Herbs are a wonderful addition to any kitchen, providing a burst of flavor and aroma to a variety of dishes. One of the best ways to preserve herbs for long-term use is by drying them. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of drying herbs, specifically how to dehydrate parsley using a dehydrator.
In this article:
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read): Key Takeaways
- 🌿 Drying herbs on a dehydrator can be done by cutting them up, washing them, and placing them in a colander.
- 🌱 Drying herbs can be done by setting them aside in the fridge or freezer, preserving their flavor for future use in broths or other dishes.
- 💨 Using a dehydrator with a fan and thermostat is important for preserving the delicate nature of herbs during the drying process.
- 🐷 Saving parsley for bone broth
- 💡 Dehydrating herbs at 95 degrees or less ensures that they maintain their quality and potency.
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Preparing the Parsley
Cutting the Parsley
The first step in drying herbs is to prepare them. For parsley, begin by cutting off the leaves from the stems. Don’t worry about any dirt you might see around the root ball, as the parsley will be thoroughly washed later.
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Washing the Parsley
After cutting, place the parsley leaves into a colander for washing. It’s perfectly fine if you have a small amount of parsley. Remember, every bit counts and can be used to add flavor to dishes such as broths.
Sorting the Parsley
While sorting the parsley, you might come across larger leaves. These are not ideal for drying. Instead, set them aside for use in broths or other dishes. You can store them in your fridge or freezer for future use. For drying, we are primarily interested in the smaller, tightly curled leaves.
Dehydrating the Herbs
Choosing the Dehydrator
Now, let’s move on to the drying process. Some of you might wonder why we’re not hanging the herbs to dry. While that is a viable method, using a dehydrator can be more efficient and effective.
When it comes to drying herbs, not all dehydrators are created equal. It’s crucial to choose a dehydrator that has a fan and a thermostat. Why? Because herbs are delicate and require careful handling to preserve their flavor, vitamins, and essential oils.
Setting the Temperature
Once you have your dehydrator ready, it’s time to set the temperature. This is a critical step in the drying process. If the herbs are dried at a temperature too high, they can lose their flavor and essential oils. Therefore, it’s recommended to set the dehydrator’s temperature no higher than 95 degrees.
Placing the Herbs
With the temperature set, you can now place the herbs in the dehydrator. Start by placing a regular dehydrator tray at the bottom for better air circulation. Then, place the herbs on the next tray up. It’s advisable to use a fine mesh liner to prevent the herbs from falling through the tray’s gaps.
After Dehydration
Checking the Result
After the herbs have been dried, it’s time to check the results. You should find that the parsley has retained much of its vibrant color. This is a good sign that the drying process has been successful and that the parsley has preserved its essential properties.
Storing the Herbs
Once the parsley is dried, it’s time to store it. Before doing so, gently rub the parsley together to remove any remaining tiny stems. The dried parsley should have a lovely, fresh smell, similar to when it was fresh. Store the dried parsley in an airtight container for storage and future use.
FAQ’s
Can you put parsley in a dehydrator?
Yes, you can put parsley in a dehydrator to dry it efficiently and preserve its flavor and nutrients.
How long does dehydrated parsley last?
Dehydrated parsley can last up to 1-2 years when stored properly in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dark place.
Is it worth drying parsley?
Yes, drying parsley is worth it, as it extends the shelf life of the herb and allows you to enjoy its flavor in various dishes.
Is it better to freeze or dehydrate parsley?
Dehydrating parsley is preferable for long-term storage, as it takes up less space and retains more flavor compared to freezing.
What is the best way to preserve parsley?
The best way to preserve parsley is to dehydrate it using a dehydrator, as it maintains the flavor, aroma, and nutrients of the herb.
How do you dry fresh parsley from the garden?
To dry fresh parsley from the garden, wash and remove excess water, then either hang it to air-dry or use a dehydrator set at 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why is my dried parsley turning brown?
Dried parsley may turn brown due to over-drying, excessive heat, or exposure to light. Ensure proper drying conditions to maintain its green color.
Can dried parsley go bad?
Yes, dried parsley can go bad if exposed to moisture, light, or heat. Store it in a cool, dark place in an airtight container to prevent spoilage.
Does dried parsley work as well as fresh?
Dried parsley works well in most recipes, but the flavor may be less vibrant than fresh parsley. However, it’s a convenient option when fresh parsley is unavailable.
Is it better to air dry herbs or use a dehydrator?
Using a dehydrator is better for drying herbs, as it offers better control over temperature and humidity, resulting in more evenly dried herbs with preserved flavors and nutrients.
Do you wash herbs before dehydrating?
Yes, wash herbs before dehydrating to remove dirt and debris, then gently pat or shake them dry to remove excess moisture.
Does parsley lose nutrients when dried?
Parsley may lose some nutrients when dried, but if dried correctly at a low temperature, most of its essential nutrients and flavor are preserved.
What can I do with a lot of parsley?
With a lot of parsley, you can dry it for later use, make parsley pesto, add it to salads and soups, or use it as a garnish for various dishes.
How do you use dehydrated parsley?
Rehydrate dehydrated parsley by soaking it in water for a few minutes or add it directly to soups, stews, or sauces where it will rehydrate during cooking.
Why is my drying parsley turning yellow?
Drying parsley may turn yellow due to over-drying, high temperatures, or exposure to light. Ensure proper drying conditions to maintain its green color.
How long do you dry parsley in a dehydrator?
The drying time for parsley in a dehydrator can vary depending on the specific model of the dehydrator and the amount of parsley. However, it typically takes several hours. It’s important to check the parsley periodically to ensure it doesn’t over-dry.
When dehydrating parsley, do you use the stems?
When dehydrating parsley, it’s best to use only the leaves. The stems can be set aside and used in broths or other dishes.
What is the best way to dry fresh parsley?
The best way to dry fresh parsley is by using a dehydrator. This method allows for precise temperature control, ensuring the parsley retains its flavor and essential oils.
What temperature should I set the dehydrator to when drying parsley?
When drying parsley, it’s recommended to set the dehydrator’s temperature no higher than 95 degrees. This helps to preserve the parsley’s flavor, vitamins, and essential oils.
Conclusion
Drying herbs using a dehydrator is a simple and effective way to preserve them for long-term use. Remember, the key to successful drying is careful preparation, choosing the right dehydrator, setting the correct temperature, and proper storage.
Drying your parsley using a dehydrator at the proper temperature is essential for preserving its flavor, aroma, and nutrients.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the flavor and aroma of your favorite herbs all year round. So, if you’re planning to dry your herbs, consider using a dehydrator. Happy drying!
