Full of aroma and flavor, rosemary is one of the strongest and most popular spices. Unlike many other spices, rosemary loses only a small amount of its aroma and flavor when dried, making it suitable for drying and storing at home. Drying rosemary is very easy to do, and will ensure you have a large supply of this aromatic spice to use in your favorite dishes. Dried rosemary sprigs can also be a fragrant and beautiful decoration. Follow these steps to dry your rosemary.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using the Hanging Method
Step 1. Use scissors to cut the rosemary stalk from the plant
The best time to harvest rosemary is in the morning after the sun has dried all the dew from the night.
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Your rosemary plant will grow thickly where you cut it.
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Try cutting the rosemary stalks straight and the same length to make binding easier.
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Step 2. Tie the stems into a bunch of rosemary, tying the string near the base of the stem
Leave a loop in the thread to make it easier to hang the rosemar stalk.
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Alternatively, you can also use a rubber band to secure your rosemary knot.
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You can combine up to eight rosemary sprigs per bundle.
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Step 3. Hang the rosemary stalks in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place to dry
While you can dry your rosemary outdoors, the National Center for the Home Food Preservation recommends drying rosemary indoors for the best color and flavor.
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Your patio, attic, or storage cupboard can all be great drying options. You can try hanging rosemary ties on hangers, if that's more convenient.
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Some people also recommend covering the rosemary knot with a brown paper bag while it dries. This is to prevent dust from sticking to the rosemary and also to prevent sunlight from fading its color. Be sure to punch holes in the paper bag to keep the rosemary well ventilated.
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Step 4. Twist or turn the rosemary stalks every one or two days to ensure even drying
Rosemary is dry when all the stems and leaves are no longer flexible at all. It will take about two weeks.
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You can also spread the rosemary sprigs or their springs on flat or angled glass or shutters, and support them with charcoal or wood blocks for good air circulation while the rosemary dries.
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You cannot hang rosemary sprigs in a humid environment, so you may need to dry the rosemary in the oven or food dryer.
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Step 5. Store the rosemary dry
Once the rosemary is completely dry, place it on a sheet of parchment paper and separate the main stem from the leaves. Store dried rosemary leaves in an airtight container in your kitchen cupboard. Use dried rosemary in recipes such as soups and roast lamb, garlic bread and herbs, and butter and rosemary oil.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Oven
Step 1. Prepare the rosemary
Wash the rosemary well in cold water to remove any remaining dirt. After that, pat dry with a tissue or a salad/food spinner to remove any adhering water. Remove any wilted leaves or stems.
Step 2. Spread the rosemary on the baking sheet
Place the rosemary - cut into 0.6 cm long stalks - onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don't put too much rosemary into it.
Step 3. Place in the oven
Place the baking sheet on the top rack in the oven preheated to the lowest temperature. Let roast for 2 - 4 hours until the rosemary stems become dry and brittle.
Step 4. Transfer the rosemary to a storage jar
Once out of the oven, allow the rosemary to cool completely. Use funnel-shaped parchment paper to scoop the dried rosemary into a clean glass jar. Close the bottle tightly and tightly and store it in a dry, dark place, such as a kitchen cupboard.
Method 3 of 3: Using a Food Dryer
Step 1. Prepare the rosemary
Wash the rosemary and shake it or blot it with paper towels to dry it dry, or use a salad twister to remove any excess water that has stuck to it.
Step 2. Spread the rosemary on a baking sheet or tumble dryer
Run the dryer on a low heat setting (between 95 - 105 degrees F) until the rosemary stems snap when bent.
The finer spices crumble when dry, but rosemary leaves are more likely to break, as are the stems
Step 3. Store in a clean glass jar
Transfer the dried rosemary to a clean glass jar and seal tightly. Store in a dry and dark cupboard.
Tips
- Rosemary has a number of uses. Rosemary is an excellent seasoning for pork, chicken, fish and seafood. Rosemary is an astringent (which can shrink pores) so you can add it to steaming hot water and use it in a steam treatment for your face. The scent of this evergreen herb is also refreshing, so add a few sprigs of rosemary to a hot bath for a quick revitalization of your body. Rosemary tea is also thought to stimulate mood and blood circulation, as well as calm the nervous system.
- If you don't have a food dryer or the right drying environment, you can also preserve fresh rosemary by freezing it. Wash the rosemary, shake it, absorb it with a paper towel, or twist the rosemary sprigs to dry, then freeze in a plastic bag. Once the rosemary is completely frozen, you can pluck the leaves from the stems and pack them in a mason jar, vacuum pack or other airtight, tightly closed container.
