The Mediterranean herb sage has a slightly minty taste and aroma. It's recommended for primarily poultry recipes, yet it pairs well in other dishes, too. Drying fresh sage leaves can provide you with a steady supply of herbs all throughout the winter. Be aware that the herb's flavor and scent becomes stronger when dried; use it sparingly. Whole sage leaves retain their flavor better than those that are crushed or ground; wait until you are ready to use them to crush them.

Harvest sage leaves still on the stem, preferably.

Wash the sage leaves under cool running water to remove any dirt or other debris.

Place the leaves in a colander to dry.

Dry any remaining moisture from the leaves with a paper towel.

Bunch the sage stems together and place the leaves and stems into a brown paper bag.

Close the bag around the stems and tie the bag shut with a piece of twine or string.

Poke several holes in the bag with the tip of a sharp knife or a pair of scissors to provide ventilation.

Hang the bag by its string from a nail or another place it can remain suspended. Choose a room that is warm, dark and airy, such as an attic or closet.

Allow the sage leaves to dry for about two weeks. Check the bag occasionally for signs of mold growth. Throw away the bag if you discover mold growth.

Snap the leaves from the stems when they are completely dried; throw away the stems. Dried sage leaves should look and feel completely crisp, with no soft spots.