🌿 Herb Drying Made Simple + How Slow Homemaking Can Change Your Life

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Thursday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: How to Dry and Preserve Your Herbs 🌿

4. Personal Development: Slow Homemaking — Finding Peace in the Everyday Tasks ⏳

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

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POLL RESULTS FROM LAST THURSDAY

What’s your favorite thing to plant in the spring?

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Root crops (carrots, radishes, beets)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Peas & beans

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Herbs & medicinal plants

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I don’t plant in the spring

via @beehiiv polls

Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉

Also, follow us on our social media accounts for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

How to Dry and Preserve Your Herbs: A Homesteader’s Guide 🌿

If you’ve ever grown a garden full of fresh herbs, you know how quickly they can take over. And while fresh herbs are great, it’s not always practical to use them all at once. That’s where drying and preserving come in.

Here’s a simple, no-nonsense guide to help you get started.

1. Harvest at the Right Time

The first step to drying herbs is harvesting them at the right moment. This usually means cutting them in the morning after the dew has dried, but before the sun gets too hot. Why? Because the flavor oils in the leaves are most concentrated at this time. It’s also best to harvest herbs right before they flower. Once they bloom, the leaves can lose their flavor.

• Tip: For herbs like basil and mint, it’s best to cut them just above the leaf node (where the leaves grow from the stem). This will encourage new growth.

2. Choose Your Drying Method

There are several ways to dry herbs, and each method works best for different types. Here are the most common options:

Air Drying (Best for Hardy Herbs)

Air drying works well for tougher herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Simply bundle them together with twine, hang them upside down in a warm, dry place, and let them dry out naturally. Make sure the area has good airflow, like a pantry or a dry closet, but avoid direct sunlight, which can reduce the flavor.

Oven Drying (Great for Quick Drying)

If you're short on time, using your oven is a quick option. Set your oven to the lowest temperature (around 100°F to 125°F) and place your herbs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to let moisture escape, and check the herbs every 15-20 minutes. This method works best for herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary.

Dehydrator (For Maximum Control)

If you want complete control over the drying process, a food dehydrator is a great choice. It’s perfect for preserving a large batch of herbs at once. Follow the instructions that come with your dehydrator, but generally, you'll want to dry your herbs at around 95°F to 115°F for 2-4 hours, depending on the herb.

Microwave Drying (For Small Batches)

The microwave is a great option if you only need to dry a small amount of herbs. Simply place your herbs between two paper towels and microwave them on a low setting for 30 seconds at a time. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. This method works best for delicate herbs like basil and parsley.

3. Test for Doneness

Once your herbs are dry, they should feel crumbly to the touch, not soft or bendable. Try rubbing a small piece between your fingers. If it crumbles easily, they’re ready to store. If they’re still flexible, give them a little more time to dry out.

• Tip: When in doubt, over-dry. It’s easier to rehydrate herbs later than to deal with moldy or damp ones.

4. Store Properly

Proper storage is just as important as the drying process. Once your herbs are completely dry, it's time to put them away. Store them in airtight containers, such as glass jars or Mylar bags, to protect them from air and light. A cool, dark pantry or cupboard is the best place for storage.

• Tip: Label your jars with the herb name and date. It’s easy to forget how long herbs have been stored, but labeling will keep you on track.

5. Preserve the Flavor

To keep your herbs fresh for as long as possible, avoid storing them in places with high humidity, like the kitchen. Also, consider grinding or crushing the herbs only when you're ready to use them. Whole dried herbs retain their flavor longer than crushed ones. So, if you want to make sure your herbs stay potent, store them whole until you're ready to cook.

6. Get Creative with Herb Blends

Once you've got a stash of dried herbs, why not get creative and mix your favorites into homemade herb blends? For example, a “pizza blend” could include oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Or, make your own herbal tea blend with chamomile, mint, and lavender. Experiment with combinations and create a personal touch to your dried herb collection.

• Tip: Use a spice grinder to blend dried herbs for an even mix, or crush them by hand for a more rustic look.

