Sage is one of the famous aromatic herbs in line with dill, parsley, and a few more greens. This gray-green herb is commonly used in traditional medicine, spiritual practices, and cooking. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the well-known herbs because of its unique aroma and flavor.
But did you know that most people, especially chefs, prefer it dried? It’s because drying sage has several benefits. Dried sage is more potent and flavorful than fresh sage, making it an excellent addition to soups, stews, and sauces. Likewise, drying it also preserves the herb for longer, allowing you to store it for later use.
So, if you want to find out how to dry sage for future use, this article will help you do that! Stick with us as we provide tips on how to dry sage properly and how to store dried sage for long-term use.
What are the types of sage?
There are two common types of sage: garden sage and white sage.
Garden sage
This type of sage is a commonly used culinary herb found in the Mediterranean region. It features unique grayish-green leaves with a strong, pungent aroma and flavor. It is also often used in savory dishes and stuffing and is also famous for medicinal purposes.
White sage
Meanwhile, white sage is a wild-growing plant native to the southwestern United States. It has white-grey leaves and is popularly used for smudging, a traditional Native American purification ritual. It is also used for its aromatic and medicinal properties.
When is the best time to harvest your sage for drying?
You need to harvest sage for drying during summer or when the plant is in full bloom. The leaves should be cut before the flowers open, as the flavor of the leaves is strongest at this time.
But aside from summer, it’s also possible to harvest sage throughout the growing season. However, the flavor may be less intense later in the season. So if you can still wait a little more, that would be better. When harvesting, it is important to only take a few leaves from each plant because over-harvesting can stress the plant and reduce its growth.
What are the requirements for the successful drying of sage?
Learning how to dry sage demands knowledge about a few factors and conditions. Look at this list to know what we’re talking about.
1. Good air circulation
The first thing you need when learning how to dry sage is good air circulation. Good air circulation will help promote evaporation and avoid mold growth. But how can you ensure your environment has good air circulation?
You can achieve good air circulation by spreading the herbs out on a screen or rack or by hanging them in bunches in a well-ventilated area.
2. Low humidity
The second condition you need is a low-humid environment. Drying your sage in an environment with high humidity levels can slow down the drying process and create a feasible environment for mold growth.
That’s why before drying, it’s important to locate a place for drying that has low humidity, such as a dry, warm room or a sunny, breezy location outdoors.
3. Proper temperature
The third thing you need is the right temperature. The temperature you need in drying herbs should be warm but not too hot.
High temperatures can burn the leaves of your sage and affect their flavor, aroma, and color. So, what’s the ideal temperature?
You only need to give your sage a temperature between70-80°F when drying. If you are drying herbs outdoors, be sure to pick a location protected from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
How to dry sage through indoor drying?
Here is a step-by-step guide for drying herbs indoors.
Step 1. Wash and dry the sage thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris on the leaves.
Step 2. Cut the herbs into small pieces. Make sure to remove any yellow or damaged leaves.
Step 3. Organize the sage in a single layer on a screen or rack. If you do not have a screen or rack, you can also tie them into bunches and hang them upside down.
Step 4. Place the sage in a warm, well-ventilated environment. Ensure to keep it away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.
Step 5. Let the sage dry completely. It can take several days to a week, depending on the type of herb and the humidity levels. Monitor the herbs to ensure that they are not moldy or wilting.
Step 6. Once the herbs are completely dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Note: You can also dry your sage outdoors following the same process. Just ensure that there is no direct sunlight, or you’ll burn your sage.
How to dry sage using a dehydrator?
If you want a quick turnaround and a food dehydrator at home, you can follow these steps to dry your sage.
Step 1. Wash and dry the sage thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2. Cut the sage into small pieces. Make sure to remove any yellow or damaged leaves.
Step 3. Organize your sage in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. It’s important to leave enough space between the leaves for air to circulate.
Step 4. Turn on the dehydrator and set the temperature to between 95°F and 115°F. We recommend setting it on the lowest setting to avoid burning your sage.
Step 5. Let the herbs dry completely, which can take several hours. Check the herbs periodically to ensure that they are not over-drying or discoloring.
Step 6. Once the herbs are completely dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Note: Choose a dehydrator with adjustable temperature control and good air circulation.
How to store dried sage?
After you have successfully dried your sage, it’s time to store it!
- Dried sage should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. This will help to preserve its flavor, aroma, and color. Here are some tips for storing dried sage.
- Clean and thoroughly dry the airtight container before storing the sage.
- Place your dried sage in the container and seal it tightly.
- Store it in a cool, dark place like your cupboard or pantry. Just make sure it’s away from heat sources, moisture, and light.
- Do not forget to label the container and the date it was harvested to keep track of how long the sage has been stored.
- Always check the sage to ensure that it is fresh and free of moisture or mold.
- If the sage becomes musty or discolored, discard it and buy a fresh batch.
Dry your sage today!
Drying sage at home is a simple and cost-effective way to preserve this flavorful herb for later use. Whether you choose to dry sage indoors, outdoors, or using a dehydrator, the key is to provide good air circulation, low humidity, and proper temperature control to ensure that the sage dries completely and stays fresh.
With the right conditions and patience, you can easily dry sage at home and enjoy its delicious taste and aroma for months to come!