Fresh rosemary is one of the easiest herbs to preserve, and drying it at home is a wonderful way to enjoy your garden harvest all year long.

Whether you’re growing rosemary in your herb garden or harvesting sprigs from a container on your patio, dried rosemary is perfect for soups, roasted vegetables, breads, marinades, and homemade seasoning blends.

In this guide, I’ll show you several easy methods for drying rosemary so you can preserve its wonderful aroma and flavor for months to come.

If you enjoy preserving herbs, be sure to read my guides on How to Dry Mint and How to Dry Lavender for even more ways to make the most of your herb garden.

Why You’ll Love Drying Rosemary

Table of Contents

Easy beginner-friendly project
Preserves your harvest for months
Great for cooking and baking
Perfect for homemade seasoning blends
Saves money on store-bought dried herbs
Makes thoughtful handmade gifts

When to Harvest Rosemary for Drying

The best time to harvest rosemary is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the afternoon sun.

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Choose healthy stems with fresh green leaves and avoid any branches that are yellowing or damaged.

For the strongest flavor, harvest rosemary just before the plant begins to flower.

Supplies

Fresh rosemary sprigs
Kitchen twine or rubber bands
Scissors or garden snips
Paper bags (optional)
Airtight glass jars

Method 1: Air Dry Rosemary (Recommended)

Air drying is the easiest and most traditional method.

Step 1

Harvest several long sprigs of rosemary.

Shake off any dirt or insects and remove damaged leaves.

Avoid washing the rosemary unless necessary. If you do wash it, allow it to dry completely before hanging.

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Step 2

Gather 6 to 10 sprigs into a small bundle.

Tie the stems together with kitchen twine or a rubber band.

Step 3

Hang the bundles upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated room away from direct sunlight.

If you’re concerned about dust, loosely cover the bundle with a paper bag that has a few holes punched in it.

Step 4

Allow the rosemary to dry for 1 to 2 weeks.

The leaves should feel crisp and easily crumble between your fingers.

Method 2: Dry Rosemary in a Dehydrator

If you’d like to speed up the process, a food dehydrator works very well.

Arrange the rosemary sprigs in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.

Dry at 95–105°F for 2 to 4 hours, checking periodically until the leaves are completely dry.

Method 3: Oven Drying

Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature, usually around 170°F or lower.

Spread the rosemary sprigs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Dry for 1 to 2 hours, checking often to prevent scorching.

Allow the rosemary to cool completely before storing.

How to Store Dried Rosemary

Strip the dried leaves from the stems by gently running your fingers down each stem.

Store the leaves whole until you’re ready to use them, as whole leaves retain their flavor longer than crushed herbs.

Place the dried rosemary in airtight glass jars and store them in a cool, dark pantry.

Properly stored, dried rosemary will keep its best flavor for about one year.

If you’re growing plenty of rosemary, don’t stop in the kitchen. Fresh rosemary is also wonderful for homemade skincare. Visit CreativeHomemaking to learn how to make Rosemary Body Oil with fresh rosemary sprigs.

How to Use Dried Rosemary

Dried rosemary adds wonderful flavor to:

Roasted potatoes
Chicken
Pork
Beef roasts
Homemade bread
Focaccia
Soups and stews
Marinades
Herb butter
Seasoning blends
Olive oil infusions

Because dried rosemary has a stronger flavor than fresh, use about one-third as much dried rosemary when substituting in recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wash rosemary before drying?

Only if it’s dirty. If you wash it, be sure the sprigs are completely dry before beginning the drying process.

Can I dry rosemary with the stems attached?

Yes. In fact, hanging whole stems is one of the easiest methods. Remove the leaves after they’re completely dry.

How do I know when rosemary is fully dry?

The leaves should crumble easily between your fingers and the stems should snap rather than bend.

More Ways to Preserve Fresh Herbs

If you’re harvesting herbs from your garden, you’ll also enjoy these tutorials:

Drying rosemary is one of the simplest ways to preserve your herb garden and enjoy fresh garden flavor throughout the year.

Whether you choose to air dry, use a dehydrator, or dry it in the oven, you’ll have fragrant rosemary ready for your favorite recipes whenever you need it.

Once you’ve mastered drying rosemary, try preserving other favorite herbs like mint and lavender to build your own homemade herb pantry.