Snowy Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 (edited) Sorry didn't know which bit to put this question in! I've got some Lavender, picked just before the flowers open so at the height of it's scent. I want to use it to make some little lavender bags. What's the best way to dry it? Or can I just hang it to dry then remove the flowers and stuff my bag Edited July 24, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I always hang mine upside down - in the airing cupboard for speed, or from the rise and fall airer in the utility. It doesn't take long to dry and you can then crumble off the flowers to fill lavender bags . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 24, 2008 Author Share Posted July 24, 2008 Thanks Kate, I was assuming it would be as simple as that but didn't want to miss out if there were any extra tricks I needed to know about! Will get crumbling and stuffing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 If you don't make really thick bunches, it dries more quickly - one tip I've learned over the years . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 24, 2008 Author Share Posted July 24, 2008 How long do you normally leave it to dry Kate? Just that it's been sat on the worktop in my kitchen since Sunday and feels dry already, but I've just tried crumbling the flowers off and the actual buds don't seem to be fully dried. Do I need to leave it a bit longer? I pressume it does need to be fully dried out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Yes, it needs to be completely dry or there's a risk of it going mouldy. If it's just sat on your counter, try putting it on a baking tray and putting it in the airing cupboard or near the boiler for a few days as that will ensure that the buds are completely dry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 24, 2008 Author Share Posted July 24, 2008 Ah, thanks for that. Another question (sorry) - have you ever tried drying jasmine flowers? I have a huge jasmine, currently in full flower and it smells divine! I've taken a few flowers off to have a go at drying them, but wonder if anyone else has tried it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I haven't dried any myself, Snowy, but I've bought dried jasmine flowers before and they're lovely in pot pourri. I would imagine drying them on a tray in the airing cupboard would be the best option. Worth a try, isn't it. I don't remember the dried ones being particularly fragrant though so they probably won't be as effective in sachets as lavender would. Herbs like rosemary are though and there are some lovely herb mixes for pomanders . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I found that jasmine didn't retain its scent very well when dried, but I have loads of lavender that I either make into lavender bags - the trick is to give them little ribbon drawstrings at the top so they are easier to refill. Or I make lavender shortbread or lavender and rose jelly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 24, 2008 Author Share Posted July 24, 2008 Thanks for that. Shame about the jasmine - it smells so gorgeous doesn't it! Might just leave those flowers to scent the airing cupboard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted July 25, 2008 Share Posted July 25, 2008 An important point with Jasmine is that it is affected by moonlight. The scent is stronger at night, so if you do want to try drying it it needs to be collected at night not during the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 25, 2008 Author Share Posted July 25, 2008 An important point with Jasmine is that it is affected by moonlight. The scent is stronger at night, so if you do want to try drying it it needs to be collected at night not during the day. I did wonder about that, thanks Trish. I started collecting some flowers yesterday morning, but then left them with the intention of getting some more in the evening. Might give it another go tonight (if the rain holds off!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted July 25, 2008 Share Posted July 25, 2008 I freeze the semi-dry lavender flowers to use in shortbread....it has more flavour that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 25, 2008 Share Posted July 25, 2008 I freeze the semi-dry lavender flowers to use in shortbread....it has more flavour that way. Ahhh, I hadn't thought of that! I use them in lavender cake too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted July 26, 2008 Share Posted July 26, 2008 Oh yum lavender cake, yum yum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
