How to dry flowers

1 servings

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredient

Directions

Faded roses or wilted zinnias no longer have to signal the end to summer's colorful blooms. Instead, a rainbow of garden hues can be transformed into decorative accents for your home by drying the blossoms in a microwave oven.

The microwave technique for drying flowers is quick and easy, requiring only a little time and a drying agent. You can use silica gel, fresh cat litter, sand, or an equal mix of borax and corn meal.

Begin by pouring about an inch of drying agent into the base of a large glass or jar. Assemble brightly colored, partially opened blossoms in the container and sift the drying agent carefully between all the petals of the flowers, separating the petals with a toothpick. Make sure the blossom is completely covered.

Place the container and a cup of water in a microwave oven. Cook on high for one to three minutes depending on the size of the blossom.

Larger flowers require more time.

Allow the flowers to stand in the mixture for at least 8 hours, then slowly pour out the drying agent. Silica gel can be reused once it has cooled. Remove each flower, gently brushing any excess drying agent from the petals and stem. Leaves should be dried separately, then added to the preserved flower stems with floral wire and tape to make interesting arrangements.

Posted by Joyce Kohl, þ THE IMPROV BBS þ KOOK-NET Hub þ (602) 991-4849

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