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    Home | Recipes | How To

    How To Dry Sage Leaves (4 Different Options)

    Dated: April 27, 2021 Last Modified: September 26, 2022 by Sarah Mock 7 Comments. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links.

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    Learning how to dry sage will ensure you will have dried sage for use in your favorite recipes without going to the store when you need it most.

    dried sage in a clear glass jar

    Here is why drying your own sage is a good idea :

    • A sage plant will regenerate year after year.
    • If harvested smartly, the plant will give you multiple pickings a year.
    • Drying your own sage will give you confidence that you know exactly what happened to your dried herb before you add it to your recipe.
    vertical image of mature sage plant in an herb garden

    🌱 Ingredients needed:

    • Freshly picked sage
    dried sage in a ball mason jar, diced

    How to dry fresh sage:

    The simplest and easiest way to dry sage is to allow it to dry naturally in a clean, dry location with good ventilation.

    🤏 How to pick sage for drying:

    1. Pick sage in the morning, after the dew has dried off the leaves.baby spider on fresh sage in a garden
    2. Watch for and remove any insects or bugs. female hand showing where to pluck a fresh sage leaf
    3. Pinch off the sage where the leaf meets the leaf stem. close shot of a sage leaf that is not suitible for drying
    4. Don't include leaves that are shriveled, damaged, or yellowing. See the image above. mature fresh sage plant
    5. Only remove about ⅓ of the mature leaves allowing the rest of the plant to recover and regenerate. female hand showing where the sage flower bud is on the plant
    6. In the first few pickings, pinch off the sage flower bud to keep the plant from going to seed and continue to produce for the rest of the season.
    7. Collect the sage leaves. Wash and dry the leaves before proceeding to drying them.

    ⏲️ Oven Instructions

    1. Turn the oven on the lowest setting. (mine was 170). female hand stacking sage leaves for slicing on a wooden board
    2. Remove the stems from the leaves and stack clean sage leaves for slicing. slicing fresh sage
    3. Using a sharp knife, slice the sage into thin strips.
    4. Place a nonstick baking mat, piece of parchment on an oven tray or use a non stick baking sheet. 2 cups of fresh slices sage leaves on a sil pat non stick mat on a baking sheet
    5. Spread the sliced sage leaves in an even layer on the tray.
    6. Bake in 15 minute increments checking for dryness and repeat baking until dry to the touch. dried sage on a non stick mat on a sheet pan
    7. Remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool before storing in a closed container.

    ⏳ Dehydrator Instructions

    1. Pick sage leaves as directed above.
    2. If your dehydrator has a solid surface, slice the sage as directed above. If it is a grid surface, leave the leaves whole and crush after drying.
    3. Pre-heat dehydrator with the thermostat set to 95°F to 115°F.
    4. In areas with higher humidity, temperatures as high as 125°F may be needed.
    5. After rinsing under cool, running water and shaking to remove excess moisture, place the herbs in a single layer on dehydrator trays. 
    6. Drying times may vary from 1 to 4 hours. dehydrator instructions source: NCHFP

    💥 Microwave Instructions

    1. Pick and process the sage leaves as directed above.
    2. Lay them out in a single layer on a microwave safe plate.
    3. Microwave on full power in 30 seconds intervals.
    4. Check the sage leaves to see if they feel dry.
    5. If they feel crisp and are easily broken, they are done, but if they feel moist or are giving of steam, microwave them for a few more seconds.
    6. Let the dried herbs cool completely, crush them, and store them in an air-tight container.
    7. Store in a cool dark place and use within 6 months.

    🗒️ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND TIPS:

    How long does it take to dry out sage?

    It can take up to a week to properly dry out fresh sage in a well-ventilated room, depending on the moisture level but sage can also be quickly dried in the oven in less than an hour.

    What is the best way to preserve fresh sage?

    I found the best way to keep fresh sage from turning bad is to wrap it in a slightly damp paper towel and store it in a partially closed zip top bag in the refrigerator. Use it within a week.

    How do you harvest and dry sage leaves?

    I like to pinch off mature sage leaves leaving the stem on the plant. It saves me chopping time later in the day. Check each leaf for insects, dirt, eggs (flip it over and look close) and make sure the sage leaf is not damaged, yellowing or shriveled.female hand showing where to pluck a fresh sage leaf

    Is dried sage and rubbed sage the same?

    Rubbed sage started as dried sage. They are similar but not the exact same. I will rub dried sage between my palms until it becomes light, fluffy and fuzzy. Rubbed sage has a less intense flavor compared to fresh sage or dried sage.

