Should you wash the verbena before drying it?

Should you wash verbena before drying it ? Yes, a quick rinse in cold water is recommended before drying, in order to remove dust, soil residue and insects that could affect the quality of your leaves.

• A gentle rinse preserves the plant's plant compounds.
• Shaking the stems before washing drives away insects lodged between the leaves.
• Thorough drying after rinsing is essential to prevent mold.
• The drying method (open air, gentle oven, dehydrator) influences the final quality.
• Airtight storage prolongs the aromas and properties of the dried plant.

Why ask the question of washing before drying?

The question of whether to wash verbena before drying it comes up regularly among gardeners and homemade herbal tea enthusiasts. The answer deserves a clear explanation. Every plant freshly harvested from the garden carries invisible traces on its leaves and stems: soil particles, dew residue, fungal spores, small mites, or aphids. If you omit this step, these elements will end up in your herbal tea or dried preparation.

Common vervain ( Verbena officinalis ) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine in many countries, as reported in a review published on PubMed on Verbena officinalis [1] . Its leaves contain plant compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids) that deserve to be preserved during harvesting and drying.

A proper wash does not destroy these compounds. It simply prepares the plant for clean and efficient drying. The key is not to let the stems soak in water and to dry them quickly after rinsing.

How to rinse verbena without damaging it

Rinsing verbena properly before drying it requires a precise but simple technique. Here's the step-by-step method for a neat result.

1. Shake the stems over a clear surface to dislodge any insects trapped between the leaves.
2. Rinse the stems under a stream of cold water, holding them by the base so as not to crush the leaves.
3. Avoid rubbing : a simple rinse under water is enough to remove dust and residue.
4. Drain gently by lightly shaking the stems over the sink.
5. Blot dry with a clean cloth or absorbent paper by dabbing, without rubbing.
6. Allow the stems to air dry for ten to fifteen minutes before starting the drying process.

This process ensures that the leaf surface is clean without residual moisture hindering the drying process. Cold water is preferable to warm or hot water, which could begin to extract aromatic compounds and weaken plant cells.

To learn more about drying techniques after this washing step, see our detailed guide: how to dry verbena.

The risks if you don't wash the verbena before drying it

Not washing verbena before drying it isn't a disaster in every case, but it does carry real risks that you should be aware of. The first risk is health-related: unrinsed leaves can retain traces of soil containing microorganisms. Once dried, these traces concentrate and end up in your infusion.

The second risk is organoleptic. Insects, even tiny ones, and their droppings alter the taste and smell of the dried plant. If you're wondering why your homemade herbal tea has an unexpectedly bitter or earthy taste, the lack of rinsing could be the cause.

The third risk concerns storage. Fungal spores present on unwashed leaves can develop during drying if it is slow or if the ambient humidity is high. You will then end up with a moldy, unusable plant.

• Soil residues: alter the taste and safety of the infusion.
• Insects and mites: alter the aroma of the dried plant.
• Fungal spores: risk of mold during drying.
• Any residue from previous treatment: must be removed by rinsing.

In summary, washing the verbena before drying it is a simple precaution that protects both the taste and safety of your preparation.

Should lemon verbena be washed differently from common verbena?

Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) and common verbena (Verbena officinalis) are two distinct plants, but the washing procedure before drying is identical for both. Their leaves are exposed to the same external contaminants and deserve the same care.

Lemon verbena has slightly larger, rougher leaves. These tend to trap more dust and small insects in their veins, so rinsing with cold water is especially beneficial for this variety. You can use a fine-mesh strainer to rinse a large volume of leaves at once.

This underlines the importance of handling the plant carefully from harvest time onwards.

To learn everything about the care of these two varieties in the garden, our article on planting and caring for verbena will give you all the keys.

Air-drying verbena: the traditional method

Once you've answered the question of whether to wash the verbena before drying and rinsed it, air drying remains the most common and best method for preserving the plant's aroma. It requires minimal equipment and yields excellent results if the conditions are right.

Gather the stems into small bunches of five to ten stems maximum. Bunches that are too dense retain moisture in the center and encourage mold. Tie the base with a rubber band or kitchen twine, then hang the bunches upside down in a dry, warm, and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight.

• Ideal temperature: a warm and dry room, without excessive humidity.
• Duration: between one and three weeks depending on ambient conditions.
• A sign of good drying: the leaves crumble easily between the fingers.
• Avoid: the kitchen (humidity vapors) and the cellar (humid and cold air).

Direct sunlight degrades the plant's aromatic and coloring compounds. Choose an attic, hallway, or well-ventilated room. Check regularly for mold, especially during the first few days.

Dry the verbena in the oven or in a dehydrator

If you're short on time or the humidity is too high for air drying, a low-temperature oven or an electric dehydrator are good alternatives. These methods speed up the process while preserving most of the flavor, provided you use gentle temperatures.

