lisa5•1mo ago

TIL that drying herbs in the microwave actually works better than hanging them

I always thought hanging bundles of rosemary and thyme was the only real way to preserve them. Then my cousin from Oregon told me she zaps hers for 2 minutes between paper towels. I tried it with a bunch of mint from my garden last Tuesday and it kept the flavor way better than the dusty old stalks I had hanging in the garage. Anyone else found a kitchen shortcut that goes against the usual advice?

2 comments

2 Comments

uma6851mo ago

Gotta disagree here. In my experience the microwave zaps all the essential oils right out and leaves you with brittle, flavorless flakes that taste more like burnt paper than fresh herbs. Hanging them slow and low keeps that mint or rosemary tasting like it just came off the plant even months later. Your mileage may vary but I'd stick with the old way.

betty_palmer1mo ago

Used to be a total snob about hanging herbs, thought microwaving was trash. Tried it with some basil and oregano last week and honestly the flavor's way punchier. I'm converted now.