I have always loved gardening, and one of my favorite plants to grow is catnip. Not only does it attract beautiful butterflies and bees, but it also has a quirky effect on my furry friends! Watching my cats go wild with excitement when they get a whiff of catnip brings me immense joy.
Like other plants, catnip needs to be dried to preserve its potency. This allows me to have a supply of dried catnip on hand, which I can use for various purposes, such as making toys or adding a pinch to their scratching posts. While there are several methods to dry catnip, I have found that using the microwave is a quick and easy way to do it. Allow me to walk you through the steps in detail.
Gathering the Catnip
Before we dive into the process of drying catnip, we need to make sure we have a healthy plant to harvest. If you don’t already have catnip growing in your garden, I highly recommend purchasing a plant or seeds from a nursery. I find that growing catnip from seeds is quite simple and rewarding.
Once your catnip plant is mature and blooming with beautiful purple flowers, it’s time to gather some fresh sprigs for drying. Look for stems that have a good number of leaves and flowers. Gently snip the stems using a pair of gardening shears, leaving a few inches of stem attached to the leaves.
Step 1: Preparing the Catnip
After harvesting the catnip, it’s essential to handle it gently to preserve its fragrance and medicinal properties. Start by rinsing the stems and leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or pests. Be careful not to bruise or crush the leaves during this process.
Once the catnip is clean, gently pat it dry using a paper towel or a clean cloth. Allow it to air dry for a few minutes until most of the moisture is gone. This step ensures that the catnip dries evenly and prevents any mold growth during the drying process.
Step 2: Microwaving the Catnip
Now comes the exciting part – microwaving the catnip! Place a microwave-safe plate on the microwave turntable. Take the dry catnip and spread the leaves and flowers evenly on the plate, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Cover the catnip with a microwave-safe paper towel or microwave-safe plate cover. The purpose of this cover is to create a slightly enclosed environment that helps retain the moisture within the herb while allowing it to dry.
Set the microwave on high heat for 1 minute. Keep a close eye on the catnip as it dries. If you notice any signs of smoke or overheating, stop the microwave immediately. Microwaves vary in power, so you may need to adjust the time accordingly based on how quickly your catnip is drying.
Once the 1-minute mark is up, check the catnip for dryness. Gently touch a leaf or flower to see if it feels dry and crumbly. If it still feels moist, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until it reaches the desired dryness. Avoid over-drying the catnip, as it may lose some of its potent aroma.
Step 3: Letting the Catnip Cool
Once you are satisfied with the dryness of the catnip, carefully remove the plate from the microwave. Be cautious as the plate may be hot. Remove the paper towel or plate cover and set it aside to cool.
Allow the catnip to cool completely before handling it further. This step ensures that the remaining moisture has evaporated and prevents any condensation from forming when storing the dried catnip.
Step 4: Storing the Dried Catnip
Now that your catnip is dried and cooled, it’s time to store it properly. I prefer using airtight glass jars or containers to maintain the freshness and potency of the catnip. Plastic bags can also work if sealed tightly.
Ensure that the container is thoroughly clean and dry before transferring the dried catnip into it. Remove the leaves and flowers from the stems, as the stems can be quite woody and not as appealing to cats.
Place the dried catnip in the container, seal it tightly, and store it in a cool, dark place. Proper storage will help preserve the scent and potency of the catnip for many months to come.
With this quick and easy method, you can have a steady supply of dried catnip at your disposal to keep your feline friends entertained and content. Growing and drying your own catnip is not only cost-effective but also allows you to control the quality and ensure you’re providing your pets with the best.