To dry flowers for tea, you can hang them in small bundles or spread them out on a screen in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Harvesting and Preparation:
- Harvest at the Right Time: Pick flowers when they are fully open and at their peak color and fragrance, ideally in the morning after the dew has dried.
- Gentle Handling: Handle the flowers carefully to avoid bruising.
- Rinse (Optional): Gently rinse the flowers with cool water to remove any dirt or insects. Ensure they are thoroughly dry before proceeding.
2. Drying Methods:
- Air Drying (Hanging):
- Gather 5-10 stems of the same flower.
- Tie the stems together tightly with twine or string.
- Hang the bundles upside down in a cool, dark, dry, and well-ventilated place. A closet, spare room, or attic works well. Ensure good air circulation to prevent mold growth.
- Allow the flowers to dry for 1-3 weeks, or until they are brittle and papery to the touch.
- Air Drying (Screen Drying):
- Place a screen or mesh rack in a cool, dark, dry, and well-ventilated place.
- Spread the individual flowers or petals in a single layer on the screen, ensuring they don't overlap.
- Allow the flowers to dry for 1-3 weeks, or until they are brittle and papery to the touch. This method is excellent for flowers with a large head that may not dry well when bundled.
- Dehydrator:
- Arrange flowers in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
- Set the dehydrator to the lowest temperature setting (usually around 95-115°F or 35-46°C).
- Dehydrate for 8-12 hours, or until the flowers are brittle. Check frequently to prevent over-drying.
- Oven Drying (Less Recommended):
- This method is not ideal, as it can easily scorch the flowers, but if you must, preheat your oven to the lowest possible setting (ideally below 200°F or 93°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the flowers in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Crack the oven door to allow moisture to escape.
- Bake for 2-4 hours, checking frequently to prevent burning.
3. Storage:
- Cool, Dark, and Dry: Store the dried flowers in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. Glass jars or tins work well.
- Label and Date: Label the container with the type of flower and the date they were dried.
- Shelf Life: Properly dried and stored flowers can last for up to a year. Check for any signs of mold or discoloration before using.
Important Considerations:
- Edible Flowers: Ensure the flowers you are drying are safe for consumption. Some flowers are toxic. Common edible flowers include chamomile, lavender, rose, hibiscus, and calendula. Research each flower thoroughly before using it for tea.
- Pesticides and Herbicides: Only use flowers that have not been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
- Mold: If you see any signs of mold during the drying process, discard the affected flowers immediately.
By following these steps, you can successfully dry flowers for use in your own homemade tea blends.
