processing garden herbs

[Deb&Al]

hi everybody,
for those who grow herbs, do you cut and then rinse and lay out your herbs to dry, or do you use the hose to squirt them and then cut and lay out to dry?

i just cut a whole bunch of oregano and didn't think to hose it off first for dust, and now i don't relish the thought of rinsing it all in the sink.

or, does anybody just cut their herbs and dry them without rinsing? we use no chemicals in gardens, just rabbit poo for fertilizer and little dishliquid in spritzer to get rid of aphids, etc.
thanks
debbie

[keltink]

We just cut, no washing - then dry. But, if there was dust, I'd probably rinse lightly by just swishing under the tap, then lay them out.
This is from the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service:

"Drying is the traditional method of herb preservation. If the herbs are clean, do not wet them. Otherwise, rinse dust and dirt from the foliage, shake off the excess water, and spread the herbs out to dry on paper towels or dishcloths until all surface moisture has evaporated. Remove any dead or damaged foliage. Then, tie the stems into small bundles with twine or string and hang them upside down in a warm, dry, airy place out of the sun. Be sure to make small, loose bundles and allow for good air circulation around each bunch.

UV rays from the sun and moisture from dew and frost can discolor and severely reduce the quality of many herbs. Thus, it is best to dry herbs indoors in a large empty closet, attic, or unused corner of a room. Drying herbs look quite attractive drying in a kitchen or pantry. If none of these places are practical, herbs can be dried in a barn, shed, or (least desirable) under the cover of a porch. Sage, thyme, summer savory, dill, and parsley are easy to dry. Basil, tarragon, and mints may mold and discolor if not dried quickly.

An alternative to hanging herbs to dry in bunches is to spread the herbs out on window screens. Suspend the screens over sawhorses or the backs of chairs. Turn the leaves often to ensure even drying."

[Jenn]

I suggest this (don't dry to preserve but do this when cutting for immediate use): if they look bad- have dirt splashed up on them from watering or gardening excesses or animals ran through etc- spray them down a day earlier, then pick next day (since mine are okay wet just don't want to run water down sink/lose herb bits in sink, I spray with hose then cut pretty soon afterward except lettuce).