Simple Dried Garden Basil in 70 Minutes

Instructions:

1. Rinse basil leaves under cool water to remove garden debris.
2. Pat the leaves thoroughly with paper towels until completely bone-dry to the touch.
3. Choose a drying method: For the Microwave Method, layer leaves between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second bursts until brittle. For the Oven Method, bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 170°F (77°C) for 10 to 60 minutes until crisp. For the Air Dry Method, hang tied bunches in a ventilated area for 5 to 10 days.
4. Allow the dried leaves to cool completely for 5 minutes.
5. Gently crush the leaves by hand into a coarse powder.
6. Transfer immediately to an airtight glass jar for storage.