Easy Guide to Drying Parsley

Fresh parsley is one of the easiest herbs to preserve, and drying it is a great way to keep its fresh flavor on hand all year long.

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Whether you’re harvesting curly or flat-leaf parsley from your garden, dried parsley is perfect for soups, casseroles, potatoes, pasta dishes, homemade seasoning blends, and sauces.

The best part is that you don’t need any special equipment. You can air dry parsley, use a dehydrator, or dry it in your oven.

Harvesting Parsley

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For the best flavor, harvest parsley in the morning after the dew has dried. Choose healthy, vibrant stems and avoid any yellowing leaves.

Give the parsley a quick rinse if needed, then gently pat it completely dry before drying.

How to Air Dry Parsley

Gather several parsley stems into a small bundle.
Tie the stems together with kitchen twine or a rubber band.
Hang the bundle upside down in a warm, dry location with good air circulation and away from direct sunlight.
Allow the parsley to dry for 1 to 2 weeks, or until the leaves are crisp and crumble easily.

Once dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight jar.

How to Dry Parsley in a Dehydrator

Arrange the parsley in a single layer on dehydrator trays.

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Dry at 95°F to 105°F for 2 to 4 hours, checking occasionally until the leaves are completely dry and brittle.

How to Dry Parsley in the Oven

If you need dried parsley quickly, the oven works well.

Spread the parsley in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Set the oven to its lowest temperature (around 170°F or lower if possible).
Leave the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape.
Dry for 1 to 2 hours, checking often to prevent the parsley from browning.

How to Store Dried Parsley

Store dried parsley in airtight glass jars in a cool, dark pantry away from heat and moisture.

For the freshest flavor, store the leaves whole and crush them just before adding them to your recipes.

Properly stored dried parsley will keep its best flavor for about one year.

Ways to Use Dried Parsley

Dried parsley is a versatile pantry staple. Try adding it to:

Soups and stews
Mashed potatoes
Pasta dishes
Rice recipes
Roasted vegetables
Garlic butter
Homemade salad dressings
Meatloaf and meatballs
Homemade seasoning blends

More Herbs to Dry

If you’re building a pantry full of homegrown herbs, these guides can help:

Drying herbs is one of the simplest ways to preserve your harvest and enjoy fresh garden flavor throughout the year.

With just a little preparation, you’ll always have flavorful herbs ready for everyday cooking.

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