Rosemary is a wonderfully aromatic, evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. The name comes from the Latin ros marinus, meaning “dew of the sea.” In the past, rosemary was not only used in the kitchen but also as a natural remedy for colds, to improve digestion, and even as a symbol of love and loyalty in wedding ceremonies. Thanks to its strong aroma and decorative needle-like leaves, rosemary has held a firm place in herb gardens and kitchens for centuries.
In the kitchen, it shines in savory dishes. Here’s how to dry and grind fresh rosemary from your garden so you’ll always have it within reach.
Rosemary All Year Round
Because rosemary is evergreen, you can harvest it year-round. Handy! But sometimes it’s nice to have extra in stock. Especially after pruning, it would be a shame to throw away the branches. In some recipes, it’s simply more convenient to have a ground version ready to use. With a little preparation, you can turn it into your own dried and ground kitchen herb.
What You’ll Need
Drying and grinding rosemary doesn’t require much. A few simple tools are enough:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- A drying rack, mesh screen, or baking tray
- A thin cloth or mesh cover to keep insects away
- Optional: a dehydrator or regular oven
- A blender
- A fine sieve
- An airtight jar for storage
How to Dry Rosemary
1. Air-drying on a rack
On dry days with low humidity, you can easily dry rosemary outdoors. Place the sprigs on a drying rack, mesh screen, or baking tray, out of direct sunlight. Cover with a mesh or cloth to keep insects away. Bring them indoors before evening, then place them outside again the next morning. After 2–3 days, the rosemary is usually dry enough.
2. Hanging in bundles
A more traditional method is to tie small bundles of rosemary and hang them upside down. This also adds a lovely rustic touch to your kitchen. Hang them in a dry, airy place, away from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration. Make sure the bundles aren’t too thick so air can circulate freely.
3. Using a (dehydrator) oven
If the weather isn’t cooperating, a dehydrator or regular oven is a great alternative. With a dehydrator, set the temperature to around 95–105°F (35–40°C) to preserve the flavor. In a regular oven, use the lowest setting (around 120°F / 50°C). Spread the sprigs out and keep the oven door slightly open for ventilation. After 4–6 hours, the rosemary should be fully dry.
Grinding Rosemary into a Kitchen Herb
It’s best to grind rosemary in a blender. A mortar and pestle don’t work as well, as the tough needles tend to flatten instead of breaking.
Here’s how:
- Place the dried rosemary in the blender.
- Blend for about 1 minute.
- Sift the mixture, keeping the fine crumbs and returning the coarser bits to the blender.
- Repeat until most of the rosemary is finely ground.
Tip: Avoid grinding everything in one go. This may seem efficient, but it releases too much of the essential oils, which can reduce flavor when cooking. It also results in e really fine powder, which isn’t wat we’re going for.
(picture: Rozemary after the first time in the blender)
Let It Dry Once More
After grinding, it’s best to dry the rosemary once more. Spread the crumbs on a baking tray and air-dry them for a day, or place them in the dehydrator for an hour. This prevents mold and keeps the herb fresh for longer.
Storage
Store your dried rosemary in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place. This way, it stays flavorful and aromatic for up to a year.
Rosemary Is Delicious With:
- Roasted potatoes or root vegetables
- Pasta and tomato sauces (a favorite in our kitchen!)
- Lamb or chicken
- Marinades and barbecue sauces
- Pan-fried potatoes with garlic
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- And of course… on focaccia!
Creative Ideas and Homemade Gifts with Dried Rosemary
Rosemary is incredibly versatile and perfect for DIY kitchen gifts:
- Rosemary oil – perfect for salads or marinades
- Rosemary salt – mix coarse sea salt with dried rosemary for a fragrant seasoning
- Herb vinegar – infuse white wine vinegar with rosemary
- Herbal tea – rosemary makes a fresh, lightly herbal tea
- Scent sachets – to keep clothes fresh and repel moths