A quick and easy way for Drying Herbs. Freshly dried herbs are the next best thing to fresh.
Today was the day that I officially gave up on my garden. The herbs are always the last to come out. They hang in there and even survive some pretty cool evenings. Drying herbs will guarantee you have fresh herb flavors all winter long.Freshly dried herbs are wonderful. When you open their container you can smell their savory aroma. You don’t get that much with store bought. They are great in any dish that you would use fresh if you had them. The herbs that I grow and dry are parsley, rosemary and thyme, but you could do this with many others.
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- Fresh herbs
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- Dried herbs
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- Dried herbs ready to crush
Drying Herbs
Ingredients
- Fresh herbs such as parsley rosemary and thyme
Instructions
- Wash and drain fresh herbs.
- Remove stems and place leaves on a paper towel. Cover with another paper towel, and microwave for 30 second intervals, until dried.
- Lightly crush and store in an air tight container such as a ziplock bag or covered container.
Nutritional Disclaimer
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
It may take a little time, but it is worth it. You will thank yourself all winter!
pattisj
Saturday 21st of November 2015
Thanks for the drying tip. I have basil and mint on my countertop. It's nice to know there's an option when I have an abundance of them. (I know, I know. I need to COOK.) ;)
Julie Menghini
Sunday 22nd of November 2015
Do what you love Patti! I wish I was better at the road trips and photos you do!
Suchitra
Friday 20th of November 2015
Thanks very much for this very useful post Julie. I used to just air dry them and put it in the freezer. I am going to try your method.
Julie Menghini
Friday 20th of November 2015
Thank you Su! I have done this the last two years, and it is my favorite way. Pretty quick and they do keep more of their color. Enjoy your weekend!
Celebrating Sunshine
Thursday 19th of November 2015
I used to air dry herbs in Romania, but I've never used a microwave for it. That's a great idea! :-)
Julie Menghini
Thursday 19th of November 2015
Thank you Ana! It is so much quicker and easier, and I'm all for quick and easy. Enjoy your day my friend!
Shari
Wednesday 18th of November 2015
I really appreciate this post, Julie. I had no idea you could microwave herbs to dry them. How do you know when they are done? Is it just when they get kind of crunchy? How nice to have freshly dried herbs in the winter!
Julie Menghini
Wednesday 18th of November 2015
Mine took 1-1/2 minutes per batch, and they were pretty cry when I removed them. I just emptied each paper towel into a bowl, and as they cooled they were crushable. I had so many last year that I just put them on a cookie oven and in a 200F oven until I was ready to crush them. It isn't hard to see when they are done.
chef mimi
Wednesday 18th of November 2015
So smart! I tend to make oils and freeze them, or pestos, but I should really do this. Next year...