The Box Fan Technique Alton Brown Uses For Better Dried Herbs
NEWS
By EMMY SCHNEIDER-GREEN
To turn fresh parsley, basil, or oregano, into perfectly dried herbs, chef Alton Brown uses nothing but an affordable box fan and air filters — the kind you use in your home AC.
With Brown's method, which may initially seem daunting, you can get beautifully dehydrated herbs in just one day, whereas letting the herbs dry naturally could take a week or two.
Start by boiling your fresh herbs for 15 seconds and transferring them to an ice bath to keep them from turning brown. Then, dry and spread them on the face of three air filters.
Next, stack your layers to create an herb + filter sandwich. Connect the stack to the fan using bungee ties, stand the whole contraption upright, and run the fan for 12 hours.
Once done, rotate the filters and let the fan's dry air run for 12 more hours. To test the herbs for doneness, give them a feel — they should crumble in your fingers.
