Effect of microwave power output on effective moisture diffusivity, colour parameters and rehydration characteristics of coriander leaves (Coriandrum sativum L) was investigated by using a microwave drier. Within the range of microwave power values, 180-360W, effective moisture diffusivities were found to be 6.3 x 10(-11)-2.19 x 10(-10) m(2)/s and the result could successfully be presented with the model suggested by Midilli et al. No significant differences in the colour parameters were obtained between the fresh and dried samples and the changes in their values were not dependent on the power outputs of the microwave drier. The highest rehydration capacity was recorded for the samples dried at 180W and lowest at 900W. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.