Herbs

5 Easy Methods of Drying Parsley at Home

drying parsley

Learn how to dry parsley at home! Drying parsley is not as difficult as some people think. Just about anybody who has an oven, a microwave, or a dehydrator can do it. You can even dry parsley by air drying it or putting it under the sun for several days.

If you have more parsley than you can use right now, don’t hesitate to dry the surplus and store them. Dried parsley keeps for about a year. You can use it as you would fresh ones.



READ ALSO: 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Dried Parsley

Easy Methods of Drying Parsley at Home

Air-drying parsley

You don’t need a lot of equipment to dry parsley this way.

  • If you are using products from your own garden, harvest the parsley at midmorning. Do not harvest during the early hours of the morning as the parsley are still likely to be a bit damp from the night dew.
  • Group the sprigs loosely into bundles. Use rubber bands to secure the stems.
  • Hang the sprigs upside down on your clothes drying rack. You can keep the rack in the porch, attic, or some other place that is warm and dry. The springs will be dry enough after about a couple of weeks. The leaves will be brittle when you touch them.
  • Put the dried parsley on a piece of wax paper.
  • Use your hands to gently separate the leaves from the tough stems.

Store the dried parsley in an air-tight container.

Sun-drying parsley

You don’t need any special equipment for this method, either. You just need a baking sheet and some old window screens. However, the day needs to be just right. Choose a bright, hot, sunshiny day for drying parsley. Otherwise, the parsley will not dry as it should.

  • Wash the old screens.
  • Measure and cut them to fit your baking sheet.
  • Put the parsley on top of the screen. The screen ensures that the air flows freely around the parsley.
  • Put the baking sheet in your porch or some other similarly warm area.
  • Check the parsley. Turn the sprigs over so that each side gets an even tan as it dries.

Drying time will depend on where you are and how much sun you get at home. The parsley may be dry enough to keep at noontime – or you may need a couple of days or more to complete the drying process. Bring the baking tray in when the sun sets so that you don’t get any dew on the parsley. Continue sun drying the next day.



How to dry parsley in the oven

  • Wash fresh parsley using cold water.
  • Remove the tender leaves from the woody stems.
  • Give the leaves a rough chop.
  • Blanch for about 15 to 25 seconds in boiling water. Rinse with cold water to keep the parsley from continuing to cook in the residual heat.
  • Cover a baking sheet with brown paper.
  • Position the blanched parsley on the tray. Keep them evenly spaced and flat. There should be no big clumps.
  • Put the tray in the oven. Use the lowest setting so that you don’t burn the parsley.
  • Keep the parsley in the oven for between 2 to 4 hours. The speed by which the parsley dries will depend on factors like humidity and altitude.
  • Check the parsley on a regular basis – I suggest after every 20 minutes. It is dry enough when you can easily crumble it in your fingers.
  • Take the dried parsley out of the oven.
  • Check for stalks that you may have overlooked. Get rid of them.
  • Crush the dried parsley using a mortar and pestle. You may also crush the parsley using your hands.

Store the crushed dried parsley in an airtight jar. Store the jar in the freezer or in a dark, dry area.

SEE ALSO: Easy Steps for Drying Parsley in the Oven

If you are new to blanching parsley or any other herbs, watch the video.

Drying parsley in the microwave

In microwave drying, the water that the parsley contains gets most of the energy that the microwave produces. The water heats up and evaporates. The plant tissue may also heat up a bit because of the water it contains. The water, however, soaks up nearly all of the heat.

Using the microwave method for drying parsley, thus, enables the parsley to retain most of its color and potency.

It is also extremely easy and fast to dry parsley in the microwave. You just have to carefully arrange the leaves on the microwave plate, slide the plate back into its place, and nuke. You have dried parsley within seconds!

  • Cover the microwave glass plate with a paper towel.
  • Put the parsley on the towel in a single layer. The outer edge of the plate is the hottest part so lay out the thicker and larger leaves in this section.
  • Get another paper towel and put it on top of the parsley.
  • Turn on the microwave. Nuke the parsley on high for about a minute. Check after every 30 seconds.
  • Check the parsley. If they are not dry enough, keep nuking in 20 or 30- second intervals.

Drying parsley in the dehydrator

Dehydrators are a bit expensive. But they are easy and convenient to use. They are also very effective for drying food. If you always have a lot of fruit, vegetables, or herbs that you want to dry, you may want to invest in a dehydrator.

A dehydrator uses hot air. It removes moisture from food in a gentle and slow manner.

