How to Dry Out Catnip for Feline Fun

Catnip is a magical herb that brings sheer joy and silliness out of cats when they get a whiff of its intoxicating minty scent. To keep your cats entertained for months on end, learning how to properly dry out fresh catnip to preserve its euphoric qualities is key. With just a few simple steps, you can stock up on crisp dried catnip to fill toys make training treats or brew into tea.

When to Harvest Catnip for Drying

Cut catnip just before it blooms for maximum potency of the essential nepetalactone oil that causes the euphoric reaction in cats. Look for the largest leaves and fullest foliage growth right before flower buds appear. Catnip filled with open flowers and gone to seed will have diminished potency. For tea, snip leaves while still bright green before fall frost arrives. Grayish foliage won’t be as flavorful. Harvest mid-morning after dew has dried but before the heat of midday sets in.

How to Dry Catnip Leaves and Stems

Air Drying Catnip Leaves

Air drying works well for small batches

• Pick leaves off stems, selecting only the freshest, perkiest ones free of blemishes.

• Discard any flowers, buds, dead leaves or spent stems.

• Spread leaves in a single layer on a tray lined with paper towels or breathable mesh screen.

• Place tray in a warm (80-90° F), dry, breezy area out of direct sun.

• Turn leaves daily to ensure even drying, about 3-5 days.

• Leaves are fully dry when crumbly and brittle.

Drying Catnip Stems

For drying larger harvests or retaining longer stems for cat toys:

• Gather cut stems into small bundles held with rubber bands, twist ties, or string.

• Trim all stems evenly. Discard any dried ends or dead leaves.

• Hang bundles upside down in a warm, dry, dark spot with good airflow.

• Keep suspended bundles out of reach of cats.

• Allow 1-2 weeks for full drying, checking frequently.

• Stems will snap easily when bent and leaves will crumble off when thoroughly dry.

Tips for Successfully Drying Catnip

Follow these best practices:

• Dry indoors away from dust, dirt, and insects. Use cheesecloth if needed.

• Keep temperatures steady around 85-90°F with low humidity.

• Dry in complete darkness to prevent light degrading oils.

• Allow space between drying leaves or bundles for airflow.

• Check catnip daily, remove any moldy bits quickly.

• Rub a leaf between fingers to test dryness – it should powder easily when crisp.

• Separate leaves and stems after fully drying.

With ideal warm, dark, and breezy conditions, catnip will quickly and safely transform into a dried delight.

How to Store Dried Catnip

To retain the aromatic oils that excite cats, follow these storage tips:

• Place thoroughly dried leaves or crumbled stems into airtight glass jars or metal tins. Dark containers prevent light damage.

• Label containers with variety and date. Use oldest stock first.

• Store in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat, light, and moisture. Refrigeration helps prolong freshness.

• Use within 1 year for optimal potency. Scent fades over time.

• Replace flavorless catnip. Don’t use catnip that’s lost its scent.

• For long term storage, freeze excess catnip in vacuum sealed bags.

With ideal drying, sealing out air, cold storage, and limited light exposure, the tantalizing scent of catnip can last over a year.

Uses for Dried Catnip

Dried catnip can provide cats endless entertainment:

• Toys – Stuff catnip into balls, mice, tunnels, and more. The aroma entices playtime.

• Treats – Use dried leaves as a healthy training reward. Sprinkle over wet food.

• Catnip bags – Filled sachets release scent when pawed and batted.

• Spray – Infuse water with catnip, spray on toys. Use 1 ounce herb per 2 cups water.

• Tea – Add leaves or stems to herbal blends at 1 tablespoon per cup of tea.

With your stockpile of preserved catnip, let your creativity run wild to keep your cats euphorically entertained for months on end. Just brace yourself for the delightfully chaotic results!

Make Catnip Hay for Extended Freshness

For catnip that retains its feline-thrilling properties for years, consider making catnip hay:

• Harvest stems when catnip flowers just begin opening, when more essential oils will be present.

• Hang stems upside down and allow to slightly wilt for 1-2 days.

• Use a food dehydrator or oven on low heat to fully dehydrate the stems for several hours.

• Store the brittle, dried stems in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

• Crush or break pieces as needed to release the oils for use.

The gentle low heat of hay drying better preserves the essential euphoria-inducing nepetalactone oil, resulting in long lasting cat bliss!

Avoid Common Catnip Drying Mistakes

To end up with great dried catnip, avoid these errors:

• Don’t wash catnip before drying, as this removes the aromatic oils. Gently brush off dirt instead.

• Don’t dry in direct sun or excessive heat which can degrade the oils. Gentle ambient warmth works best.

• Don’t pack leaves or bundles together tightly or mold can develop. Allow space for airflow.

• Don’t store in light transparent bags. Light damages the volatile oils.

• Don’t use mechanical drying machines that can overheat the leaves. Slow air drying is ideal.

With careful attention to temperature, light, humidity and storage, your dried catnip will retain its irresistible feline-enticing fragrance.

Drying fresh catnip into a crispy, aromatic treasure doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right harvesting, drying methods and storage, you’ll be rewarded with blissfully euphoric cats and months of entertaining chaos. Let the feline fun begin!