Tips On Harvesting Oregano And How To Dry Oregano

You may pull off the tiny leaves and dry them separately or dry the entire stem and then crumble off the crisp leaves. Bundle the stems together and hang them to dry oregano in a dark, dry spot. Place a perforated paper bag around the herbs to catch the bits of leaves as they fall and to keep dirt and dust off.

What is the best way to dry fresh oregano?
How long does it take to air dry oregano?
When and how do you harvest oregano?
Is oregano better fresh or dried?
What do I do with all this fresh oregano?
How do you air dry oregano leaves?
How do you store fresh oregano from the garden?
Does oregano like full sun?
Should you let oregano flower?

What is the best way to dry fresh oregano?

Place oregano in a single layer on a baking sheet. You can dry directly on the baking sheet or put down parchment paper. Place in the oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour the leaves should be completely dried.

How long does it take to air dry oregano?

Hang your oregano for 6-12 hours to air dry it before using another method if you rinse it.

When and how do you harvest oregano?

The flavor of oregano is most intense in mid-summer, just before it blooms, making this the best time to harvest leaves for drying. This herb is stronger dried than fresh. For a big harvest, cut the stems just above the plant's lowest set of leaves; this encourages new growth for the next cutting in late summer.

Is oregano better fresh or dried?

The dried stuff certainly has its place (pizza, yes, and also dry rubs, vinaigrettes, and sauces, too), but fresh oregano is even more powerful and versatile. (BTW, we're talking about Mediterranean oregano here, be it Italian, Turkish, or Greek.

What do I do with all this fresh oregano?

It goes particularly well with the following foods and recipes:

jazz up pizza/pasta sauces;
use as a pizza sauce itself;
make a simple oregano pasta.
mix with some olive oil and drizzle in a nice salad;
dress up some roast potatoes like these potatoes from A Communal Table;

How do you air dry oregano leaves?

Steps to air drying oregano:

Gather oregano sprigs in the morning just when the sun has dried the dew. Arrange the sprigs in a loose bundle tied securely together with twine or rubber band. Place the bundles inside a brown paper bag. It should be large enough to allow room for good air circulation inside the bag.

How do you store fresh oregano from the garden?

Whether it's homegrown or purchased, oregano should be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you place a slightly damp paper towel in the bag with the oregano and leave some air in the bag, it may extend the life up to one week.

Does oregano like full sun?

Oregano loves the sun, so ensure that your placement has full, strong sun for strong flavor. Some folks plant later in the season for assured warm weather. However, for a head start, plant the seeds/cuttings 6 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost. (See local frost dates.)

Should you let oregano flower?

Oregano needs regular pinching back, beginning when the plant is only about 4 inches tall. Pinching back the growing tips will make the plants bush out and prevent leggy, straggly growth. It also keeps the plant from flowering, which is best if you want to keep the leaves as flavorful as possible for kitchen use.