Kristina’s alternative herb-drying technique
Bunches of herbs hanging from the rafters might look beautiful, but spiders and other insects view them as prime real estate.
I dry herbs in small bags made from recycled net curtains.
Step 1: Cut out a rectangle of netting, approximately 30x55cm in size. If you have lots of plant material to dry, make the bags bigger. Step 2: Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and sew up the sides.
Step 3: Turn the bag in the right way (seams on the inside) and fold the top edge over on the inside to form a tube for the drawstring (3-4 cm). Begin sewing this tube all the way around. Leave a small gap at the end of the tube for the drawstring to go in and out.
Step 4: Tie a piece of string or ribbon onto a safety pin. Push it into the tube and thread the string or ribbon through until it comes out the gap. Step 5: Tie a knot with the two ends and pull the drawstring in to close the top of your net bag. Step 6: Use scissors to harvest fresh green herbs for your next cup of tea. Take the net bag with you and chop herbs straight into it. Step 7: Hang it up in a warm dark corner of your kitchen for 2-3 weeks, fluffing the drying herbs around often, to redistribute the plant material as it dries. To finish off the drying process, spread the herbs onto a clean metal tray and pop them into an oven set on 50°C for 10-15 minutes. They can then be stored in an airtight container.