with roasted meats and vegetables. It is also a popular choice for seasoning stews and soups. It can be used fresh or dried, and is known to have many health benefits such as reducing inflammation and aiding in digestion.
Growing rosemary is easy and the plant can be kept indoors in containers or outside in warmer climates. It likes full sun and well-draining soil. Rosemary prefers dry soil so make sure not to over-water it. For best results, water only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
How to Harvest and Dry Rosemary
When ready to harvest, simply snip off a few stems of the rosemary. To dry your rosemary, cut off long stems, tie them together and hang them upside down in a warm, dark place until fully dried. Once dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container for later use.
Rosemary is a great addition to your pantry and can be used in many recipes. Use it to season chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables for a flavorful boost. It can also be used to make herbal teas, flavored vinegars, and oils.
10) Thyme
Thyme has a distinctive flavor that adds a unique twist to any dish. When it comes to growing thyme, you will want to keep in mind that it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is a perennial herb, so you should expect to get multiple harvests throughout the season.
How to Harvest and Dry Thyme
When it comes to drying thyme, it’s important to harvest the herb when its flowers are fully open. Cut the stems and hang them upside down in a dry and airy location. It usually takes about two weeks for thyme to dry completely. Once dry, store it in an airtight container away from direct light.
Thyme can be used in everything from soups and stews to salads and sauces. Its earthy flavor pairs perfectly with garlic, making it a staple in Mediterranean dishes. Thyme is also great for infusing oil or vinegar for a unique homemade gift. Try adding it to your next dish for an extra bit of flavor!
Final Thoughts
Growing and drying your own herbs and spices is an excellent way to add flavor to your cooking. Not only can you enjoy the freshness of these herbs and spices, but you’ll also save money by growing them yourself.
Just remember to water them regularly, give them plenty of sunlight, and be sure to pick them before they flower. With a little bit of effort, you can have a pantry stocked with delicious herbs and spices in no time!
