Susun Weeds Wise Woman Forum

Hi

I have ordered 1lb of dried stinging nettle leaf. What is the best way to store the unused herb to ensure efficacy ? I was thinking of storing them in glass jars (mason jars)


Thanks

Glass jars are good. I keep mine in a dark place as well, and cool is better than warm in my experience.

Thanks.

Either mason jars or in the nice heavy duty bag that it was shipped in. I have a kitchen cabinet set aside for my herbs and stuff. It's on the opposite wall as the stove so I don't have to worry about residual heat.

I did not have big enough mason jars but had some 1 gallon plastic jars , so I am using the plastic jars. Hopefully that's ok
THanks

I agree - Mason jars, or other large glass jars with a tightly fitting lid, (I recycle glass bottles and jars like a maniac. So many beautiful shapes!) Or a paper bag, in a dark cabinet.
Don't jar them up unless you are sure that they have not soaked up a lot of humidity. Herbs must be very completely dry, or they will mould in a sealed jar. That is why I mostly use paper bags.
Plastic can leach smells, colours, stuff from the plastic....I stay away form plastic in general. But that is just me.
Hope this helps!

HI Kezzie
How do u seal the paper bags ?

Generally, when I've used paper bags to dry and store some herbs, I just fold/roll down the top tightly. (did you ever buy bulk coffee beans? you know how those bags fold down and have bits of stiffer wires to fold over and keep shut? Kinda like that.

Since you are storing, not drying it yourself, the important thing is to keep moisture and light out. Big ol' paper bag from the grocery store, folded tightly will work in a pinch. Best option is probably somethig more sturdy, unless you go through it quickly?
(For my nettle, I have a big 'crock' with a lid, like many kitchens store flour/sugar in, and my oatstraw is in an old Cookie tin!)

Cool!