Even though it's winter in most places around the country and our gardens aren't quite up yet, we wanted to let you know about this easy technique to dry fresh herbs. It's a great way to store unused portions or dry up a small amount for an extra-tasty spice rub!
What You Need
Materials:
Herbs
Plate
Paper Towel/Paper Plate (optional)
Microwave
Instructions
1. Wash Herbs: Herbs with thick stems work best for this method, though any will suffice. Rinse and spin out in a salad spinner to eliminate any remaining water (or wash and dry each leaf by hand). Place on a towel to catch any extra water that's still hanging on.
2. De-Stem Leaves: Since the goal of dehydration is to remove all the water stored inside the plant, removing the leaves not only allows extra evaporation points, but allows for even drying.
3. Heat Herbs: Place herbs on a paper towel on a plate, or on a paper plate if you have one handy. The process works without them, but they will help things dry quickly and evenly as they wick away water. Place in microwave in a single layer and microwave on full power for 30 seconds. Repeat the process until leaves are crunchy and thicker stems snap when flexed. Some herbs will take up to 3-4 minutes, while thinner ones might only take a minute or two. (if you don't use a paper towel, make sure to move each leaf between rotations so it doesn't sit in it's own herby-juices)
4. Store: Herbs will keep in any air tight container for up to a year. Add them to your usual dishes for a bit of added flavor.
Additional Notes
Drying herbs in the microwave is a great way ensure the current batch in your refrigerator doesn't go bad before you can use it. Since it only takes a few seconds, there's no excuse not to buy fresh and get that extra punch that they can deliver, without the worry that you won't use them all up!
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What a great idea!
Great idea. I just picked up an Aerogarden and will need a way to preserve some herbs soon. I think some will work better dried like this while some will work better being chopped and frozen in ice cubes. I guess it depends on their final use.
Since I don't have a microwave, I'm wondering how well this would work in the oven.
I always just leave my herbs uncovered in the refrigerator. They're perfectly dry in about a day or two.
allies - Ovens work great, just set your oven to 180 F, or as low as it will go, prop the door (to let humidity out) and let them go for a few hours. Keep an eye on them, it's a great way to dry large batches!
You can also put them in a plastic bag with a few holes poked in them and hang them to dry (the bag keeps any dust off them).
Excellent post. We have dried Kratom Leaves and Powder that we have utilized drying methods.
www.kratommarket.com
http://www.kratommarket.com
Link didn't come through. Thanks.
you can dry herbs in a gas oven without even turning it on. just spread them on a baking sheet and put them in there for a day or two. the pilot dries them! (just don't forget about them if you turn your oven on to cook something).