Gardener harvesting oregano

Oregano is a versatile and aromatic herb that adds a delightful burst of flavor to a wide range of dishes, from Italian pasta sauces to Greek salads and beyond. Whether you grow your own oregano or purchase it fresh from the market, learning how to store and preserve this herb properly is essential to ensure it retains its flavor and aroma for an extended period. Here, we’ll explore the best practices for storing and preserving oregano.

Harvesting fresh oregano

Oregano harvesting tip: To keep your oregano plants thriving, regular harvesting is essential. Prune the leaves from the top of the plants to encourage new growth. Excess oregano can be dried and stored for later use, added to homemade spice blends, or shared with friends and neighbors as a thoughtful gift.

Before we delve into the various methods of preserving oregano, let’s briefly discuss the process of harvesting fresh oregano. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for preserving its flavors. Oregano is best harvested just before it flowers, typically in late spring or early summer. To harvest fresh oregano, follow these steps:

1. Choose the right time: Select a time of day when the essential oils in the leaves are most concentrated, usually in the morning after the dew has dried.
2. Gather the tools: You will need a pair of clean, sharp scissors or garden shears.
3. Cut the stems: Snip the oregano stems just above a set of healthy leaves, leaving a few inches of stem below. This method encourages regrowth.
4. Rinse and dry: Gently rinse the oregano under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. Pat the leaves dry with a paper towel or allow them to air dry.

Now that you have harvested your fresh oregano, it’s time to explore the best methods for storing and preserving this delightful herb.

Drying oregano

Drying oregano

Drying is one of the most common methods of preserving oregano. It’s simple, and dried oregano retains much of its flavor.

How to dry oregano:

1. Bundle the stems: Tie several oregano stems together at the base with a string.
2. Hang the bundles: Hang the bundles upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area. The dark environment helps preserve the herb’s color and flavor, while good airflow prevents mold growth.
3. Dry for one to two weeks: Allow the oregano to dry for one to two weeks, or until the leaves crumble easily.
4. Store in an airtight container: Remove the dried leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container. Be sure to label it with the date of drying.

Freezing oregano

Freezing oregano is another excellent way to preserve its flavor, and it’s especially suitable for those who prefer a more potent taste.

How to freeze oregano:

1. Remove leaves from stems: After harvesting the oregano, strip the leaves from the stems.
2. Chop or leave whole: You can choose to chop the leaves or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
3. Portion and freeze: Place the chopped or whole oregano leaves into ice cube trays. Fill each cube slot with water and freeze. This method makes it easy to add oregano to your cooking as you can simply pop a frozen cube into your dish.
4. Transfer to a freezer bag: Once the cubes are frozen, transfer them to a labeled freezer bag for long-term storage.

Oregano oil

Oregano oil

Creating oregano oil is an excellent way to preserve the herb while harnessing its concentrated flavor. This method is perfect for drizzling over dishes or marinating meats.

How to make oregano oil:

1. Remove leaves from stems: As with the freezing method, strip the leaves from the stems.
2. Chop the leaves: Chop the leaves finely to release their oils and flavors.
3. Place in a glass jar: Put the chopped oregano into a glass jar, and fill it with a high-quality oil of your choice, such as olive oil.
4. Seal and store: Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place. The oil will infuse with the oregano flavor over time.

Oregano vinegar

Oregano-infused vinegar is another way to preserve the herb and create a tangy, flavorful liquid for use in dressings, marinades, and more.

How to make oregano vinegar:

1. Remove leaves from stems: Strip the oregano leaves from the stems.
2. Place in a sterilized jar: Put the leaves in a sterilized glass jar.
3. Heat vinegar: Heat white or red wine vinegar until it’s just about to boil. Pour the hot vinegar over the oregano leaves in the jar, ensuring they are completely submerged.
4. Seal and store: Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place. Allow the flavors to meld for at least two weeks before using.

Oregano salt

Creating oregano-infused salt is a fantastic way to add a burst of flavor to your dishes, especially when you’re in a hurry.

How to make oregano salt:

1. Remove leaves from stems: As always, strip the oregano leaves from the stems.
2. Dry the leaves: Place the leaves on a baking sheet and allow them to air dry for a few days.
3. Blend with salt: Once the leaves are dry, blend them with an equal amount of salt in a food processor. This evenly disperses the oregano flavor throughout the salt.
4. Store in an airtight container: Transfer the oregano salt to an airtight container for future use.

How do you harvest, store, and preserve oregano? We’d love to hear about your methods for making the most of your oregano harvest. Please share your ideas and tips in the comments below.