Dry herbs in the microwave

 

Yes. You read that correctly. I said microwave.

I had two sets of herbs I needed to do something with. Some cilantro I bought at the farmer's market that was going to go bad and some oregano I grew in my garden.

But I live in the place where they invented humidity. So hanging them to dry was NOT an option. So I microwaved them. Serisously. The whole process from start to finish took maybe 10 minutes. It was great. When I was done I still had time left over for a cup of coffee.

What you'll need:

Herbs

Paper Towels

Plate

Microwave

Containers in which to put your herbs. (I reused an old spice container and a yogurt container.)

Let's get started.

First you need to make sure your herbs are clean, clean, clean. Wash them and dry them with a paper towel.

Then strip the leaves from the stems.

Layer a couple paper towels on a plate and lay the herb leaves flat on the paper towel.

Then place the plate with the herbs in the microwave for 30 seconds on the highest setting.

After the first cycle the leaves will be mushy. They obviously aren't done.

You will put them in for 30 seconds more and check them again. You will do this for a total of 2 minutes - 4 cycles. Does that make sense?

After the last cycle the herbs will be totally dry and crumble at your touch. That's how you know you're golden.

Put them in container and label them.