Homemade Gourmet Dried Food Mixes: Elevate Your Cooking with Homegrown Goodness

One of my favorite self-sufficient kitchen activities is creating homemade, organic, dried gourmet food mixes. From flavorful soup blends and aromatic spice rubs to hearty bread mixes and delicious dips, these homemade creations add a special touch to any meal—plus, they make incredible gifts! Best of all, they allow me to make use of the herbs, vegetables, and spices I grow in my own edible and herbal food forest.

Why Make Your Own Dried Mixes?

Drying herbs, spices, and vegetables is simple, fun, and a great way to preserve your harvest. Unlike store-bought mixes, which often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, or unnecessary fillers, homemade dried mixes are fresh, flavorful, and fully customizable. Here are a few reasons I love making them:

Better Flavor & Quality – Homegrown and dried ingredients taste richer and more aromatic than anything store-bought. 

Long Shelf Life – Properly dried and stored herbs and vegetables can last months, even years!

Self-Sufficiency – No need to rely on store-bought spice blends or soup packets when you can make your own.

Cost-Effective – Using what you grow saves money while ensuring top-quality ingredients.

Perfect for Gifts – Packaged in jars, pouches, or decorative containers, these mixes make thoughtful, homemade presents.

The Basics of Drying Herbs & Vegetables

Drying is one of the easiest and oldest ways to preserve food. Here’s how I do it:

1. Air Drying

Perfect for herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and mint. Simply bundle small bunches with twine and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place until crisp.

2. Dehydrator Drying

Ideal for vegetables like tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic. Slice thinly and arrange on trays in a dehydrator set at 95–125°F until dried.

3. Oven Drying

For quick drying, spread herbs or veggies on a baking sheet/pan of your choice and place them in an oven set to the lowest temperature (around 170°F). Check on them often allowing the moisture to escape from the oven when you open the door. Make sure everything is completely dried!

4. Sun Drying

A great option for sunny climates! Spread produce on mesh/bamboo screens in direct sunlight, covering with a fine cloth to protect from insects.

Once dried, store your herbs and veggies in airtight jars, labeled with the date for freshness.

Storing & Gifting Your Mixes

• Use small mason jars, vacuum-sealed pouches, or decorative tins to store your mixes.
• Label each jar with the date, name of the mix, and instructions for use.
• Get creative with handmade tags and ribbons for a rustic, homemade touch!

Creating gourmet dried food mixes is a simple yet rewarding way to preserve the bounty of your food forest while elevating your everyday cooking. Whether you're making spice rubs, soup blends, or baking mixes, the possibilities are endless!

Stay tuned as I dive into creative ways to make, package, and gift these homemade mixes. Let’s embrace the joy of self-sufficiency together!

The Homemade Gardener

The Future Is Worth The Patience Of The Present.