How to Dry Lemon Balm for Year-Round Use

Lemon balm is one of my favorite herbs to grow, and drying it is a simple way to enjoy its fresh, lemony scent long after the growing season ends.

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If you have lemon balm growing in your garden, don’t let those fragrant leaves go to waste!

Drying lemon balm at home is easy, and you don’t need any special equipment to get started.

When to Harvest Lemon Balm

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For the best flavor and fragrance, harvest lemon balm in the morning after the dew has dried but before the afternoon sun gets too hot.

Choose healthy, green leaves and harvest before the plant flowers, when the leaves are often at their most aromatic.

You can harvest individual leaves or cut entire stems, leaving enough of the plant behind to encourage new growth.

How to Dry Lemon Balm

1. Prepare the leaves. Gently shake off any dirt or insects. If the leaves need washing, rinse them quickly and pat them dry thoroughly. Excess moisture can make drying take longer.

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2. Air-dry the stems. Gather a few stems into small bundles and tie them together. Hang them upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Avoid making the bundles too large, since good airflow helps prevent mold.

3. Or use a dehydrator. Spread the leaves in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Dry at a low temperature, around 95–105°F, until the leaves are crisp and crumble easily.

4. Check that the leaves are completely dry. Depending on humidity, drying may take several days or longer when air-drying. The leaves should feel dry and brittle, not soft or leathery.

How to Store Dried Lemon Balm

Once the leaves are completely dry, remove them from the stems and store them in an airtight glass jar. Keep the jar in a cool, dark place away from heat and moisture.

For the best flavor and aroma, use dried lemon balm within about a year. Label your jar with the herb name and harvest date so you know what you have in your pantry.

More Ways to Preserve Fresh Herbs

If you’re growing other herbs in your garden, you might enjoy these guides, too:

Drying herbs is such a simple way to make the most of your garden harvest. A little work now means you’ll have fragrant herbs ready to use in your kitchen for months to come!

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