Leaves can be preserved by microwaving — a method that reduces the drying time to minutes. Be sure to put a small cup of water in the microwave to avoid damage. Put one or more colored leaves folded in a paper towel and weigh it down with a dish to prevent the leaves from curling. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, and check. If the leaves are dry and crisp, they are done. If not quite dry, try another minute. If too dry, start over and halve the time. Spray the leaves with hair spray as the final step of preservation.

-- Karen (mountains_mama2@hotmail.com), February 04, 2002

Answers

I found this interesting. Can the same method also be used for drying orange and lemon slices? I live in southern Spain where citrus fruit is plenty and I want to use the slices for craft projects. If this method canno be used, what would be a quick way of drying citrus fruit?

Thanks

Sandra

-- Sandra Rowe (bizzyb@teleline.es), November 30, 2002.