(Díaz-Maroto et al., 2003) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum)(Díaz-Maroto et al., 2002a), and during microwave drying of basil (Venskutonis, 1997). This cell expansion could release volatile compounds into the atmosphere, a primary way by which plants could lose volatile compounds. The extensive decrease of volatile components in many medicinal and aromatic plants dried at relatively high temperatures have been reported for sage and thyme