A dehydrator comes with trays with small perforations or holes in them to facilitate the circulation of the warm air essential for drying food.

  • Preheat the dehydrator according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Dehydrators may differ. Check the manufacturer’s recommendation for the appropriate drying time for parsley.
  • Put the fresh parsley on the dehydrator trays. Use single layers. See to it that the layers do not overlap. Otherwise, the parsley may not dry properly.
  • Keep the parsley in the dehydrator for the time specified by the instruction manual. Drying time may take as long as 8 – 14 hours.

READ ALSO: Which Food Dehydrator is Right for You

How to Store Dried Parsley

Dried parsley is best stored in containers with airtight lids. Glass containers are a good choice. Mason jars make fine containers, too. You can even use reclaimed glass containers as long as they come with airtight screw caps.

Always store dried parsley away from heat. Keep your jars in a cool, dark place.

Dried parsley keeps for a year. You can still use them after a year but they will not be as aromatic.

If you have a really profuse harvest, you can opt to store your dried parsley in freezer containers. Keep the containers moisture-free and the dried parsley will remain aromatic even after a year and a half in the freezer.

READ ALSO: A Complete Guide on How to Store Dried Herbs

Drying parsley is a great way to extend your harvest. You save money and still enjoy the optimum flavor.

SEE ALSO: How to Dehydrate Food Successfully: A Beginner’s Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Drying Parsley at Home

What is the best way to dry fresh parsley?

One of the best ways to dry fresh parsley is to use a dehydrator. Simply wash the parsley and pat it dry with a paper towel. Then, place the parsley in a single layer on the dehydrator tray and set the temperature to the lowest setting. Allow the parsley to dry for several hours, or until it is completely dry and crumbly. You can also dry parsley in the oven. To do this, preheat the oven to the lowest setting and place the parsley on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the baking sheet in the oven and allow the parsley to dry for several hours, or until it is completely dry and crumbly. Alternatively, you can hang the parsley upside down in a well-ventilated area until it is dry.

How long does dried parsley last?

Dried parsley will last for about a year if it is stored properly. To extend its shelf life, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can cause the parsley to lose its flavor and potency over time. It’s also a good idea to check the parsley periodically for any signs of mold or spoilage. If you notice any, discard the parsley immediately to avoid any potential health risks.

Is it better to dry or freeze parsley?

It depends on what you plan to use the parsley for. Drying is a good option if you want to use parsley as a seasoning or herb, as it will retain its flavor and potency for a longer period of time. Freezing is a better option if you plan to use the parsley in cooked dishes, as it will retain its texture and flavor better than dried parsley.

Do you have to blanch parsley before dehydrating it?

It is not necessary to blanch parsley before dehydrating it. Blanching is a process in which the parsley is briefly immersed in boiling water, then shocked in ice water, to halt the enzymatic reactions that can cause the parsley to lose its flavor and color. While blanching is not necessary for dehydrating parsley, it can help to preserve its flavor and color. To blanch parsley, simply bring a pot of water to a boil and immerse the parsley in the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Then, immediately transfer the parsley to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once the parsley is cool, pat it dry with a paper towel and then proceed with the dehydration process.

Can I dry parsley in a paper bag?

It is not recommended to dry parsley in a paper bag. Drying parsley requires low temperatures and good air circulation to remove the moisture from the leaves without damaging the delicate herb. Paper bags are not designed for this purpose, and may not provide the necessary conditions for successful drying. In addition, paper bags can retain moisture, which can cause the parsley to spoil or develop mold. It is best to use a dehydrator or oven to dry parsley or hang it in a well-ventilated area to allow it to air dry.

Is dried parsley as healthy as fresh?

Dried parsley is not as healthy as fresh parsley. Fresh parsley is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, and it is also a good source of antioxidants and phytonutrients. When parsley is dried, it loses some of its vitamins and minerals, as well as some of its flavor and potency. However, dried parsley is still a healthy herb and can be a good addition to your diet. Just be sure to store it properly to ensure that it retains as much of its flavor and potency as possible.

Can you eat too much dried parsley?

It is possible to eat too much dried parsley, but it is not likely to cause any serious health problems. Parsley is a healthy herb that is high in vitamins and minerals, but it is not a good idea to consume excessive amounts of any food, including parsley. Eating too much dried parsley can lead to digestive issues and may interfere with the absorption of certain medications. It is best to use parsley as a seasoning or herb in moderation, as part of a well-rounded and balanced diet.