#$%^&*AU2013203856B220150702.pdf#####- 53 ABSTRACT Disclosed herein is a method for preserving a plant material. The method comprises applying a composition comprising a microwave attractant to the plant material; and 5 then drying the plant material while exposing the plant material to microwave energy, wherein the microwave energy heats the plant material to a temperature effective to inactivate the majority of any browning enzymes in the plant material, and wherein the microwave attractant results in the heating of the plant material occurring at a rate whereby browning of the plant material by the browning enzymes during heating is 10 substantially prevented. Also disclosed are uses of the preserved plant material. 4230343 1 (GHMatters) P84791.AU.2