Drying Fresh Dill Leaves Using a Dehydrator

Drying dill leaves (or dill weed) using a dehydrator is a very simple process! If you have grown some yourself or bought some fresh, you can dry it quickly & easily. Here's a step by step guide for the whole process. 

The first step is to choose leaves in good condition. Look through your pile of dill and remove any leaves which are not in peak condition or damaged.

Next, place the dill in colander and gently wash each bunch. I usually break off the extra stem during this step, since they are not needed. After washing, spread them out on a dish towel or paper towels. Once you are done washing them all, carefully blot them dry, removing as much moisture as possible.

I usually like to spread them out a bit and let them further air dry while I clean up the mess I surely made in the kitchen during the washing & de-stemming process. Once dry to your satisfaction, you can begin placing them in your dehydrator.

Try to spread them out evenly on your tray so that they are not over lapping. Once you have filled up your trays, set your dehydrator to 95°F. It may take as little as an hour for your dill to be dry, but may take more depending on the humidity in your area. The average drying time for dill leaves is between one to three hours. Mine took about four to completely dry. You can tell that they are done when they are dry and crumbly, but not burnt. I tend to check mine frequently. Once your dill is dry, simply store it in an air tight container in a dark, dry place, just as you store your other dried herbs.

Below is the dehydrator that we have had for the past few years & we have been very happy with it.

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Farm History

The farm was founded by Edward Linn in 1965. Starting out by raising chickens and ducks, as well as growing vegetables & fruits, Ed expanded to beekeeping and selling his own honey. In 1973, Ed got his dairy license, and began selling goats milk to local families. Local doctors referred many mothers to the dairy for fresh milk, for babies who had trouble digesting formula. At the dairy, Ed raised Toggenburgs and Nubians. In additional to milk, honey, and fresh fruits & vegetables, Ed also sold fresh eggs and plant seedlings. The farm always had two golden retrievers, named Cindy and Sandy. Ed raised four generations of golden retrievers.

Some toggenburgs looking through the fence.

Many people in Berlin, Connecticut remember Ed as "The Goat Man" and formerly, "The Bee Man". It was common for local school children to visit the farm to become educated about farm animals. Ed enjoyed sharing his knowledge with anyone interested in learning about his animals. He brought his baby goats to local nursing homes and vacation bible school.

A goat's milk fed veal calf.

After first having a bee exhibit at the Berlin Fair, Ed started bringing his baby goats to the fair. His exhibit was definitely a favorite of many, and he enjoyed bringing his goats to the fair for almost 30 years. In addition to the Berlin Fair, Ed also took part in a dairy exhibit at the Big E.

Ed feeding his goats at the Berlin Fair.

One of the most popular features of the farm was the "kids", the baby goats. Children greatly enjoyed feeding the goats. Also popular was watching the goats get milked by hand, which many people had never seen before. 

Ed with some of his kids.

At the age of 88, Ed downsized his farm. He kept a small number of goats, chickens, ducks, and his golden retrievers, as pets. He continued to grow fruits and vegetables, as well as provided fresh eggs and seedlings to others.

Cindy & Sandy the Fourth

Ed passed away at the old age of 94. He passed on his love of animals and growing vegetables to his family. We are continuing the farm in his memory.