Article: Pick up the leaves individually, holding them by their ends. Add no more than 8 leaves to a bundle to ensure that they are able to get adequate air circulation for drying. Wrap the tie around the base of the stems to secure the bundle. Leave extra string for hanging or tie a new piece of string around the end of the bundle so that you can hang the sage. If you use a rubber band, it will tighten as the sage dries. This will prevent you from losing leaves. The bag will protect your herbs from dust, while the holes still allow for airflow around the leaves. Place the bag over the bundles, with the bottom open. You can wrap them in muslin instead of a paper bag. However, do not use plastic, as it will cause mold. Some people choose not to cover the herbs because they like the look of drying herbs, but you will need to watch for dust. The bundles should hang upside down from a string. Make sure that the place you choose gets good air circulation, such as an area near a fireplace or in a dry area of the kitchen. It's best to dry the sage indoors for better flavor and color. You can also air dry the sage on a paper towel. Lay out each leaf individually and change the paper towels daily. Avoid moist areas of your home like the sink, stove, or dishwasher. Unhook the string holding the bundles and turn the sage around. Even if you think the sage is getting the same air circulation around the bundle, the sides of the sage bundles could dry at different rates. It's possible that one side will get better air or more light, causing it to dry faster. Herbs can quickly mold if left to dry in a moist area. You can still air dry herbs in humid areas, but carefully monitor the sage for mold. If you see any black spots or white patches, take the bundles down immediately. If you live in a very humid area, it may be better to choose a different drying method, such as a food dehydrator. Check your sage daily to evaluate the progress. Give your leaves the time they need to dry, as taking them down early could ruin them. Check the leaves to see if they are dry and crispy. Pick up a leaf and see if it easily crumbles between your fingers. If it does, then the sage is dry. It's possible to miss insects or their eggs during inspection, so you should always treat sage after air drying it. You can treat it in either the oven or the freezer. If you use the oven, heat it at 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for 30 minutes. Make sure that you do not go over this time because you may damage the herbs. If you use the freezer, freeze it for 48 hours. You do not need to treat the sage if you use a heat method to dry it.
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Gather the leaves into a small bundle. Tie the bundles with string, twine, or a rubber band. Cover your sage bundles with a paper bag with holes punched into it. Hang the sage in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Turn the sprigs every day or 2 for even drying. Watch for mold if you live in a humid area. Let them dry for 7 to 10 days. Test the leaves to see if they're dry. Treat air-dried sage for insects and insect eggs.