For the oven, spread the rinsed and thoroughly dried stems in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Check regularly: the leaves should not brown or burn.

An electric dehydrator is the most precise tool for this task. It maintains a constant temperature and ensures even air circulation around the leaves. Arrange the stems in a single layer on the trays, without overlapping them.

• Oven: a few hours at low temperature, door ajar.
• Dehydrator: several hours depending on the thickness of the leaves.
• In both cases: rinsing and pre-drying the stems remain essential.

Regardless of the method chosen, the answer to the question of whether to wash verbena before drying it remains the same: yes, rinsing is always done before, never after.

How to dry the leaves alone without the stems

Some people prefer to detach the leaves from the stems before drying, particularly to save space or to prepare ready-to-use leaves. This method is perfectly valid, but it slightly alters the washing procedure.

If you separate the leaves before washing them, place them in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse them gently under a stream of cold water. Then spread them out in a single layer on absorbent paper and gently pat them dry to remove excess water. Let them air dry completely before spreading them out on a drying rack or mat.

The advantage of this method is faster and more even drying. The disadvantage is that the separated leaves are more fragile and more likely to be damaged during rinsing if you are too vigorous. Always use a gentle touch.

Once dried, these leaves can be used directly to prepare an infusion. Discover all the ways to prepare your drink with our guide on how to make verbena tea and infusions.

How to recognize properly dried verbena

Knowing whether your verbena is properly dried is just as important as knowing whether to wash it before drying. An insufficiently dried plant will quickly mold in a jar. A plant that is over-dried or dried at too high a temperature will have lost much of its aroma.

A well-dried verbena has the following characteristics:

• The leaves crumble easily between the fingers without tearing into damp shreds.
• The color is pale green to greyish green, never brown or blackened.
• The smell is distinct, lemony (for lemon verbena) or herbaceous (for common verbena).
• The stems are dry and brittle, with no residual flexibility.
• No condensation forms inside the jar within 24 hours of bottling.

If you notice condensation in the jar, remove the leaves immediately and continue drying. Residual moisture is the main enemy of preservation.

To better understand how the taste of your verbena changes as it dries, our article on the taste of verbena will provide you with useful answers.

Storing dried verbena: best practices

Once the drying process is complete, proper storage determines the shelf life and quality of your harvest. Even if you have correctly answered the question of whether to wash the verbena before drying and followed all the steps, improper storage can ruin all your efforts.

Place the dried leaves in an airtight container: a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, a metal tin, or a heavy-duty zip-top bag. Avoid thin plastic bags that allow air and moisture to pass through. Label each container with the plant name and the harvest date.

• Storage location: dark, dry cupboard at a stable temperature.
• Avoid: top of refrigerator (heat), window sill (light), under sink (humidity).
• Optimal shelf life: up to one year for preserved aroma and properties.
• Regular check: open the jar every month to check for the absence of mold.

Light and heat are the two main enemies of dried plants. A closed kitchen cupboard, away from heat sources, is the ideal location.

The beneficial properties of verbena are preserved by proper drying

Vervain has long been used in traditional medicine. A review published on PubMed reports that Verbena officinalis is a medicinal plant species widely distributed throughout the world and commonly used in folk medicine in various countries [1]. Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), on the other hand, is studied for its polyphenols, as shown by an analysis of its metabolome published on PubMed [2].

Proper drying, preceded by careful rinsing, helps preserve these plant compounds. This highlights the importance of careful handling right from harvest.

To benefit from these properties, the plant must be properly prepared and dried. To learn all about the benefits of this plant as an infusion, read our article on the benefits of verbena herbal tea.

When to harvest verbena for optimal drying

The quality of the drying process begins well before the question of whether to wash the verbena before drying it. The timing of the harvest directly determines the aroma and plant compound content of your leaves.

Harvest verbena preferably in the morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the day's heat reaches its peak. This is when the essential oils are most concentrated in the leaves. Choose healthy stems, free of blemishes or signs of disease.

• Best harvest time: just before or during flowering.
• Time of day: morning, after the dew has evaporated.
• Stems to choose: green, firm, without visible spots or insects.
• Stem length: cut sections of fifteen to twenty centimeters to facilitate handling.

Lemon verbena harvested at the right time, carefully rinsed, and dried under good conditions will give you a high-quality dried herb, ready for your infusions all year round. To learn more about pruning lemon verbena, see our guide on how to prune lemon verbena.

Summary table: washing and drying of verbena

Verbena and infusions: making the most of your harvest

Once your verbena has been washed, dried, and stored properly, you can prepare delicious infusions all year round. Dried verbena can be used alone or combined with other aromatic herbs such as mint. Our article on verbena and mint tea and its benefits will give you some ideas for flavorful combinations.

If you regularly consume verbena tea and have specific iron requirements, it may be helpful to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

For those who wish to delve deeper into the cultivation of this plant, our guide on pruning Verbena Buenos Aires will help you maintain your plants for abundant harvests season after season.