7. Herb Choices for Drying and Preservation

Not all herbs dry equally well, so it's important to choose the right ones for long-term storage. Some herbs are more delicate and lose their flavor or color quickly once dried, while others keep their potency. Here's a quick rundown of which herbs are the best for drying:

Herbs That Dry Well

• Oregano: Oregano dries easily and holds its flavor. Perfect for Italian dishes, soups, and sauces.

• Thyme: This herb maintains its flavor even when dried. It's great for roasting meats or adding to stews.

• Rosemary: Rosemary keeps its sharp, piney flavor when dried. It’s great for meats, especially lamb and chicken.

• Sage: Dried sage is ideal for stuffing, roasts, or even herbal teas.

• Marjoram: Marjoram dries well and adds a mild, sweet flavor to various dishes.

Herbs That May Not Dry Well

• Basil: Basil can lose its flavor and turn brown when dried. It’s better to freeze fresh basil or make pesto.

• Parsley: While you can dry parsley, its flavor diminishes quickly. Freezing it is often a better option for preserving its flavor.

• Cilantro: Like parsley, cilantro doesn’t dry well. It’s best frozen or used fresh in recipes.

Herbs That Are Great for Freezing

Some herbs, like mint, basil, and chives, are better off frozen. Freezing helps them maintain their flavor and color longer. Simply chop, pack into ice cube trays with water or oil, and freeze. When needed, pop out a cube and add it straight to your dishes.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Slow Homemaking: Finding Peace in the Everyday Tasks ⏳

In today’s busy world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by never-ending to-do lists. But what if you could slow down and find peace in your daily routines? Slow homemaking is about embracing the process, not just the end result, and it can help you enjoy your tasks while creating a calmer, more fulfilling environment.

How to Embrace Slow Homemaking

1. Create Intentional Routines

Having a simple, predictable routine helps keep chaos at bay. Start your day with small tasks, like feeding animals or making breakfast. And allow yourself to be present for each one.

• Example: Enjoy the quiet moments of morning tasks, like brewing coffee or folding laundry. It’s not about speed, but savoring the calm.

2. Mindful Meal Preparation

Cooking can be more than just about feeding your family. It’s an opportunity to be present. Slow down and enjoy the smells, textures, and process of making a meal.

• Example: Prepare a simple dish from your garden. Take your time chopping and cooking, appreciating the ingredients and their journey from soil to table.

3. Focus on Your Home Environment

Your home should feel like a sanctuary. Instead of focusing on perfection, take time to make your space comfortable and peaceful. Small actions, like lighting a candle or tidying a room, can create a calm atmosphere.

4. Foster Connection

Homemaking is about the relationships that take place in your space. Slow homemaking allows you to be fully present with your family, whether it’s enjoying a meal together or relaxing in the evening.

• Example: After dinner, take time to chat or share a moment of relaxation, rather than diving into more tasks.

5. Be Kind to Yourself

In the hustle of homemaking, it’s easy to feel like you’re never doing enough. Slow homemaking encourages you to be kind to yourself and recognize that progress, not perfection, is what truly matters.

• Tip: If you start feeling stressed, remind yourself that slow homemaking is about enjoying the journey, not rushing through it.

The Benefits of Slow Homemaking

Slowing down in your homemaking routine has many rewards:

• Gratitude: You’ll begin to appreciate the small moments. The smell of dinner cooking or the feel of soft laundry.

• Less burnout: By slowing down, you avoid overloading yourself, which reduces stress and increases enjoyment.

• Stronger connections: Being present with your family strengthens relationships and helps foster a nurturing home environment.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

Why did the farmer bring a ladder to the field in April?

To help their plants reach new heights!

TODAY'S TOP PICKS

LET’S KEEP IT REEL!

I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!

1. Farming: Expectations vs. Reality 😆

@the_sheep_show

The farm of dreams 😌✨ #thesheepshow #sheepshow #farm #farmers #farming #farmingcommunity #community #relatable #funny

2. Yep, me and my grand gardening dreams! 😂

@gardenary

Fingers crossed 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼 Seriously though if you need some beautiful gardens to help with convincing the people you love most that you defin... See more

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