Question about picking, harvesting, drying, and storing herbs from herb garden?

Question

Did an herb garden this year, and the lemon balm, basil, and sage really took off.

The sage is a tender perennial (pineapple) and the basil is just getting pulled since it's an annual.

I may just cut back the sage to see if it will come up again.

But overall, I plan to cut them, hang them, dry them.

But what is the best way to store these herbs for about a years use or so until I can grow more?

Also, will factors such as heat and light affect the herbs?

I was thinking about storing them outside in a shed. But the temp still gets around 100 degrees.

If the herbs are dried and in storage, will a couple days or a week of 100 degree weather cause them to degrade or deteriorate slowly?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Treat them like food. You will want to keep them in conditions that minimize exposure to rot and oxidation, so it should be dark, dry, and cool. Dry them out as much as possible then store them in jars like these, in the fridge, for maximum preservation.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41…

Yes, prolonged exposure to 100*F+ heat will degrade them. They should be cool-dried, if possible. Room temp is acceptable if cooler temps are not available, just make sure it's in a spot that doesn't get excess moisture (like a kitchen or bathroom).

Answer 2

You should definitely grab a book about herbs. Some herbs can keep for a year, some for a shorter amount of time. Each one's different.