    How much dried sage will I get from 2 cups of fresh sage?

    I will lightly pack 2 cups of fresh, clean sage and after chopping and drying, it will yield approximately ¾ of a cup of dried sage.

    Can you dry sage leaves whole?

    If you have a large harvest of fresh sage and want to save time, dry sage leaves whole and then crumble with your fingers, pulse in a food processor or blender. The sage pieces may be irregular but they will still be dried and in small pieces.

    More homemade ingredients and kitchen tips:

    • How to dry chives
    • How to roast red pepper
    • How to roast beets
    • Make garlic confit

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    how to dry sage square image

    How To Dry Sage

    Sarah Mock
    Learning how to dry sage will ensure you will have dried sage for use in your favorite recipes without going to the store when you need it most.
    5 from 15 votes
    Print Recipe
    Note From Sarah

    There is more to a recipe than just the recipe card. Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Prevent your screen from going dark, toggle to button to the right to turn GREEN
    Course Food Tips
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 tablespoons
    Calories 3 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 cups sage leaves (fresh, washed, dried, chopped)

    Instructions
     

    How to dry fresh sage

    • The simplest and easiest way to dry sage is to allow it to dry naturally in a clean, dry location with good ventilation.
      2 cups sage leaves

    How to dry sage in the oven

    • Turn the oven on the lowest setting. (mine was 170).
    • Remove the stems from the leaves and stack clean sage leaves for slicing.
    • Using a sharp knife, slice the sage into thin strips.
    • Place a nonstick baking mat, piece of parchment on an oven tray or use a non stick baking sheet.
    • Spread the sliced sage leaves in an even layer on the tray.
    • Bake in 15 minute increments checking for dryness and repeat baking until dry to the touch.
    • Remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool before storing in a closed container.

    How to dry sage leaves in a dehydrator

    • Pick sage leaves as directed above.
    • If your dehydrator has a solid surface, slice the sage as directed above. If it is a grid surface, leave the leaves whole and crush after drying.
    • Pre-heat dehydrator with the thermostat set to 95°F to 115°F. In areas with higher humidity, temperatures as high as 125°F may be needed.
    • After rinsing under cool, running water and shaking to remove excess moisture, place the herbs in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
    • Drying times may vary from 1 to 4 hours.

    How to dry sage in the microwave

    • Pick and process the sage leaves as directed above.
    • Lay them out in a single layer on a microwave safe plate.
    • Microwave on full power in 30 seconds intervals.
    • Check the sage leaves to see if they feel dry.I f they feel crisp and are easily broken, they are done, but if they feel moist or are giving of steam, microwave them for a few more seconds.
    • Let the dried herbs cool completely, crush them, and store them in an air-tight container.
    • Store in a cool dark place and use within 6 months.

    Notes

    How much dried sage will I get from 2 cups of fresh sage.
    I will lightly pack 2 cups of fresh, clean sage and after chopping and drying, it will yield approximately ¾ of a cup of dried sage.
     
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1TablespoonCalories: 3kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 9mgFiber: 1gCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg

    Nutrition Disclosure

    Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Sharing of this recipe to social media is both encouraged and appreciated. Please share the direct link back to the recipe. Copy/Pasting and/or screenshots of the recipe to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected. SavoringTheGood®

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    About Sarah Mock

    Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 13 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sarah Mock

      August 14, 2022 at 8:22 pm

      I have had it as long as 2 years but the flavor starts to lose its punch. I would say for SURE 1 year and if you are lucky 2 years.

      Sarah

    2. Renee

      August 13, 2022 at 8:59 am

      5 stars
      Appreciated your drying recipe! So easy. How long can dried sage last on the shelf?

    3. S

      October 04, 2021 at 10:20 am

      5 stars
      Step 6 “incriminates”! Lol. Surmised no one else caught the typo.

    4. Sarah Mock

      April 30, 2021 at 9:13 pm

      you are welcome Jere! Fresh is best but freshly dried works just as well when you dry it yourself.

    5. Jere Cassidy

      April 30, 2021 at 3:59 pm

      5 stars
      I love to add sage to my chicken dishes but the dried sage I buy at the stores is not great. I have planted sage before but just used it when needed and never thought to dry it myself. So glad you posted this!!!

    6. Jaclyn

      April 30, 2021 at 10:17 am

      5 stars
      This makes drying sage easy, thank you!!!

    7. Kathy

      April 30, 2021 at 9:56 am

      5 stars
      This was super easy to do - thank you for all the detailed instructions! No more wasting sage at my house!!

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    Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 13 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
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