How To Dehydrate Lemon Basil
Learn how to dehydrate lemon basil so you can preserve its bright citrus-herbal flavor for teas, seasoning blends, and everyday recipes. This simple method shows you how to dry, store, and use lemon basil long after the harvest.
Ingredients
- 3 bunches fresh lemon basil (or use as much as you want)
- 4 cups water (enough to cover and rinse repeatedly)
Instructions
- Harvest the lemon basil: Snip fresh lemon basil stems in the morning after the dew has dried. Choose healthy, unblemished leaves.
- Rinse and dry: Gently rinse the basil under cool water to remove dirt or insects. Shake off the excess water and pat dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner.
- Remove the leaves: Strip the lemon basil leaves from the stems. Discard any bruised, yellow, or damaged leaves.
- Arrange on trays: Place the leaves in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, leaving a little space between them for air flow.
- Dehydrate: Dry at 95°F to 105°F for 2 to 4 hours, or until the leaves are completely dry and crumble easily between your fingers.
- Cool completely: Let the dried basil cool on the trays before storing to prevent moisture from forming in the jar.
- Store: Place the dried lemon basil leaves in an airtight jar or container. Store in a cool, dark cabinet for the best flavor.
Recipe Expert Tips
Drying times: Drying times will vary depending on how much herb you are drying, the method you are using, and the humidity and temperature.
Nutrition
Serving: 1TeaspoonCalories: 0.2kcalCarbohydrates: 0.02gProtein: 0.02gFat: 0.004gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.003gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.001gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 2mgFiber: 0.01gSugar: 0.002gVitamin A: 35IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.02mg
Tried this recipe?Share a picture on Instagram and tag @flouronmyface2
