How to Dry Oregano: 3 Ways to Dry Oregano

Oregano fans know that this flavorful Italian herb can add complexity to a number of dishes. Some cooks even grow their own oregano plant at home to ensure that they always have a fresh supply of it. Drying your oregano enables you to keep this herb in your pantry for longer than the fresh stuff. There are several different methods to dry fresh oregano at home so you can store it in your home year-round. Before you try any of these, always make sure to wash and dry your oregano beforehand thoroughly.

1. 1. Hang-drying: The simplest and most cost-effective method for drying oregano is to hang-dry it. Tie a few pieces of oregano together in a bunch at the stem using some twine or a rubber band. Hang these bundles from a string or hook in a warm place inside that gets some direct sunlight. Your oregano should be dry and ready to store in about two to six weeks.
2. 2. Dehydrating: A food dehydrator is an appliance that dries food using a tiered tray system, and it can also be used to dry herbs. Place your washed oregano sprigs into the dehydrator tray and set it to the lowest setting, between 95 and 125 degrees. Dehydrate your sprigs for a total time of about six to eighteen hours, checking periodically for doneness.
3. 3. Oven-drying: You can also use an oven to dry your oregano. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and add a single layer of fresh oregano stems. Place it in an oven set to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave the oven door slightly open to give the herbs good air circulation. Bake the oregano stems for two to four hours, checking as you go. The leaves are ready when you can easily crumble up the leaves in your hand.

Some of the most common uses of oregano include tomato-centric recipes, like pizza and pasta sauce, as well as olive oil-based dishes. Oregano is commonly combined with olive oil to create flavorful oregano oil, Italian vinaigrette, and marinades for lamb, chicken, and beef dishes. Other ingredients that pair well with the aromatic herb include garlic, basil, onion, and thyme.

Fresh oregano leaves are an excellent garnish to add in moderation at the end of cooking, particularly to hearty vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and cauliflower. Whether cooking with dried or fresh oregano, it’s best to crush or chop the herbs by hand before adding them to a dish in order to release the flavorful essential oils contained within.

Your dried oregano will have the best flavor for up to about six months before it starts to lose its potency. Store your herbs in an airtight container, preferably glass jars. Before you store your oregano, you can cure it to help prevent mold and bacteria. To do this, place your dried oregano leaves in an airtight container such as a mason jar and leave it in a cool dark place. For one hour a day, leave the lid off the airtight container to increase airflow. After a week, your herbs can be stored as normal.

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