Drying Fresh Oregano
Drying oregano is best done by hanging small bunches in a dark, airy space until the leaves are brittle enough to crumble between your fingers. Once the stems snap rather than bend, the leaves are ready to be stripped and stored away from direct light.
Wait for the dew to lift
Harvest oregano mid-morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the afternoon sun saps the oils from the leaves. Moisture is your enemy during the drying process, as it leads to mold.
- kitchen twine
- paper bags
- sharp kitchen shears
What goes in.
- as neededfresh oregano sprigs
Airflow over heat
Avoid the temptation to use an oven or dehydrator on high heat; slow, natural air circulation preserves the potent volatile oils that give the herb its bite.
The method.
Clean the sprigs
Gently shake the bundles to remove garden grit or insects. Do not wash the herbs; if they are truly muddy, rinse them quickly and pat them bone-dry with a lint-free towel.
Bundle the herbs
Gather 5 to 7 sprigs and tie the base of the stems tightly with kitchen twine. Keep the bundles small to ensure air reaches the center of the bunch.
Secure the bag
Place the bundle upside down inside a paper bag with holes punched in the sides. Tie the bag closed around the twine; the bag protects against dust and sun while allowing air to move.
Hang to dry
Suspend the bags in a cool, dark room with steady airflow. Keep them away from stove steam or damp basement air.
Test for dryness
After one week, check the stems. If they bend, let them hang longer. If they snap cleanly, the herbs are ready for stripping.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Strip the leaves by holding the stem at the top and sliding your fingers firmly downward toward the base.
Store the dried leaves whole in airtight glass jars; crushing them releases the oils, so wait until you are ready to use them to grind them.
If you see any discoloration or dark spots on the leaves while hanging, discard those specific sprigs immediately.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I dry oregano in the sun?
Direct sunlight bleaches the leaves and cooks off the essential oils, leaving you with brittle, flavorless herb paper.
How long will the dried oregano keep?
Stored in a cool, dark cupboard, dried oregano keeps its potency for about a year. If it loses its color, it has likely lost its flavor.
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