Oregano, the aromatic herb with the finely tart taste, is indispensable in Mediterranean cuisine. Those who grow the herb themselves must dry oregano after harvesting. We show how it works.

In a nutshell

  • Oregano develops perfectly in sunny locations
  • Harvest time in July
  • Drying spices has been used for generations to preserve them
  • dried oregano can be used all year round
  • Flavor-preserving drying in the oven or in the air possible

Oregano, the wild marjoram

If you have a sunny spot in the garden, plant it with oregano. The herb also thrives in pots on the balcony or on the windowsill. Oregano smells wonderful and looks very attractive with its pink flowers.
The popular garden herb grows about seventy centimeters high. A sunny, warm location with permeable, calcareous soil is a prerequisite for good development.

To harvest

Oregano can be used fresh from the bush regularly for seasoning. To do this, cut off the tips of the shoots.
In July, the peak of the oregano harvest begins. Then the plant is in full bloom, the essential oil content and the aroma have fully developed. If you don't want to do without the wonderfully spicy oregano taste on pizza and co. even in autumn and winter, you can preserve the garden herb by drying it.

Notice: Harvest oregano in July on a warm, dry day, preferably mid-morning. The herb must not be damp, as this will hinder the drying process.

Oregano air dry

The gentlest and easiest way to preserve the spice is to air dry it.
Manual:

  1. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the stems about four inches off the ground.
  2. Shake the stalks lightly to remove debris.
  3. Tie the oregano sprigs into small bouquets with twine.
  4. Hang the bouquets upside down. Choose a dry, dark place to dry. We recommend a warm, about 20 to 30 degrees warm, well ventilated room.
  5. Place the completely dry herb in tightly sealable jars.

Notice: Harvest only undamaged shoots.

Oregano drying in the oven

Drying oregano in the oven is a little faster and yet gentle.
Manual:

  1. Spread the freshly harvested oregano sprouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Set the oven to 30 degrees Celsius.
  3. Leave the oven door slightly open.
  4. If the herb rustles and the leaves crumble between your fingers, it's dry.
  5. Let the dried garden herb cool down and fill it into storage jars.

Tip: Dried spices keep well in airtight containers. Keep these in a dark place. The aroma suffers with constant exposure to light. Alternatively, you can use brown glasses.

frequently asked Questions

Can you dry oregano outdoors?

You can dry the herb in a dry, sheltered place, for example under a roof outdoors. Tie small bouquets and hang them upside down. Under no circumstances should the bouquets get wet. Avoid direct sunlight, this will cause the leaves to fade and affect the aroma.

How can you tell if oregano is completely dried?

The Raschel test provides information about sufficient drying. When the herbs rustle and the leaves can be rubbed between the fingers, the herb is dry. The spice can then be filled into containers that can be closed well and stored in a cool and dark place.

Can you dry oregano in the microwave?

That is possible. Place the herb on a microwave-safe surface and set the device to 500 degrees Celsius for four to five times for 30 seconds each time. After that, the herb is dry. However, we recommend gently air drying or oven drying oregano. The aroma suffers in the microwave.

Category:

Vegetable garden