How to Dry Herbs in your Microwave

Dear friends,

Waaay back in 1999 and through 2001, I published an herbal newsletter, The Country Cottage Herb Gardener. I've recently found copies of those files on an old back-up disk (yippee!) and decided to share some of the short articles with you.

This one explains how to dry herbs in your microwave. It's timely because many of us have an over-abundance of things like basil and rosemary right now. It's a good time to harvest it and dry it for winter use.

A honeybee loves the blooming rosemary

When the weather just won't cooperate enough to let you dry your herbs outdoors, or when it is too humid indoors, you can dry some herbs in your microwave oven.

Some herbs that can be dried for cooking or crafts in the microwave include basil, dill, mint, rosemary, oregano, sage, thyme, lavender, tarragon and others. The basic instructions are simple. Simply place two paper towels or an old cotton towel on top of a flat microwave-proof plate or tray. Place the clean, dry, individual herb leaves flat on the paper towels in one layer. Cover the leaves with another paper towel.

Place the plate in the microwave and cook on high (100%) power for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the plate from oven and allow to cool. Check to see if leaves are thoroughly dry by crumbling some between your fingers. If they won't crumble and still seem to be moist, microwave for an additional 30 seconds at a time until they are dry.

In our experience, a handful of herbs (or about 4 or 5 short stalks) of basil, rosemary or sage will dry in 3 minutes. Of course, allowing for differences in individual microwave ovens, yours may dry the herbs in more or less time. Experiment a little and see what happens!

Nice fresh rosemary, ready to be dried

This is certainly faster than the other drying methods, and the flavor seems to be consistently good. Try it sometime! Aunt Jewel, an imaginary friend who lives in Nameless, Texas, loves to use her microwave because she says it gives her more time to watch her soaps on TV! ;-)

Happy trails from HOT Texas!

bobbi c.

Herb Garden Inspiration

Birdbath, with comfrey

Dear friends,

Over the years, I think the thing that has given me most pleasure in my garden has been growing and using herbs. I started out with a small basil plant in a pot, and since then have grown the everyday herbs, like rosemary, and the more unusual herbs, like madder, whose roots are used to make a gorgeous red dye.

Lavender, grown in Leander limestone

I use my herbs for all sorts of things---for cooking, for crafts, and for medicine. This time of year, I always start thinking about what new herbs I want to add to my garden, since the fall is an excellent time to plant them here in Central Texas. I usually start with plants from local nurseries if I can, since it takes so long to grow some of them from seed. After they get larger, I divide the perennials or take cuttings from the annuals.

Rosemary, also grown on almost solid limestone in the Texas Hill Country

 I thought I'd share a few photos with you of the herbs in my cottage garden.  Maybe it will give you some ideas for planting your own herb garden.  Herbs really can enhance your life, in so many ways.  If you don't currently grow herbs, why not give them a try?  They're easy to grow, smell good, attract beneficial insects and pollinators (always important), and are beautiful, to boot!

Texas hill country garden, with rosemary, santolina, grapes, cactus and a really big fence to keep the deer out!

Lemon thyme is happy growing in a small pot.  A small bay tree is to the left.

Sweet marjoram.  I use this herb a lot in my special dried Italian Herb Bouquet mix, for cooking

A beloved gift from a friend, filled with fresh cut rosemary branches

I'll be writing more about my herb garden, how I use my herbs, and some tips and ideas for planting in the months ahead.  So please come back to visit!

Happy gardening,

bobbi c.
http://bobbichukran.com