Though I try to use fresh herbs as much as possible, a good selection isn't always available so I started drying my own a few years ago. Doing this, I'm able to buy them in bulk when they are on sale or pick them fresh out of my garden in peak season. Admittedly, there is also the added bonus of not having to purchase as many of those tiny bottles of the ground variety which cost $5.00 each (or more!), for very little flavor.A friend of mine advised that I start placing the fresh herbs in paper bags with a sheet of paper towel to absorb extra moisture, allowing them to dry out in there. Apparently the darkness helps prevent light from changing or damaging the flavor, plus the bag itself keeps the herbs clean and clear of dust or other substances. This has dramatically helped to preserve the flavor of the herbs that I am drying, and when used in cooking, it is hard to tell they aren't fresh out of the garden.
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