Parsley is a favorite herb that adds a burst of freshness to so many dishes. But its fleeting freshness can be a problem for home cooks. Have you ever wondered how to keep your parsley plant going? You’re in luck. This will show you how to dry parsley by hanging, it the old way.
Preparing Fresh Parsley
Before you start drying, you need to prepare your parsley. Choose the freshest parsley you can find. Fresh herbs should be bright and not wilted or yellowing. Wash the parsley leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides. A cold water rinse should do the trick. Pat the leaves dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner. Make sure the leaves are completely dry or mould will form during the drying process.
Now remove the parsley leaves from their stems. While the stems can be dried, the leaves have the most flavor and are used for cooking. Discard any damaged or yellowing leaves and make sure there’s no debris left.
Drying Methods for Fresh Parsley
There are several ways to dry parsley and each has its own benefits. Let’s look at the most common ones.
Air Drying:
Air drying is the simplest and most effective way to dry parsley. It requires no equipment and preserves the essential oils and flavor.
- Small Bunches: Gather your parsley into small bunches and tie it with rubber bands.
- Hang Upside Down: Hang the bunches upside down in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. A dark place with low humidity is best.
- Wait: Air dry for 1-2 weeks. Leaves should crumble when dry.
Using a Food Dehydrator:
A food dehydrator will speed up the drying process and give you temperature control.
- On Trays: Place the parsley leaves in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.
- Temperature: Set the dehydrator to low, 95-115°F (35-46°C).
- Drying Time: Dry for 1-4 hours, check every now and then until leaves are dry and brittle.
Oven Drying:
If you don’t have a dehydrator, your oven will do.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to the lowest temperature, usually 170°F (75°C).
- On Baking Sheet: Place parsley leaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Dry with Door Ajar: Put the baking sheet in the oven and leave the door slightly open to let moisture escape. Check the parsley every 15-20 minutes until dry.
Sun Drying:
Less common due to weather conditions but can work if you have the right climate.
- Lay Out Leaves: Spread the parsley leaves on a cookie sheet or baking tray.
- Outside: Place the tray in a sunny, well-ventilated area.
- Check: Check the leaves frequently to make sure they’re drying evenly and not blowing away. This can take several days.
How to Store Dried Parsley
Storage is key to keeping the flavor and aroma of your dried parsley. Here’s how:
- Airtight Containers: Store dried parsley in airtight glass jars or mason jars to keep moisture out.
- Dark, Cool Place: Store the jars in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. Light and heat will degrade the herbs.
- Absorb Moisture: To further protect against moisture, you can put a paper towel or a small paper bag inside the jar.
- Label and Date: Always label and date your jars so you can keep track of the freshness. Use the oldest dried parsley first for the best flavor.
Using Dried Parsley in Cooking
Dried parsley is a useful addition to your cooking repertoire. Here’s how to use it:
- Substitute for Fresh Parsley: Use dried parsley as a substitute for fresh parsley in recipes, use about 1/3 the amount.
- Add to Dishes: Add dried parsley to soups, stews, and sauces to boost flavor and nutrition.
- Herb Blends: Mix dried parsley with other dried herbs like basil or thyme to make your own herb blends.
- Garnish: Use dried parsley as a garnish for dishes, for a pop of color and flavor.
Why Dry Fresh Herbs
Drying fresh herbs like parsley has many benefits:
- Preservation: Drying preserves the flavor and aroma of fresh herbs so you can use them all year round.
- Convenience: Dried herbs are easy to store and take up less space than fresh herbs.
- Reduce Waste: Drying herbs reduces food waste and saves you money on fresh herb purchases.
- Versatility: Dried herbs can be used in many recipes, from hearty soups to fresh salads.
How to Use Dried Parsley
Get the most out of your dried parsley with these tips:
- Crush or Chop: Crush or chop dried parsley leaves before using them to release the flavor and aroma.
- Mix with Other Herbs: Use dried parsley with other herbs and spices to create deep, layered flavors.
- Storage: Always store dried parsley in a cool, dark place to keep the flavor and aroma.
- Shelf Life: Use dried parsley within 6-12 months for best flavor and aroma.
Parsley All Year Round
To have parsley all year round follow these simple steps:
- Dry in Season: Dry parsley in the summer months when it’s in season and plentiful.
- Store Correctly: Store dried parsley in airtight containers to keep the flavor and aroma.
- Use Year Round: Use dried parsley in recipes all year round for a hint of fresh flavor.
- Grow Your Own: Consider growing your own parsley in an herb garden so you have a constant supply of fresh parsley.
Drying fresh parsley is easy and simple to do. With a few quick steps, you can have parsley flavor all year round, reduce food waste, and save money. Whether you choose air drying, a food dehydrator, or the oven method, each way works. Try different methods and recipes and find your favorite way to use this amazing herb. Happy drying!
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