Oregano Profile
- Scientific name: Origanum vulgare
- Plant family: Mint family (Lamiaceae)
- Other names: Greek or Italian oregano
- Sowing time / Planting time: April to May
- Flowering period: July to September
- Harvest time: Any time when the plant is actively growing
- Location: Warm, sunny locations
- Soil type: A sandy loam is ideal for growing oregano
- Soil pH: Between 6.0 and 8.0
Plant Description
Oregano, (Origanum vulgare), is an aromatic perennial herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae) known for its flavourful leaves. Oregano is native to the hills of the Mediterranean countries and Western Asia, and has naturalized in parts of Mexico and the United States. This aromatic herb has long been an essential ingredient of Mediterranean cooking and is widely used to season many dishes. The genus Origanum contains 45 species, 6 subspecies and 3 varieties. The most used variety in cooking is the Greek or Italian oregano, with its strong aroma and a warm, pungent taste. But ornamental cultivars are typically blander in flavor and not suitable for cooking.
When to Harvest Oregano
- Oregano plant should be healthy and green, with plump leaves and growth nodes. There should be multiple sets of leaves on each stem but no fully developed flower buds at the stem tips. Tender shoots have the best flavor. Plus, the plant regrows easily after cutting if harvests are made earlier in the season.
- Oregano is best harvested in the spring and early summer before the blooms have formed, as the plant's energy and oils are concentrated in the foliage. After flowering, the flavor changes.
- Harvest is in the morning, after the dew has dried but while the leaves are still full of moisture. Harvesting on a hot, dry, sunny afternoon can translate to a more intense and sometimes slightly bitter flavor.
How to Harvest Oregano
Fresh herbs are always going to taste better than their dried counterparts. If you want to really taste the flavor of oregano, harvest it right before you’re about to use it. But as fresh, oregano doesn’t last very long.
To harvest oregano, wait until the stems grown to 4–5 inches high and cut using a sharp scissors or your fingers just above a set of leaves. The plant will reshoot from this point and form fresh side stems.
If you want to harvest a larger amount or are cutting your oregano back, then the approach you take is important for the long-term health of the plant. You should harvest the stems from the top down, and Always leave at least 1 leaf pair at the bottom of a stem when harvesting, as this will allow the stem to keep growing after harvesting.
Drying Harvested Oregano
- If you want to dry oregano for longer use. Rinse the harvested stems off with cool water first.
- Spread them on a paper towel in a single layer.
- Dry oregano by hanging herb bunches in a warm, dry place, or in a single layer between two sets of parchment until dried.
Storing Oregano
- The most common way to store oregano leaves is to dry them.
- Harvest large bunches and bundle them together in a large paper bag, and then hang them upside down to dry.
- The paper bag will catch any leaves as they fall. After a week or so, shake the stems while still in the bag to release any remaining leaves. You should then be able to crumble the dried leaves into a container to use throughout winter.
- Store dried oregano in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
What’s the Difference in Cooking With Fresh and Dried Oregano?
While most culinary herbs tend to lose much of their flavor when dried, oregano is one of the rare exceptions to the rule. Fresh oregano and dried oregano are very similar in flavor.
Given its pungent flavor, dried oregano is used more frequently during the cooking process, as the flavors are easier to control.
Fresh oregano is generally used as a garnish, or added at the end of cooking. Fresh oregano has an appealing leafy green appearance that can add color and aroma to dishes, but isn’t as widely available. You can have it at hand only if you grow it!
Want to read:
Dried oregano, is usually sold in brown, powdery flakes, is available in most grocery stores and markets.
This dried oregano is excellent for mashed turnips and pasta dishes. It's an easy-open jar and simple to get just the right amount out of. The oregano is good quality and tastes great. It's a good value for the quality & quantity.
The Most Common Uses Of Oregano
- As an aromatic herb, both the fresh leaves and the dried, can be uses for cooking.
- Oregano is most commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean recipes. Whether on pizza or in tomato sauces, the leaves of this aromatic herb gives many dishes a special touch.
- Oregano with its aroma fits very well to egg dishes, especially omelets.
- This amazing herb is widely used in the preparation of salads.
- Oregano can be added to many sauces and soups. Especially sauces with meat and fish dishes, by adding oregano to them, they can get a very tasty touch.
- Oregano can be used for seasoning vegetable or cream soups, such potato cream or tomato cream soup.
- With regard to the spiciness, oregano is an exception within the dried herbs. Many herbs can lose their aroma when dried, but oregano, however, can be co-cooked without losing the aroma.
Medicinal Propriety of Oregano
- Oregano is a medicinal herb that have a long list of health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
- Oregano is high in antioxidants and may help fight off bacteria and viruses.
- The herb may help relieve cough and aid digestion.
- The essential oils of oregano are widely recognized for their antimicrobial activity, as well as their antiviral and antifungal properties.
Majestic Pure, pure and natural therapeutic grade oregano essential oil is extracted through steam distillation of fresh oregano leaves. Oregano plant is native to higher altitudes and normally grows in the mountains, which is how it got the name “Oregano”, which means “Delight of the Mountains”.
Harvesting your own oregano at home ensures you get the freshest, best-tasting herb that’s out there
Watch How to Harvest Oregano Video
Want to read:
I hope this step-by-step guide helps you learn when and how to harvest oregano and enjoy all its benefits! Don’t hesitate to ask questions or reach out with any suggestions. So please let us know your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below. If you like this, you can share with your friends!
This web site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. Some of the links to products on this site are affiliate links. These are products that I've used or recommend based from homesteading experience. I do make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) from these sales.(alert-warning)
