We have a ton of fresh sage and are looking to preserve it for our winter cooking needs. So we need to dry it out! The process for drying is straightforward enough, and it looks like we only need a few things. Small paper bags, rubber bands, and some twine.
The best time to harvest sage for drying is in the morning right after the dew has dried and before they flower for the season.
Take cuttings from your plant about 6” - 8” in length; wash the leaves carefully so as not to bruise them; dry them off; and bundle them with the rubber band. Then cut holes in your paper bag or cut the bottom off and place your bundle in it. The bag is to keep dust off of your bundle. Take your twine or string; tie it to the bottom of your sage and the bag; and hang it in a warm dry place for 3 weeks to a month.
You will want to stop harvesting from your sage plant mid-fall so your sage plant can gain energy for the upcoming winter, but it will come back the next year as it is a perennial. This is our method of drying sage, but you can also use an oven, microwave, or dehydrator if you like.
After you sage is dried, your herbs should last about a year or so in an airtight container. We tend to use it when making chicken or turkey, soups or stews, even potatoes, squash and beans!
~Everbearing Farm
Comments