In Part One we discussed the importance of returning to traditional home remedies lost through time from our collective memories. In Part Two we began exploring how to identify and harvest health promoting and healing herbs. Here, in Part Three, we continue the discussion on how to make ready harvested herbs.
Drying Herbs
Dehydrators have become the most convenient and desirable method of drying a variety of perishable items (fruits, vegetables, meat, herbs, etc.) but the units can be costly. You must “determine how much you plan to use the appliance and whether you have the space to store and use it in your kitchen”.1
In an article on My Budget Recipes website is a discussion of “Is A Dehydrator Worth It”.
https://mybudgetrecipes.com/is-a-dehydrator-worth-it/#Are_Dehydrators_Worth_It
NOTE: My Budget Recipes is an excellent website covering many topics such as Appliances, Cookware, and Food Guides that are well worth the time to browse.
Here at OLR we value old traditions and methods for self-sufficiency. Modern appliances has given us many practical solutions for easier living, yet current trends for the days ahead could put our dependence on these conveniences in jeopardy. As a precaution, we should be aware of and learn alternatives.
The old way of drying herbs was to bundle plants at the stem with twine and hang them upside down in a warm dry place using a coat hanger, drying rack, or curtain rod in your window. Then, tie a paper sack over the plant to collect the seeds. When drying flowers or leaves, a cookie sheet may be used. Once dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store the flowers, leaves, and seeds in air tight glass jars for future use.
At the Living Awareness Herbal Remedies and Healthy Living website, Kami McBride has authored a great article regarding things to know when drying herbs with instruction videos and pictures.
https://kamimcbride.com/how-to-dry-herbs/
In an article by Amy Andrychowicz, from Get Busy Gardening website, she offers “6 Ways To Dry Herbs The Right Way” and it is simple, straight forward and easy.
ttps://getbusygardening.com/drying-herbs/
In a brief article by Lisa Cericola at the Southern Living website, she provides ‘how-to’ drying methods using a microwave and oven (while we still have these options available?)
https://www.southernliving.com/food/seasonings/herbs/how-to-dry-fresh-herbs
One Last Note
Remember God said in Genesis 1:29, “Behold, I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.”2
In chapter 28:23-29, Isaiah says God instructs and teaches man how to farm the right way if we listen and hear His voice.3 That, my fellow Refugettes, is the Holy Spirit prompting us to remember the paths to self-resilience have already been paved by those who blazed them in the past. Even though we have let those paths get obscured by neglect, it is time to start cutting back the overgrowth. And who knows? Maybe all that overgrowth can fill your pantry and medicine cabinets when dried……………
Budget Recipes, retrieved Jan. 22, 2023: https://mybudgetrecipes.com/is-a-dehydrator-worth-it/#Are_Dehydrators_Worth_It
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). https://biblehub.com/genesis/1-29.htm
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). https://biblehub.com/context/isaiah/28-23.htm