Dehydrating Basil Leaves in the Microwave | This Method Works for Drying any Herbs

Too much fresh basil? or any fresh herbs? Its nice to grow or buy a whole bunch, but then what do you do if you have more than you can use? The answer is to dehydrate or dry the basil leaves. This drying method is easy, you don't need a dehydrator or an oven, and its so fast. Here are the easy steps:
1. Wash and DRY basil (or herbs of your choice)
2. Lay flat on a paper towel to absorb moisture.
3. Microwave for 1:00.
4. Feel if the leaves are still bendable.
5. Do one or two (or three?) more 30 second bursts in the microwave.
6. Feel leaves after they have cooled. By now they should crumble easily.
7. Store away for another day!
Easy Peasy!

[@Goggans]

It’s nice to see someone else using a hydroponic garden!!! That’s how I grew mine and they are massive. I dehydrate mine in the oven on 195 degrees and then crush in a ziplock bag. Thank you for the video.

[@VaultDwellerGal]

What a great video?!!! I’ve struggled with using the dehydrator for basil, as it seems as it never fully dries out. Your microwave method is awesome; thanks for sharing.

[@TikkiOOO]

Glad it helped, and thanks for the comment!

[@j.szelecz2530]

SEE my replies above , AVOID THE DEATH BOX TO FOOD ! --- from Canada J.

[@mariannem3748]

Thanks for this helpful tip. I was using a paper bag with small holes to dry my basil but it can take 2-3 weeks. I will try your faster method❣️🇨🇦

[@TikkiOOO]

You can also put it in the oven on a very very low temperature, thanks for the comment!

[@j.szelecz2530]

PLEASE ! avoid the DEATH BOX FOR FOOD ----MAYBE try heating your oven to 350 F THEN SHUT IT OFF add your bag of herbs --- return in 30 mins -- if still moist ---REPEAT AS NEEDED -----FAR HEALTHIER and the flavors are soooo much better ! ---from a semi-retired Chef ---- from Canada J.

[@MsMary-mg3ho]

I make an "iced tea" with dried basil that is very good, and also very healthy. This microwave method will help me a lot!

[@judyrobertson9479]

You always have the best advice. Thanks

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@abbylynn8872]

Pure genius.

[@pjcardone164]

Just tried your method w/ a store bought plant...smells WONDERFUL....question....once you strip the stems....will other new leaves grow? I see some buds OR should I crop them down....? will more grow? thanks. PS do you recommend refrig or shelving?

[@joshuamorris3364]

Typically you can treat herbs as a cut and come again crop as long as where you cut the leaves from is higher than new growth on that branch. I.e if you see new small leaves growing 3 "sets" of leaves from the end, you can take those 3 sets and the small leaves you left will grow and get bigger. If you cut the stem back to those smaller leaves it'll send out 2 whole branches from where you cut

[@dianeregan4848]

Very informative. Thanks !

[@Gagazoot]

I had this growing in my garden and forgot to wash it before dehydrating, still ok to use?

[@Judiith1956]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@mrsleannejh]

What do you like to make with it besides pesto. Not a fan.

[@Chelle130]

Warning: Watch closely as you microwave. Mine caught on fire 50 seconds in 😅

[@linda59238]

My paper towel burnt within a minute will try 30 seconds next time. I now need to get rid of the smell all around the house. 😮

[@musikneverstopped]

30 second intervals up to 1 min and 45 seconds works best for me. I use a damp paper towel on top of the basil as well as under it.

[@kristynculley]

Literally came here to comment the same thing. Basil started burning then caught the paper towel on fire. Only did 30 second intervals. Not worth the risk of catching my house on fire.

[@vpkromy]

⁠@@linda59238Change the type of paper towel you are using. Some have metal particles according to an article I read and my own experience with the “Viva” paper towel I used to dehydrate herbs.

[@gth042]

Woah! Thank you!

[@sciencelablady4134]

Great!

[@AutumnApril1989]

ill try that with chives, they tend to go weird if i dry them in airing cupboard

[@TikkiOOO]

Good luck Autumn!

[@AutumnApril1989]

@@TikkiOOO Thank you

[@AI_Karen]

Thanks might do that with my basil today

[@TikkiOOO]

Enjoy, thanks for the comment!

[@mrsleannejh]

After one minute mine turned brownish, and I’m not sure what to do

[@Aroundthehouse.]

I was using the dash in my pickup truck..but would forget them and they turned into little brown skeletons

[@Aroundthehouse.]

Bahahaha

[@aditboim3043]

how long can it be stored in the jar?

[@TikkiOOO]

They can last 2 or 3 years this way, the more airtight the container the better. If you can vacuum seal it then it can last much longer. Thanks for the question!

[@lauraleelanzo6793]

I just did this and it caught on fire 🔥 😳 wtf

[@MrCalvinbridges]

Does it still have flavor?

[@TikkiOOO]

Yes, flavor is still good.

[@johnmirbach2338]

😎👌👍🖖✌😁

[@TikkiOOO]

😎👌👍🖖✌😁 to you too!

[@johnmirbach2338]

@@TikkiOOO 😁

[@d.t.4523]

😎👌👍🖖✌😁 I second that!

[@johnbgoode847]

Microwaves change the atomic structure of whatever is irradiated with them. Need to use a dehydrator and throw the microwave out the window.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks for the comment!

[@rcrhinehart66]

That's ridiculous. It doesn't change the atomic structure it agitates water molecules and their increased speed causes friction which translates into heat. Irradiation is an entirely different process but that doesn't change atomic structure either.

[@i8dpie]

😂

[@d.t.4523]

@@rcrhinehart66 some folk have a list of words, but no dictionary. 😂 👍

[@rcrhinehart66]

​@@d.t.4523 That’s not to say that you could not do yourself some harm with microwaved food. For example, if you take a bowl of piping-hot gazpacho out of the microwave and bury your face in it, you will burn your face off. Also, gazpacho should be served cold.

[@Balshazar]

It turns out you can also dry cannabis in a microwave. Tastes terrible and not recommended

[@j.szelecz2530]

HEADS UP ! --- ANY FOOD RADIATED by a death box has ALMOST NO NUTRITIONAL VALUE LEFT IN IT in only seconds ! ---- the higher the wattage the quicker it's DEAD NUTRITIONALLY --- NO SALE HERE ---- from a semi-retired Chef --- from Canada J.

[@joshuamorris3364]

That doesn't even make sense. Nutritional value doesn't disappear because of evaporation. Protein, carbs, etc are all physical things with weight. Where do they go in seconds, yet still leave behind the thing you were cooking? Does a tortilla weigh basically the same after microwaving it? Yes. So where did all the nutrition go?