Microwave dried rosemary

My friend, let me tell you, it's a revelation.

It all started with pruning our rosemary bush on one Sunday afternoon. I ended up with an armful  of rosemary branches after fierce pruning. Rosemary is a lovely herb, smelling so fresh and clean. I can't just compost those branches. So I consulted with Dr Google for a way to preserve herb. It seems that drying by oven and by microwave are two popular options.

Being a scientist at heart, I decided to try both. I shook the rosemary branches a few times to rid of bugs and dust. Then I washed the rosemary cuttings and towel dried the rosemary. I set the oven at 100C and sent in my rosemary on a baking sheet lined with paper towel. I kept the door ajar for steam to come out and also to keep the temperature not exceeding 100C. Half an hour later, my rosemary needles have become dark. They were not burned but dark and not even dry. Sad face.

Then I decided to try microwave. I lined the microwave rotating plate with two layers of paper towels and put washed and towel dried rosemary on top. I started with one minute at full power. Stopped the microwave, opened the door to let the steam escape (and wiped away any condensation) and check how dry my rosemary was. Then I repeated the same process a few times, until my rosemary needles became brittle. That's a sign when they are fully dry.

And look at the color of the final product, my friend. I am ecstatic! You wouldn't tell the rosemary is dry just by looking at it, as the microwave method keeps the rosemary bright green color so well. Now I know what to do with my garden herb!