Oregano is one of the classic spices in Mediterranean cuisine. That is why the herb is a must in the garden for many herb fans. But what to do when the plant in the herb bed begins to bloom? Is Oregano That Blooms Still Edible?

In a nutshell

  • Oregano does not lose its aroma when it blooms
  • should even taste the most intense during flowering
  • Flowers are edible (salad, spreads, decoration)

oregano

oregano, bot. Origanum vulgare, is a plant species from the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is also known as Echter Dost, Wohlgemut, Müllerkraut or Wild Marjoram. The herb has a growth height of 20 to 70 centimeters and develops small flowers on globular pseudoribs. Oregano flowers from July to September.

oregano flower

The flowers of the real dost are edible. The individual flowers are small and slightly purple in colour. The nectar can have a sugar content of up to 76 percent. Therefore, honey bees like to fly to the herb. However, despite the high sugar content, blossom honey from Origanum vulgare is rarely offered.

oregano flowers

Blooming oregano

Since the flowers and stems of the herb are edible, the flowering plant is also edible. Some herb lovers even find that the herb develops its best aroma during the flowering period. It is therefore recommended that wild marjoram, which is to be dried for storage, is always harvested during or just before flowering. It is up to you whether you follow this recommendation, because Origanum vulgare can also be hung upside down to dry after the flowering period.

Notice: For daily needs, you can harvest the common candy at any time.

prolong flowering

To prolong the oregano bloom, the herb can be cut in stages:

  • in May: flowers in early autumn
  • before the pseudo umbels are formed: flowers until late autumn
  • during flowering: second flowering possible in autumn
  • do not cut part: flowers from July
Tactically pruning the oregano can extend flowering time.

For harvesting the herb, staggered pruning is just one option. If the flowers are to be used more often, it is a good way to extend the flowering period into late autumn.

subspecies and varieties

In addition to the common Dost, there are various subspecies that are also used in the kitchen. These include, for example:

  • Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. Hirtum, Origanum heracleoticum)
  • Italian oregano (Origanum species “Surpreme”)
  • Siberian or Russian oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. gracile, Origanum tyttanthum)
  • Cultivated form "Hot and Spicy" (Origanum x majoricum)

The flowers of these subspecies and varieties can differ slightly from the real Dost in color, but this has no effect on the taste.

Notice: As with Origanum vulgare, the leaves and stems are also edible during and after the flowering period.

frequently asked Questions

How do I clean flowering oregano?

It is best if you spray the shrub the evening before harvest. It can dry overnight and you can harvest the herbs the following morning.

When is the best time to harvest oregano when it's in bloom?

Ideally, Real Dost is harvested in the morning when it is in bloom. This is because the concentration of essential oils in the leaves is at its highest at this time of day.

Can I use the flowers and leaves together for seasoning?

In principle yes, but the flowers are mainly used for cold dishes

Category:

Vegetable garden