How to dry lemon balm for tea at home

How to prepare lemon balm for drying

Carefully sort through all the greens. Discard dry, yellowed, rotted and spoiled by insects or diseases leaves. Wash the sorted lemon balm under cold running water to get rid of dust and dirt.

If you want to prepare the leaves, separate them from the stems. Spread the lemon balm on a wire rack or towel and let the excess liquid drain.

To dry the greens faster, blot it with paper or cloth napkins.

How to dry lemon balm on a horizontal surface

Spread the leaves or stems of lemon balm on a clean tray in a thin layer.

Find a well-ventilated, dry area out of direct sunlight during the day, such as a veranda, attic, or shady side windowsill. Leave trays of lemon balm there. The process of natural drying will take an average of 2-3 days. Don't forget to turn the greens occasionally to dry evenly.

How to dry lemon balm in brooms

In this way, you can prepare the stalks of lemon balm. Collect them in bunches of 8-10 pieces. Tie with a rope, making a small loop at the bottom. Hang the brooms upside down in a well-ventilated, dry, shaded area under a canopy. It is important that the beams are at a small distance from each other and do not touch.

After about 3-4 days, the lemon balm will dry completely and will be ready for storage.

How to dry lemon balm in an electric dryer

Spread the leaves or stalks of lemon balm on the trays of the device in a single layer. If there is a lot of greenery, you can use several trays. Put them in the device and set the minimum temperature (from 30 to 45 degrees).

Leave the lemon balm for 2-2.5 hours. Periodically check the blanks so as not to overdry them. When the leaves turn pale green and break easily when pressed, turn off the appliance, remove the trays and let the greens cool to room temperature.

How to dry lemon balm in the oven

Line a baking sheet with baking paper. Spread the leaves or sprigs of lemon balm in a thin layer. Put the greens in the oven, setting the temperature to about 35-40 degrees. Leave the gas stove door ajar by about 15 cm, the electric one by 5 cm.

After an hour, turn the lemon balm over and leave for another 1-2 hours until it dries completely. After that, remove the baking sheet and hold the greens at room temperature for 6-12 hours for final drying.

How to dry lemon balm in the microwave

This method is suitable for harvesting leaflets. Line a large plate with paper towels. Spread the lemon balm on it in one layer, and cover with another towel on top. Put the greens in microwave for 2 minutes, setting the minimum power.

Take the plate out of the microwave. Remove the napkin from the lemon balm and let the leaves dry completely at room temperature for a day.

How to store dried lemon balm

Dried leaves and twigs can be used whole or pre-chopped with a blender. For storage canvas bags, good paper bags, glass or ceramic jars with a tight lid are suitable.

Put the lemon balm in the selected container or package, close and place in a dry, dark place. To keep herbs fresh, keep them away from spices, tea, coffee, herbs, and other sources of intense odor.