Frequently asked questions about whether to wash verbena before drying it

Should I wash the verbena before drying it if it comes from my garden?

Yes, even if your garden is maintained without chemicals, verbena leaves harvested from the garden will carry soil particles, dust, and sometimes small insects. A quick rinse in cold water is essential before drying, regardless of the plant's origin. This simple precaution ensures the cleanliness of your future infusions and reduces the risk of mold during drying.

Can verbena be dried without washing it?

Technically, it's possible to dry verbena without rinsing it, but it's not recommended. Soil residue, fungal spores, and insects on unwashed leaves can alter the taste of the dried herb, cause mold during drying, or end up in your infusion. Washing is a quick step that protects the quality of your harvest in the long run.

Should you wash verbena before drying it if it has been treated?

If your verbena was grown using pesticides, rinsing is even more important. Run the stems under a stream of cold water for a few seconds to remove any surface residue. If you have any doubt about the nature of the treatments used, choose certified organic verbena for your preparations intended for consumption.

How to dry verbena quickly after washing?

After rinsing, pat the stems dry with a clean cloth, without rubbing. Then let them air dry for ten to fifteen minutes. If you wish to speed up the drying process, use an electric dehydrator on a low setting or an oven on a low setting with the door slightly ajar. Avoid starting the drying process with stems that are still damp: residual moisture encourages mold growth.

What type of water should be used to wash the verbena before drying?

Use cold tap water. Cold water is sufficient to remove dust and insects without damaging the leaves or beginning to extract aromatic compounds. Hot or warm water is not recommended: it can soften the leaves, make them more difficult to dry evenly, and alter the plant's aroma before it's even dry.

How long should verbena be left to dry after washing?

After rinsing and patting dry, let the stems air dry for ten to fifteen minutes before hanging or spreading them out to dry. Complete air drying then takes between one and three weeks, depending on the temperature, ambient humidity, and the thickness of the bunches. Using a dehydrator or oven significantly speeds up the process.

Should you wash verbena before drying it if you want to preserve it for a long time?

Yes, and it's especially important in this case. A well-rinsed plant, properly dried and stored in an airtight jar away from light, can keep for up to a year while retaining its aroma. An unwashed plant, even if well-dried, is more likely to develop mold or spoil its taste more quickly, thus reducing its shelf life.

Can verbena leaves be washed once they are separated from the stems?

Yes, you can separate the leaves before washing. Place them in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse them gently under a stream of cold water. Then spread them out in a single layer on absorbent paper and pat them dry gently. Be careful not to rub them, as this will damage them. This method is practical for large quantities and speeds up drying, since individual leaves dry faster than whole stems.

What signs indicate that the verbena is properly dried?

Properly dried verbena crumbles easily between the fingers, is pale green to grayish-green in color, and has a clean, aromatic scent. The stems are brittle and no longer bend. If the leaves remain soft or you smell a musty odor, the drying process is insufficient or the plant has been exposed to too much moisture. Continue drying before jarring.

Is lemon verbena washed in the same way as common verbena?

Yes, the washing procedure is the same for both species. Rinse the stems under a stream of cold water, drain, pat dry, and allow to air dry completely. Lemon verbena has slightly larger, rougher leaves that can trap more dust in their veins, so a thorough rinsing is especially beneficial for this variety.

Should you wash verbena before drying it if you buy it at a market or in a store?

Yes, even verbena bought fresh at the market or in a shop deserves a rinse before drying. It may have been handled by several people and exposed to various surfaces. A quick rinse under cold water followed by careful drying is a simple and effective precaution, regardless of where it was purchased.

How to prevent mold during the drying of verbena?

To prevent mold, be sure to thoroughly pat and dry the stems after rinsing before you begin drying. Make loose bunches to allow for good air circulation. Choose a dry, warm, and well-ventilated location. Check your bunches regularly during the first few days. If you notice any signs of mold, remove the affected stems immediately to protect the rest of your harvest.

Key takeaways

The answer to the question of whether to wash verbena before drying it is clear and unambiguous: yes, a quick rinse in cold water is an essential step before drying. This simple action eliminates dust, insects, and residue that could compromise the quality of your dried leaves and your future infusions. Should you wash verbena with special products before drying it? No: cold tap water is perfectly sufficient.

Proper drying begins with a good rinse, followed by careful patting and air drying. Then choose the drying method best suited to your needs (air drying, oven, dehydrator) and store your harvest in an airtight jar away from light. Practical tip: the next time you harvest, take two minutes to rinse your stems under a stream of cold water, pat them dry, and let them air dry before hanging them. Your herbal tea will be all the better for it.

Sources and studies

1. Verbena officinalis (Common Vervain) - A Review on the... — Kubica P., 2020, referenced on PubMed.
2. Analysis of Lemon Verbena Polyphenol Metabolome and... — Olivares-Vicente M., 2024, referenced on PubMed.