How to Dry Herbs in the Microwave from www.mashupmom.com
Introduction
Drying herbs is a great way to preserve the fresh flavors of your favorite herbs. While there are many methods for drying herbs, using a microwave is one of the quickest and easiest. Microwave drying is ideal for small batches of herbs and it requires minimal effort. In this article, we will guide you through the process of drying herbs in the microwave step by step.
Ingredients
To dry herbs in the microwave, you will need the following ingredients:
Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, mint, or parsley
Paper towels
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to dry herbs in the microwave:
Start by washing your herbs and patting them dry with paper towels.
Remove any damaged or wilted leaves and discard them.
Place a layer of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate.
Arrange the herbs in a single layer on the paper towels.
Place another layer of paper towels on top of the herbs.
Microwave the herbs on high for 1 minute.
Check the herbs to see if they are dry. If they are not, microwave for another 30 seconds.
Repeat step 7 until the herbs are completely dry.
Remove the herbs from the microwave and let them cool.
Crumble the herbs with your fingers or a mortar and pestle.
Store the dried herbs in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Tips
Here are some tips to ensure that your herbs turn out perfectly:
Make sure that the herbs are completely dry before storing them.
Use a microwave-safe plate to avoid any accidents.
Different herbs will require different drying times, so keep an eye on them as they dry.
If you are drying multiple types of herbs, it is best to do them separately as they may require different drying times.
If the herbs are not completely dry, they may develop mold and spoil.
Nutrition
Dried herbs are a great way to add flavor to your dishes without adding extra calories. They are also a good source of antioxidants and other nutrients. Here is the nutritional information for some common herbs:
Rosemary - 1 tablespoon (2 grams) contains 2 calories, 0.1 grams of protein, 0.1 grams of fat, and 0.4 grams of carbohydrates.
Thyme - 1 tablespoon (2 grams) contains 3 calories, 0.1 grams of protein, 0.1 grams of fat, and 0.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Basil - 1 tablespoon (2 grams) contains 1 calorie, 0.1 grams of protein, 0.1 grams of fat, and 0.2 grams of carbohydrates.
Oregano - 1 tablespoon (2 grams) contains 3 calories, 0.1 grams of protein, 0.1 grams of fat, and 0.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Mint - 1 tablespoon (2 grams) contains 2 calories, 0.1 grams of protein, 0.1 grams of fat, and 0.3 grams of carbohydrates.
Parsley - 1 tablespoon (2 grams) contains 1 calorie, 0.1 grams of protein, 0.1 grams of fat, and 0.2 grams of carbohydrates.
Conclusion
Drying herbs in the microwave is a quick and easy way to preserve the fresh flavors of your favorite herbs. With just a few simple steps, you can have dried herbs that you can use in your cooking all year round. Remember to follow the tips we provided and store your dried herbs in a cool, dry place. Happy cooking!