Dry Fresh Herbs So They Last Up to a Year With This 1-Minute Hack
Rosemary, thyme, and basil can add delicious flavor to so many dishes, but sometimes they spoil faster than we can use them. Luckily, there’s an easy way to dry fresh herbs in the microwave so they can last for up to a year!
Along with their yummy aroma and taste, many herbs are great for your health and can help relieve stress and boost your mood. But how many times have you bought your herb of choice from the grocery story in a bunch that was just too big for the meal you were planning on cooking? Instead of scrambling for another recipe to use them in before they inevitably wilt and lose their flavor in just a couple days, why not hold on to all those health benefits by drying them out instead? This is also a good idea for those of you who grow your own herbs at home. As satisfying as it is to cook with something that you have harvested, sometimes there is just too much of it to handle! But, kudos to your gardening skills.
In either case, it’s a good idea to dry them out so you’re able to maintain the herb’s flavor and extend its shelf life to enjoy in recipes all year round. Plus, it’ll save you money because you don’t have to keep buying new tiny jars of dried herbs!
How to Dry Fresh Herbs in the Microwave
Rather than buying an expensive dehydrator, the experts at Howdini have figured out a way to dry herbs in a microwave. This hack works for any of the herbs we use most often in cooking, such as parsley, mint, basil, rosemary, oregano, and thyme.
First, place a paper towel on a microwavable plate, then gently pick the herb’s leaves off their stems, and arrange in a single layer on the towel. Cover them with another paper towel and microwave in three 20-second intervals — checking in between to make sure that they’re drying out properly. After one minute, the leaves should be crisp yet still maintain their vibrant green color. If they feel a little moist or have a slight bend to them, microwave them again for 10 second intervals until they’re fully dried out.
To see how this hack works, check out their video below:
Once the herbs are dehydrated, let them cool at room temperature before placing them in clean spice jars (Buy on Amazon, $14.97). Keep them in a cool, dry place and they’ll last up to a year. They will fit right in with the rest of the seasonings in your pantry!
Having batches of dried herbs always on hand means they’re ready to use whenever you want to add a couple basil leaves to a hearty tomato sauce or sprinkle some rosemary over a whole chicken before roasting it. Regardless of how you use them, this is a clever way to make sure that even if you buy more herbs than you need, they won’t go bad before you’ve had a chance to use them. Plus, you’ll be getting your money’s worth for the weeks and months to come!
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