Making Herbal Teas

[northepaul]

Hi all - I seem to be the one starting new threads today
I want to make my own herbal teas - I use quite a lot of them, especially mint and nettle, raspberry leaf but want to expand .
Question is, how best to dry them so the leaves are in good condition - should I hang them in a dark area in cloth or loose on an absorbant cloth? How best to store them?
Any tips for this very welcome
Ta x

[mattyod]

i think the easiest way to dry them is in a mircrowave on kitchen roll.
dont over heat them as they will just cook.
once dried store them in a food storage bag in your cupboard.

[Two_Sheds]

for mint, I just add a sprig to a cup of boiling water, I don't bother drying it

[northepaul]

Thanks all, I was thinking more for the winter, when things are not so readily available.

[Guttata]

Hang them in a cool dark place and they will dry out naturally. The use of a bag of some sort is to catch anything that falls off. Make sure to remove any damaged or rotting bits first.

I have mint growing even in winter though I do have the advantages of being on the 10th floor of a tower block so rarely get hit by frost, though the last winter was the exception that broke the rule.

[smc999]

I'm getting excited as my Chamomile is starting to flower. Nothing like grabbing a few fresh ones off plant and popping them straight into boiling water.

[ilikesoup]

theres a few diff ways u can dry herbs, separate leaves on muslim, hanging bunches to dry, all should be left for a couple weeks out of direct sunlight and store in jars to use within 4-6months as the oils evaporate. as a rule use 2 tablespoons when using fresh chopped herbs and only 1 tablespoon when using dried (this means you'll use less in the winter for a cuppa!). u can make ya own teabags using squares of muslin and a tablespoon of dried herbs then tie with string. enough for a cuppa for 1!

[Two_Sheds]

separate leaves on muslim

I don't think the UN would let you do that with Muslims

[ilikesoup]

I don't think the UN would let you do that with Muslims

haha whoops! i should proof read my posts lol

[northepaul]

Thanks all
An airing cupboard or dark garage then!