Drying Basil

There is not an herb around that has more of a robust, flavorful taste then the basil herb. Some people will only use fresh from the garden basil in their food, but others consider the dried basil a great way to add to a dinner with ease. It really does depend on your style and taste. Dried basil is less full-bodied when it is dried, but it doesn't lose the initial delicious taste. It is also a way of preserving basil for the entire year, as opposed to just being able to use it during the summertime when it usually grows.

Drying basil is very simple, and there are several tried and true methods for doing it. The first is to merely hang it in bundles. This does tend to discolor the basil so you should place a thin layer of stripped leaves in between two folded sheets of newspaper. You can then hang it on a wire rack and turn it twice a day until completely dry. The paper will reduce the discoloration and oxidation that it would go through without the paper. Some basil lovers like to dry their herb on a special basil-drying screen and then finish the process by baking it in the oven.

When you are drying basil in the oven you should first remove all the stems from the plant leaves. Then, after tearing the basil leaves into tiny pieces, you can lay the pieces on a baking sheet. The oven should be no higher than 350 degrees to reduce the risk of browning. It should take approximately 7 - 10 for the leaves the thoroughly dry, but it may take less time in electric ovens. You should bake them until they are crumbly, but take them out before they turn brown. If this happens you won't be able to use the basil because of the burnt taste it may have. Once your basil has cooled you want to crumble it up more in order to refine it to how you like it. Another way is to use a sieve to help to thin out the basil leaves.

Oven drying is a source of argument among herb enthusiasts. Some say that it removes essential oils, and nutrients that basil has in it, and yet others don't think anything is ruined in the basil. It is really your personal preference in how you dry the basil.

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