How Do I Store Dried Herbs?

“Hi there, I’ve been growing a small herb garden in my backyard for a few years now, and I just finished drying a big batch of various herbs like thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary. However, I’m unsure of the best way to store them properly so they don’t lose their flavor over time. I’ve read conflicting advice online, and I live in a more humid climate, so I want to make sure my hard work doesn’t go to waste. Any advice on the best ways to store my dried herbs so they stay fresh and flavorful?” Much appreciated, Linda, Nashville, USA.

How Do I Store Dried Herbs?

Dried herbs are a wonderful way to keep the flavors of your garden alive all year round. But to ensure your dried herbs last and retain their potency, it’s important to store them correctly. Moisture, light, heat, and air are the biggest enemies of dried herbs, so the goal in storing them is to minimize their exposure to these elements. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to keep those herbs vibrant and flavorful.

1. Why Proper Storage Matters

When you put in all that effort to grow, harvest, and dry your herbs, the last thing you want is for them to lose their flavor, potency, or even spoil due to improper storage. Proper storage extends the life of the herbs while maintaining their aroma, color, and taste. In Linda’s case, living in a humid climate like Nashville, it becomes even more crucial because moisture in the air can cause the dried herbs to rehydrate, leading to mold or a loss in flavor.

2. Factors That Affect the Quality of Dried Herbs

There are several factors that can impact the quality and longevity of your dried herbs. Here’s what to be mindful of:

• Exposure to Air: Oxygen can cause the degradation of the essential oils in herbs, leading to flavor loss over time.
• Light: UV rays from sunlight can break down the compounds that give herbs their flavor and aroma.
• Temperature: Heat can speed up the process of flavor degradation. Ideally, herbs should be kept in a cool place.
• Moisture: Excess moisture can cause mold growth, which is not only unpleasant but can also ruin your entire batch.

3. Choosing the Right Containers

One of the most important steps in storing dried herbs is choosing the right storage containers. Linda, considering the humid climate you’re in, this becomes even more vital to ensure the herbs stay dry. Here are some options to consider:

• Glass Jars: Airtight glass jars are the best choice because they protect against moisture and don’t react with the herbs.
• Vacuum-Sealed Bags: These are excellent for keeping air out completely. However, they can be less convenient for everyday use if you need to open and reseal frequently.
• Metal Tins: Make sure they have an airtight seal. These are also light-proof, which offers added protection against light degradation.
• Plastic Containers: These should only be used if they are food-safe and airtight. Be cautious as plastic can sometimes absorb the oils and odors, tainting future batches.

Linda, if you’re using glass jars, it might be worth investing in some that have tinted glass to block out light. Or, you could simply store the jars in a dark pantry to reduce light exposure.

4. Labeling Your Herbs

Labeling your jars or containers might seem trivial, but it’s an important step. Over time, it might be easy to confuse one herb for another, especially when dried. Include not just the name of the herb but also the date you stored it. Knowing the date will help you keep track of freshness, so you’ll know which herbs to use first.

5. Ideal Storage Conditions

The perfect storing conditions for dried herbs are as follows:

• Temperature: Store herbs in a cool, dark place. Ideally, the temperature should be below 70°F (21°C), but the cooler, the better.
• Humidity: Aim for a dry environment with low humidity—below 60% if possible. In more humid climates like Nashville, consider using a dehumidifier in your storage area to help keep the moisture at bay.
• Darkness: Either use light-blocking containers or store your jars in a dark cupboard or pantry.

6. How Long Do Dried Herbs Last?

Dried herbs have a shelf life; ideally, they’ll remain potent for about 6 months to 1 year. After a year, most herbs will start to lose their flavor, though some hardier spices may last a little longer. However, if stored properly, even a year-old batch can still be flavorful enough for cooking.

Linda, basil, in particular, tends to lose its flavor faster than more robust herbs like thyme and rosemary. So you might want to use up your dried basil a bit sooner.

7. Checking for Freshness

It’s a good practice to periodically check on your stored herbs, especially if they’ve been stored for a while. Here’s a quick way to test their potency:

• Rub a small amount between your fingers and smell it. If the scent is still strong, your herbs are good to use.
• If the fragrance is weak or missing altogether, it might be time to replace them.
• Also, check for any mold or signs of moisture. If your herbs have become damp or moldy, it’s best to discard them to avoid any health risks.

8. Special Tips for Storing Herbs in Humid Areas

Linda, considering your humid Nashville climate, you might face additional challenges with moisture. Here are some specific tips for storing dried herbs when humidity is an issue:

• Add Desiccant Packs: These small packs often used in food packaging can absorb excess moisture inside your storage containers. Just make sure they are food-safe and don’t come in direct contact with your herbs.
• Recheck Your Seals: It’s advisable to periodically check the seals on your containers to ensure they remain airtight.
• Store in a Dehumidified Area: If possible, keep your herb containers in a room with a dehumidifier to control the ambient moisture level.
• Refrigeration: If the humidity is extreme, and you’ve had issues with herbs starting to get damp despite your best efforts, you might consider refrigerating them. However, use airtight containers to prevent them from absorbing moisture or odors from the fridge.

9. Different Methods for Preserving the Flavor of Dried Herbs

If you have large quantities of dried herbs and want to extend their flavor for as long as possible, here are some additional methods you could try:

• Freeze Dried Herbs: Freezing your dried herbs is an option. Simply place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container to prevent freezer burn. This method can help preserve the color and flavor beyond the traditional shelf life.
• Oil Infusions: Another way to store dried herbs for long-term use is to make oil infusions. This method not only preserves the herbs but creates an incredibly flavorful oil that can be used in cooking.
• Make Herb Salt: Herb salts are a fantastic way to use dried herbs and prolong their shelf life. By mixing herbs with coarse salt, you can create a flavorful seasoning that enhances the taste of many dishes.

10. Storing Large Quantities vs. Small Quantities

Storing a large batch of dried herbs, like the one you have, Linda, requires a slightly different approach than storing small quantities:

• For large quantities, it’s a good idea to keep the bulk of the herbs sealed away in larger containers and transfer smaller amounts into more convenient containers for daily use. This way, you’re only exposing a small portion to air and light at any given time.
• For small quantities, you can store them directly in the kitchen in light-blocking containers. Just make sure it’s still a cool, dark, and dry spot.

11. When to Harvest and Dry New Batches

It’s important to know when you should start thinking about drying new batches of herbs as your current supply dwindles. Typically, when your stored herbs start nearing the 6-month mark, it’s a good time to begin planning for your next harvest—especially if you’re someone who uses a lot of herbs regularly in cooking.

For best results, aim to harvest your herbs before they flower, as this is when the plant’s oils—and consequently, their flavors—are the most concentrated. After harvesting, dry them as quickly as possible, either with air drying, in a dehydrator, or an oven on low heat to ensure maximum flavor retention.

Final Thoughts…

Linda, thanks for sending in your question! The key takeaways for storing your dried herbs are to focus on minimizing exposure to air, light, moisture, and heat. Using airtight glass jars, keeping them in a cool, dark place, and considering special measures like desiccant packets or even refrigeration in your humid Nashville climate will help you retain the delicious flavors you’ve worked so hard to cultivate. Wishing you a kitchen filled with flavorful, fragrant herbs all year long!