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If you’ve got a bunch of oregano thriving in your garden or sitting pretty on your kitchen counter, drying and preserving these aromatic leaves can be a delightful and simple project. Dried oregano not only lasts long but also enhances your cooking with a concentration of flavor that fresh herbs can’t match. Here’s how you can do it at home with ease.
Picking the Right Time to Harvest
The best time to harvest oregano is just before it flowers, when the leaves are packed with essential oils and flavors. Morning is ideal, after the dew has evaporated but before the sun is too hot, ensuring the leaves are dry yet fresh.
Preparing Oregano for Drying
- Trim Healthy Stems: Cut only the healthy stems, ideally those that are 4-6 inches long. This length is perfect for handling and drying.
- Rinse and Pat Dry: Gently rinse the stems under cold water to remove any dirt or bugs. Shake off excess water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Remove Lower Leaves: Strip off the leaves from the bottom inch of each stem. This part will be used for tying and hanging.
Choosing a Drying Method
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