The book said 95 degrees and 2-4 hours. Well after about 12 (or maybe more) hours at 95-110 degrees, the basil is still not dry. It has dried some but it seems odd that it should take this long.

I have tested the temperature and it is correct. The fan is blowing

We live in Tampa, FL area and it is humid so they may be some expectation of a longer time but something is not right.

Thanks.

I do our basil at 105 degrees and even the biggest leaves are done in 4-5 hours.

Dave

I'm in the process of trying to dry my mint before late summer produces rust problems. I have a 2 screens tied together that I extend outside my kitchen window - it works better than the machine. It has air circulating from below also which seems to help.

I know outside drying is not always the best. For more solid things - cherry toms, apricots, bananas, tho - I prefer the Excaliber.

Bejay

Here, it's usually so dry that I can dehydrate about half a bushel of mint in 4 hours.....

On the other hand, now I'm 6 blks from the ocean - and am also aware of Florida at this time of year - so to "each his own" when it comes to dehydrating.

Right now, we are in our "June, July - summer gloom" period - when it can be damp, cold and foggy until noon or later - then perhaps the fog will recede and the hot sun comes out to greet my poor offerings. It is a challenge at best, but I'm sure everyone has their own Achilles in that regard.

I am now praying over all my lovely squash plants - Hubbards, cukes, zukes - looking out for the first sign of mildew.

Don't mind me - I'm just babbling on this a.m. (waiting for the fog to clear).

Actually, I dry onions, garlic, macadamias outside now, they may take a bit longer but no problems. On the other hand, I dry lemon salt, garlic and onion salt in the oven, and the fleshy fruits - banana, apricot, plums, etc. in the dehydrator.

The herbs seem to work well in the homely 2 screen contraption butterflied together - that I hang on the south side of my house from the window casing. The air circulates freely around it - and the house reflects some heat back on the screens. It works quite well - and great on energy conservation too.

Bejay

We are using mesh screens, the fan is running and the temperature has been measured to be accurate. Definately not overloaded either.

We did notice that the smaller leaves dried much before the larger ones. Some of the large leaves are 3-4" long.

"Prior to dehydrating, never chop or cut any parts of the herb that you will be dehydrating (leaves, petals, etc.). This will release oils and reduce the flavor of your finished product. Instead, dry the plant as a whole and then break or crush after fully dehydrated.
Keep your dehydrator between 90-100�F when dehydrating herbs.
If you wash your herbs first, dry any excess water (hang upside down to air dry or fold between a paper towel) from your herbs before placing them in your dehydrator."

From me,
Basil does have oil in it, and it can take longer to dry. BUT 12 hours is way too long so I would guess it's either the oil, or maybe too wet when put in? Also, the larger the leaf, the longer it takes. I would also bet that humidity may be a factor too.
All in all, Good luck!

Hey, all that oil will mean some great tasting basil though!