Can I Use A Microwave To Dry Herbs And Is It Effective?

“Hey, I’ve recently been trying to dry some herbs from my garden (basil, thyme, rosemary – the usual suspects) but I don’t have a dehydrator or a lot of space in my kitchen. I’m wondering if using my microwave could work? I know traditional air drying works, but it takes forever and can sometimes get a little funky, so if the microwave is a good alternative, I’d love to learn how, and if it’ll give me the same results? Help me out!” Thanks, Karen, Bath, UK.

Can You Use A Microwave To Dry Herbs? And Is It Effective?

Hey Karen! Good news – yes, you totally can use your microwave to dry herbs, and it can be a game-changer when you don’t have a lot of time or space! I’ve been in similar situations before – that moment when your herbs are growing faster than you can use them, and you need a quick solution. Whether you’ve got basil, rosemary, thyme, or something else, the microwave method is definitely worth giving a shot.

But here’s the thing: it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Like anything, it comes with a few quirks and tips you’ll want to know about before you start zap-zap-zapping everything green in sight. So, let’s break it down and make sure you get the best results.

How Drying Herbs In The Microwave Works

Basically, when you use a microwave, you’re taking advantage of how it heats up the water content in the herbs. Most fresh herbs have around 80-90% water, so what the microwave does is give that water a quick “evaporation treatment.” That’s fancy speak for saying, it zaps the water out super fast, leaving you with dried leaves.

The key here is that trick works best with soft herbs, or those leafy, tender kinds like basil, parsley, or mint. Tougher herbs like rosemary or thyme can also go in, but they’ll need a bit more attention because of their woody stems.

Steps To Drying Herbs In The Microwave

Here’s a basic step-by-step, Karen, so you can give this a go:

• Pick and Prep: Harvest your herbs, and make sure to wash off all the dirt. Give them a gentle rinse and pat them dry with a towel before starting. Any extra water will just complicate things.
• Spread Them Out: Lay your herbs flat between a couple of paper towels. You want an even spread here; avoid clumps because the heat won’t distribute evenly if there’s too much piled up.
• Microwave for 10-30 Seconds: Put the herbs and paper towels in the microwave, and zap them in short intervals. Start with 10 seconds, check, and repeat if needed. The time varies based on the herb – more delicate ones like cilantro will dry in no time, while thicker ones like mint may take longer. Total time? Probably 1 to 2 minutes, tops.
• Check For Brittleness: Once the leaves crumble between your fingers easily, they’re done. Make sure they aren’t burned (which can happen easily if you’re not careful!).

And voila! You’ve got dried herbs in a fraction of the time compared to air drying. I actually timed both methods once, and drying herbs in the microwave took about 3 minutes compared to a full week hung in my kitchen!

Which Herbs Work Best In A Microwave?

Now, not all herbs are created equal when it comes to drying. Some take to the microwave really well and others, well, let’s just say you’d be better off air-drying those. Here’s a handy breakdown:

Good Herbs For Microwave Drying:

• Basil: One of my favorite herbs to dry this way. Its leaves dry out quickly and are perfect for crumbling into pasta or soups.
• Thyme: Since it’s a smaller herb, thyme dries pretty fast. Just separate the leaves from the stem once they’re done.
• Rosemary: This one tends to behave in the microwave, but keep an eye on it because it can get crispy fast. If you’re doing larger batches, short pulses work best.
• Mint: I find mint dries super quickly, but be careful because burnt mint smells, well, not great.
• Cilantro & Parsley: These are also good candidates, just make sure they’re evenly spaced and you don’t overdo the time.

Herbs You Should Avoid Microwaving:

Some herbs just don’t take to a microwave well. It’s better to let these air dry, hang upside down, or dry them in a cool, dark place instead:

• Dill: Dill’s super delicate and can burn quite easily in the microwave. Trust me, I’ve destroyed a few bunches trying.
• Sage: Although sage dries well using other methods, the microwave tends to make it lose its flavor quicker than other approaches.
• Oregano: Personally, I don’t love how oregano turns out in a microwave – it’s easy to lose both texture and taste.

