How to Dry Fresh Rosemary: 4 Rosemary Drying Methods

The rosemary plant is a perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean region. Its Latin name, Rosmarinus officinalis, means “dew of the sea.” Rosemary comes from the mint family of plants (aka Lamiaceae) and is known for its distinct woody stems with needle-like leaves and evergreen aroma, which is contained in the oil inside the herb’s dark green needles. Rosemary is commonly used as an herb in cooking and as a garnish.

Fresh rosemary can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator, and dried rosemary can last upwards of a year. Like most dried herbs, dried rosemary will not be as potent as fresh rosemary, but drying fresh rosemary can be a way to preserve the herb. You can use dried rosemary to season meats and vegetables, and to flavor breads and pastries.

After washing and drying fresh rosemary with a paper towel, you can preserve fresh rosemary using one of these four drying methods:

1. 1. Air-dry: Tie the rosemary sprigs into a bundle using twine or a rubber band. Hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. The rosemary will dry in fourteen to twenty-one days and will be complete when the rosemary leaves are stiff and no longer pliable. You can place a paper bag over the rosemary as it's air-drying to protect it from dust.
2. 2. Microwave drying: Arrange the rosemary sprigs in a single layer between two paper towels in the microwave. Microwave the rosemary on high for two to three minutes. If the rosemary is not yet dry, microwave in 30 second bursts.
3. 3. Oven drying: Preheat the oven to its lowest temperature, around 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the sprigs of rosemary in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. The drying time in the oven will be between two to four hours.
4. 4. Food dehydrator: Place the rosemary onto the dehydrator trays. Turn the dehydrator on to its lowest temperature setting, around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It usually takes six to eight hours to dehydrate rosemary in a dehydrator.

Dried rosemary lasts upwards of a year, but the herb will lose its flavor and potency over time. Follow these steps to properly store dried rosemary:

1. 1. Remove the leaves. Remove the rosemary leaves from the stems, then discard the rosemary stems.
2. 2. Keep the leaves intact. Keep the leaves whole until you need to use them, since crushing the rosemary will cause them to lose their flavor faster.
3. 3. Place the rosemary in a dark, dry place. Store the leaves in an airtight container, like a glass jar, in the spice cabinet or a dark, dry place.

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