How to Dehydrate Rosemary

One of my favorite end-of-season rituals is taking the time to dehydrate rosemary from the garden before the first hard frost sets in. There is something deeply satisfying about preserving this hardy herb; unlike delicate basil that loses its punch, rosemary holds onto its piney, resinous flavor beautifully.

Learning how to dehydrate rosemary—whether you air-dry it on the counter, slow-roast it in the oven, or use a dehydrator—is the secret to keeping your winter soups and stews tasting vibrant long after the garden has gone to sleep.

With an aromatic delight that brightens your culinary creations, fresh rosemary is undoubtedly appealing. But what to do when you have a surplus of this hardy herb? Dehydration is an excellent solution. It preserves rosemary's unique flavor and lets you enjoy its benefits year-round. Here are three ways you can dehydrate and store your rosemary:

Jump to:

• Quick Look: How to Dehydrate Rosemary
• Air Drying Rosemary
• Oven Drying Rosemary
• Dehydrating Rosemary Using a Dehydrator
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Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus) is a perennial, aromatic, evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves. The leaves can be used in fresh or dried dishes and are often added to vinegar and oil infusions or infused in hot water like tea.

Air Drying Rosemary

Harvest — Start by cutting a generous amount of stems from your Rosemary plant early in the morning when the herbs are cool and moist. Ensure you remove any dead or damaged leaves.

Prepare for Drying — Place the stems on a paper towel or newspaper. Allow them to dry independently for about two hours until they are not dripping wet, but still maintain flexibility when gently handled.

Hang to Dry — Gather the rosemary stems into small bunches and secure them with a rubber band. Hang each bunch in a warm, well-ventilated room out of direct sunlight. It can take 10-14 days for rosemary to air dry.

Storage — Once completely dried, strip the leaves from the stems. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Oven Drying Rosemary

Harvest and Preparation

Same as for the air-drying process.

Arrange

Lay out the rosemary on a baking sheet.

Oven Drying

Insert the baking sheet into the oven and set it to the lowest temperature possible (around 200°F or 95°C). Keep the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to completely escape.

Storage

Once dry, allow to cool and store in an airtight container in a cool place.

Dehydrating Rosemary Using a Dehydrator

1. Harvest and Preparation — Same as for the other processes.
2. Dehydrating — Lay out the rosemary sprigs on the dehydrator trays. Set the temperature to 95°F or 35°C and let them dehydrate until the leaves become crisp. The drying time may vary due to environmental factors.
3. Storage — Store in an airtight container once completely dry.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the aromatic flavors of rosemary year-round!

Note: Drying rosemary, or any herb, helps condense its flavors, so when using it in your cooking, use about a third less than you would when using fresh rosemary.