Benefits Of Using The Microwave

There are a few standout benefits to using this method, and in some cases, it’s a totally valid alternative to air drying or dehydrating. Here’s why you might prefer the microwave for your herbs:

Speed:

You save tons of time, as drying normally takes days, sometimes even weeks. But with the microwave method, Karen, you’ve got dried basil ready to sprinkle on your spaghetti within minutes – can’t beat that!

Retaining Flavor:

If done right (and not overloaded), herbs dried in the microwave retain almost all of their natural oils, which are the main culprits behind that fresh flavor we all love. This often gives you more intense flavor compared to slower drying methods that can sometimes leach out the oils over time.

Space Saver:

If your kitchen is anything like mine was before I reorganized it (three times!), you understand the importance of space. Air-drying can take up way more valuable counter or hanging space. The microwave method avoids that issue.

Downsides And Things To Watch For

But, Karen, as with anything, there are a couple of downsides you should be aware of:

Can Burn Easily:

Timing is super key with the microwave method. Every microwave is a bit different, so you’ll probably need a couple of trials to figure out the sweet spot with your particular machine. Overdo it, and the herbs will singe, which not only ruins the herb but stinks up the house too. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than the smell of burnt rosemary lurking around your kitchen for the rest of the day!

Consistency Issues:

Microwaves don’t always dry as evenly as air drying or dehydrating. Some parts of the herbs will dry quicker than others, especially if you’re microwaving a bigger batch or putting different-sized herbs together.

Tips To Maximize Results

To get the best results when microwaving herbs, follow these tips to make sure you get perfect, dry deliciousness every time:

• Do Small Batches: Don’t overcrowd the microwave – herbs should be in a single layer and fairly spread out, otherwise, the moisture can trap between the leaves.
• Papertowel Sandwich: Think of it like a peanut butter sandwich – herbs between paper towels soak up the moisture. Plus, it helps distribute heat more evenly.
• Different Speeds For Different Herbs: Experiment! Softer herbs like basil will dry faster, while tougher ones like rosemary might need a slower approach.

Other Alternatives For Drying Herbs

If the microwave method isn’t your thing, here are a couple of other reliable options:

• Air Drying: This is the trusty old-school technique where you tie them in small bunches and hang them somewhere dry and shady. While this takes longer, it’s low effort.
• Oven Drying: You can use a low oven (around 100°F to 140°F) for an hour or so to gently dry herbs. This needs more babysitting, but works well if you do bigger batches.
• Dehydrator: If you have space and like drying herbs in bulk, a dehydrator is a great option. Sure, it’s more of an investment than just using your microwave, but it works great with different herbs and keeps more of the natural oils intact.

Troubleshooting Common Microwave Drying Problems

If things are going a little sideways, don’t worry Karen, we’ve all been there. Here are some common pitfalls and how to fix them:

• Herbs Come Out Burnt: Likely too much time in the microwave or not enough spacing. Next time, shorten each time interval and spread them wider apart.
• Herbs Don’t Seem To Dry: If your herbs are still “floppy” and not brittle, either they haven’t been microwaved long enough or you’re dealing with overly-large pieces. Tear larger leaves into smaller bits and try again in short bursts.
• Loss Of Flavor Or Aroma: If your herbs are losing their kick, it could be due to overheating. Next time, try lowering the microwave’s power setting (some have adjustable wattages).

Final Thoughts…

Thanks for sending in this great question, Karen! The microwave can absolutely be an effective way to dry your homegrown herbs, especially when time and kitchen space are at a premium.

If you follow the steps and tips, you’ll be whipping up dried, flavorful herbs in no time. Sure, it takes a bit of practice (and maybe a burnt batch or two), but once you get it down, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. Happy microwaving!