I just think it's too dry here in Inland So Cal. I know the closet is a great place to dry, but with 35% relative humidity, it just dries too fast. Might be time to invest in a humidifier if I want to smoke something other than hay. I know some claim success in a low humidity environment, but no matter how long I cure it after drying, I can still taste and smell the hay. I didn't seem to have this problem when I lived in NorCal where there was higher humidity, so I am assuming that it is all a direct result of drying too fast.
I haven't eliminated the fact that maybe I am putting them in jars too soon, as well. After about 3 days of drying, they feel crisp on the outside and stems break, but don't snap in half, so that is my tell tale they are ready for jars. However, I am wondering if because the humidity is so low, that the exterior is drying extremely fast, leaving the interior still too damp too jar. Maybe, I should wait one or two more days before I throw into the jars?
Idk, I feel like I am just rambling now and I know bozo is watching, so I better be careful...j/k bozo, I know where you were coming from earlier on in the post, I suppose my original question was based off some insecurities and doubts, since I have been away from growing for a couple years. I already knew the answer, but sometimes you need someone just to say, "yup, carry on".