MANALANSAN, LALAINE V., Department of Resource Engineering and Agricultural Mechamzation, College of Engineering and Computer Studies, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Magalang, Pampanga. August 2022. "Microwave Drying and Storage Charateristics ef Sambong (Blumea balsamifera L.) Leaves" Adviser: Engr. Marijoree A. Sapigao Ce-Adviser: Dr. Mari Rowena C, Tanquilut The effects of the microwave-drying technique on the drying, physical, and storage characteristics of the Sambong (Biumea balsamifera L.) leaves were investigated in this study. The treatments used were three different drying times (150, 200, and 250 seconds) and the number of layers (2, 4, and 6). The data was analyzed using the Randomized Complete Block Design 2-Factorial Experiment with ANOVA and multiple comparison of treatment means using the Least Significant Differences Test. In terms of drying characteristics, the moisture removed on the Sambong leaves was directly proportional to the drying time, while the drying rate was inversely proportional to the drying time. Better rehydration characteristics of microwave-dried leaves were observed in 90°C water temperature. The physical properties of the leaves were also determined. The shapes of the raw and dried leaves vary from ovate and lanceolate, both having a roundness of 0.09, with rough texture, but dried leaves were brittle. In terms of surface area, the shrinkage percentage of the leaves was affected by the number of layers; regardless of the drying time and number of layers, there was no significant effect on the density differences of the leaves. For the storage characteristics of the leaves, the use of silica gel maintains the dryness of the samples. Stored samples were also able to absorb and lose moisture regardless of the temperature and relative humidity. Distinct changes in color and aroma were observed in treatment samples that were stored not fully dried, while others were able to retain their initial color. Microwave drying of leaves preserved their nutritional value and it was nontoxic. Among all treatments, T3L3 was found to be the best treatment in microwave-drying Sambong leaves, with an average yield per drying of 8.72 g and good drying and storage characteristics. It was the most preferred treatment based on sensory analysis of dried tea samples. It was found to be non-toxic and was able to preserve its nutritional value. Crushed leaves can be for PhP 993.86 per 250 grams and PhP 111.67 per pack of 10-piece tea bags with 2.5 grams of crushed leaves each.