How to Dry Parsley at Home?

Dehydrating the parsley is a quick and easy way to preserve this flavorful herb. It's imperative if you want to store parsley for future use or if you live in a climate that isn't conducive to growing it fresh year-round. Read this tutorial to learn different ways that you can give a try the next time you need to dry parsley!

Different Methods to Dry Parsley

There are several methods that you can use for drying parsley. In this tutorial, we have highlighted six of them. Let's start with the first method.

Method 1: Oven Drying

To dry parsley using an oven, start by preheating the oven to its lowest setting. Then, lay out a single layer of parsley leaves on a baking sheet and place them in the oven. Leave the parsley in the oven until it is completely dry and brittle, which usually takes 1-2 hours. Once the parsley is dry, remove it from the oven and let it cool before storing it in an airtight container.

Method 2: Air-drying

Parsley is a relatively easy herb to dry using the air-drying method. Start by cutting the parsley off the base, leaving about 2-3 inches of stem. Gather the parsley into small bundles and tie each bundle with string or a rubber band. Hang the parsley bundles upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area.

Check the parsley every few days to ensure it is drying properly. Once the parsley is dehydrated, take the leaves out of the stems and store them in an airtight container.

Method 3: Dehydrating

Dehydrating is one of the easiest and most effective ways. To dehydrate parsley, simply wash the sprigs and allow them to air dry. Once they're dry, place them on a dehydrator tray and set the temperature to between 95 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dehydrate for half a day or until the parsley is completely dried out. Once it's dehydrated, store the parsley in an airtight container for several months this way. When you're ready to use it, simply crumble or grind it up as needed.

Method 4: Microwaving

Microwaving is the perfect solution if you need an easy way out to dry parsley! Simply place the parsley on a paper towel or plate and microwave for 30-60 seconds.

The key is to make sure that the parsley is not too close to the edge of the plate or paper towel, as this can cause it to burn.

Once the parsley is dry, store it in an airtight container for future use.

Method 5: Sun-drying

To sun-dry parsley, first, wash the parsley and shake off any excess water. Next, lay the parsley out on a clean towel and pat it dry. Then, place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and put it in a spot where it will get good sunlight.

Leave the parsley to dry for 1-2 days or until it is completely dried out. Once the parsley is dried, store it in an airtight container.

Method 6: In a Paper bag

To dry parsley in a paper bag, start by cutting the parsley leaves off the stems. Then, place the leaves in a single layer on a paper towel and blot them dry. Next, put the leaves in a paper bag and seal them shut.

Finally, place the bag in a warm, dry area and allow the parsley to air-dry for 1-2 days. When the parsley is completely dried out, remove it from the bag and store it in an airtight container.

Should you Wash the Parsley before Drying It?

Whether or not you should wash your parsley before drying it really depends on personal preference. Some people feel that washing the herb beforehand gets rid of any dirt or debris that may be clinging to the leaves, while others believe that this step is unnecessary and that simply shaking the parsley will suffice.

If you do choose to wash your parsley, make sure to pat it dry with a clean towel before placing it in the dehydrator.

How Long Can You Safely Store Dried Parsley?

Dried parsley is a common ingredient in many recipes, and it can last for several months when stored properly. Its shelf life can vary depending on the packaging and storage. Properly packaged dried parsley can last for up to a year in a cool, dark pantry and stay fresh in a refrigerator for even longer. However, if you keep it in a warm or humid place, it will only last for a few weeks.

When the dried parsley is ready to use, simply crumble the leaves as needed and add them to soups, stews, sauces, salads, and other dishes for flavor.