Drying herbs in the oven is an easy and is one of the most common methods to dry herbs. It is important to note that not all herbs are ideal for oven drying. Certain herbs such as chives and sage are not recommended because they tend to burn easily. Either a gas or electric oven can be used to dry herbs.

Wash and pat dry the herbs before preheating the oven to 150 to 200 degrees. The items needed are a cookie or baking sheet and cheesecloth or brown craft paper.

First line the cookie sheet with the paper or cheesecloth and then place the herbs on the baking sheet in a single layer. They should not be overlapping or crowded. The paper or cheesecloth keeps the herbs from touching the metal pan. Not only could touching the metal cause the herbs to burn and stick, but also metal has been known to change the flavor of culinary herbs.

When drying herbs in the oven place them on the middle oven rack and bake for three to four hours. The oven door should be cracked or left open all the way. This allows moisture to escape as the herbs are drying.

The herbs should be watched carefully, so they do not burn, become scorched or toasted. For best results, the herbs turn and stir the herbs often. Do not overcook the herbs because overcooking will ruin the flavor. The herbs are ready when they appear to be crisp.

Once the herbs are dry, they must be immediately placed inside an airtight glass storage container. The herbs should then be checked for next few days to make sure there is not any moisture visible on the glass container. If moisture is seen, remove the herbs and dry them again. Before re-drying, remove any herbs that appear to be dark in color, rotten or spoiled.

Herbs can also be dried in a microwave oven. Place the herbs on a paper towel and cover with a second paper towel. Set the microwave oven on high and dry the herbs for one to three minutes. Turn the herbs every thirty seconds. Once the herbs are dry, remove them from the microwave and allow them to cool before storing them. This method takes less time, but it is not the preferred method.