The Genius Hack for Drying Herbs: Binder Clips
Drying herbs is a great way to preserve their flavor for long-term use, but the process can often take up space or counters you may not have. Enter the genius hack for drying herbs: the humble binder clip. This versatile office supply can revolutionize your herb-drying game.
Traditional methods like using drying racks or tying herbs in bundles work wonderfully, but take up space and can lead to uneven drying if not done properly. And dehydrators, while a great option, may just not be in the budget.
The good news is all you need is a little wall space, a couple of hooks, and a few clips. Easy peasy. Our herb-drying hack is perfect for anyone looking for an easy, space-saving solution to dry their homegrown or store-bought herbs.
Looking for recipes to use your dried herbs? For natural living, try making Stovetop Potpourri, Homemade Tallow Balms, Tallow Bar Soap, Tallow Lip Balms. You can also add dried herbs to recipes like Focaccia, Tortilla Soup, Herbal Mocktails, or Broths!
Check out our list of favorite herbs to grow to get you started on your dried herb journey.
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Binder Clip Backstory
I started using this hack to dry my herbs when my husband (nicely) asked if I could move some of my herbs off the counter, as they were taking up the entire surface area. It was littered with paper towels full of seeds and herbs strewn on them, with just a little square to prep and cook. I may still make this faux pas on occasion.
If you’re anything like me, you have a junk drawer (gasp!) – is the junk drawer just a Midwest thing? There always seems to be an abundance of binder clips floating around in there, and to be honest, I have no idea where they come from. I have not purchased binder clips in years.
I was looking for a place to dry my garden goodies, then I had my lightbulb moment. These little guys work great to hang on hooks, and onto each other. Another bonus with this herb drying method, if you use the removable wall hooks, you can take down your drying station in the off season.
Benefits of the Binder Clip Method
Drying herbs, no matter the method, is always a must if you have a garden. You’ll be able to enjoy their taste and benefits all year long. Fresh herbs have a short shelf life, but drying them helps lock in their distinctive flavors and aromas. Whether it’s basil, dill, thyme, or rosemary, dried herbs will elevate any dish or tea.
Cost-Effective and Sustainable: Drying herbs minimizes food waste, saves money, and ensures you always have herbs on hand when needed for any recipe. Binder clips are cheap and can be reused for future projects, making this method eco-friendly and economical.
Space-Saving Design: Using binder clips allows you to hang herbs vertically, freeing up valuable counter and storage space.
Even Drying: The open, hanging method ensures good airflow, preventing mold and ensuring even drying of all herb parts.
Tips for Herb Drying Success
Label Your Herbs: If you’re drying multiple varieties, tie a label onto each bundle to avoid confusion later.
Monitor for Mold: Check the herbs every few days to ensure they’re drying properly. Discard any bundles that show signs of mold.
Experiment with Different Herbs: While this method works well for leafy herbs like basil and parsley, it’s also great for woody herbs like thyme and rosemary.
The Binder Clip Herb-Drying Hack
What You Need:
- Fresh herbs (e.g., basil, dill, oregano, thyme)
- Binder Clips (medium or large size work best)
- Removable Wall Hooks
The EASIEST Way to Dry Herbs with Binder Clips
Prepare the Herbs: Wash your herbs gently under cold water to remove dirt and debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel or let them air-dry for an hour. Remove any wilted or damaged leaves.
Bundle the Herbs: Gather small bunches of herbs, ensuring the stems are aligned. This helps promote even drying and prevents mold from forming.
Attach Binder Clips: Open a binder clip and clamp it around the stems of the herb bundle. Make sure the herbs are held securely, but don’t stuff too many into one clip.
Hang the Clips: Hang the binder clip on your hook. Ensure the bundles are spaced out to allow air to circulate freely. You can hang additional binder clips onto each other for even more drying space.
Allow Herbs to Dry: Make sure the herbs are in a well-ventilated, dry area away from direct sunlight. Depending on the humidity and type of herb, drying can take 1-2 weeks. I have mine in my laundry room!
Store the Dried Herbs: Once the herbs are fully dry and crumble easily between your fingers, remove them from the binder clips. Store them in airtight containers or resealable bags, keeping them away from light and heat to maintain their potency.
Drying herbs doesn’t have to be a tedious process. With the binder clip hack, you can save time, space, and effort while ensuring your herbs retain their full flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your herb-drying journey, this method is sure to become a staple in your garden routine.
FAQS
Yes, small binder clips work well for herbs with delicate stems like cilantro or dill, or if you only have a couple sprigs of something.
Herbs are fully dry when they crumble easily between your fingers and have lost all moisture.
You can speed up the process slightly by placing the drying rack near a fan or in a low humidity room, but avoid using high heat or direct sunlight.
This method works for most culinary herbs. For seeds or roots, you’ll want to try other drying methods.
Properly stored dried herbs can last up to a year, but their flavor is best within the first 6 months.
