Growing herbs in your backyard garden can be a rewarding experience. It not only adds flavor to your dishes but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. One such versatile herb that I love to grow is parsley. With its vibrant green leaves and distinct flavor, parsley has become a staple ingredient in my cooking. However, despite all its benefits, parsley doesn’t last forever once it’s harvested. That’s where the art of drying herbs comes into play. In this article, I will walk you through a quick and easy method of drying parsley in the microwave.
Gather Fresh Parsley
Choosing the Right Parsley
Before we dive into the drying process, it’s important to choose the right parsley. You can find two popular varieties in the market – curly leaf parsley and flat-leaf parsley. While both varieties impart a similar flavor, I prefer using flat-leaf parsley for drying purposes due to its higher essential oil content.
Harvesting the Parsley
The best time to harvest parsley is in the morning. Choose a dry and sunny day for this task. Start by cutting the stems of the parsley plant about an inch above the ground. Be sure to use clean, sharp scissors or kitchen shears to ensure a clean cut. You can remove any damaged or discolored leaves while harvesting.
Preparing the Parsley
Wash and Dry the Leaves
Once you have harvested the parsley, it’s crucial to wash the leaves thoroughly. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt, debris, or insects that might be clinging to the leaves. After washing, gently pat dry the parsley leaves with a clean kitchen towel.
Trim the Stems
Next, it’s time to trim the stems of the parsley leaves. Remove any excess stems, leaving just a small portion intact. Trimming the stems ensures a better drying process and reduces the risk of burning the leaves.
Microwave Drying Method
Arrange the Parsley
Now that our parsley leaves are clean and trimmed, it’s time to arrange them for drying. Take a microwave-safe plate and line it with a few sheets of kitchen paper towels. Place the parsley leaves on the paper towel, leaving some space between them to encourage air circulation.
Microwave in Intervals
Once the parsley leaves are arranged on the paper towel, it’s time to start the drying process. Set your microwave on the lowest power setting, preferably 10 to 30% power. Begin by microwaving the parsley for about 1 minute. After the first minute, check the leaves for any signs of wilting or burning.
Flipping and Rotating
To ensure even drying, gently flip and rotate the parsley leaves after each interval. This will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent the leaves from turning brown.
Repeat the Process
Continue microwaving the parsley in short intervals of 30 seconds to 1 minute, flipping and rotating the leaves after each interval. Depending on the quantity and moisture content of the parsley, the drying process can take anywhere from 3 to 6 minutes.
Storage Tips
Cool Down and Crush
Once the parsley leaves are dry and crumbly to the touch, it’s time to cool them down. Let the leaves sit on the plate for a few minutes until they reach room temperature. Once cool, gently crush the dried parsley leaves with your hands to release their essential oils and intensify their flavor.
Transfer to Airtight Containers
Finally, transfer the dried parsley leaves to airtight containers such as glass jars or zip-lock bags. Be sure to label the containers with the date of drying to maintain freshness. Store the containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Drying parsley in the microwave is a quick and easy method to preserve this incredible herb’s flavor for an extended period. From savory soups to refreshing salads, having a jar of dried parsley at your disposal opens up a world of culinary possibilities. With the convenience of the microwave, you can now enjoy the benefits of dried parsley all year round. So go ahead, give this method a try, and elevate your dishes with a sprinkle of homemade dried parsley.