El oregano, scientifically known as Origanum vulgare, is an aromatic plant highly prized for both its culinary and medicinal qualities. Its distinctive flavor and intense aroma have made it an irreplaceable ingredient in cuisines around the world, especially in Mediterranean cuisine, although it also features prominently in Mexican, Greek, and many other dishes.
In addition to enhancing the flavor of countless recipes, oregano has been a part of traditional medicine for generations, used to relieve everything from digestive discomfort to minor respiratory problems. Today, having oregano in your home is an excellent idea, whether you're looking to enhance your dishes or have a fresh, natural remedy at your fingertips.
But, to make the most of it, it is essential to know When and how to harvest oregano, as well as its best drying and preservation methods. Below, we offer a complete, detailed, and up-to-date guide, based on best practices and expert advice, so you can fully enjoy this essential herb and preserve its aroma and properties for a long time.
When should oregano be harvested?
La oregano harvesting It's a simple but crucial task to preserve the maximum amount of its essential oils and intense aroma. The right time to cut oregano not only ensures better flavor but also allows the plant to continue growing healthily.
Oregano can be grown both in the garden and in pots indoors, and its annual blooms attract various pollinating insects. Furthermore, this plant is hardy and able to repel some pests, making it ideal for organic gardens.
The best time to harvest oregano This is when the plant is in full bloom. At this point, the essential oils are most concentrated in the leaves and flowers, intensifying their flavor and aroma. Flowering typically occurs between mid-summer and early autumn, although it may be brought forward or delayed depending on the weather and geographical location.
Observe the following details to harvest at the optimal time:
- Wait until the flowers are well developed, but still fresh, and the leaves maintain their deep green color.
- If you want to obtain oregano with maximum aroma, the harvesting should preferably be done in the early hours of the morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the sun becomes intense.
- In crops from the second year onwards, it is possible to harvest several times during the summer, allowing the plant to recover between harvests and extending production.
You should cut the oregano just after it flowers, when both the leaves and flowers are at their peak development. Remember that both the leaves like flowers can be used, since both provide unparalleled aromatic nuances.
How to harvest oregano correctly?
Harvesting oregano requires specific care to achieve a quality product without damaging the plant and to enjoy several harvests each season.
- Suitable tools: Use clean, sharp pruning shears, or alternatively, a neat, fine-edged knife. This allows for clean, precise cuts, avoiding tears that could weaken the plant.
- Where to cut: Make the cut from the main stem, leaving at least 5 centimeters from the base to encourage new growth. Never uproot the plant or cut all the branches; always leave some foliage to ensure its survival and continuity.
- Time of day: It is advisable to harvest oregano early in the morning, when temperatures are mild and the plant has not yet lost moisture or volatile oils due to the sun.
- Quantity: If your plant is young, limit the harvest to a small portion to avoid weakening it. For well-established plants over a year old, you can make several cuts throughout the season, always leaving enough green growth for regrowth.
Don't forget that if you harvest wild oregano, you must do so responsibly and respect the environment. In many cases, unauthorized harvesting is prohibited in protected areas or natural parks.
Drying oregano: Preserves its aroma and flavor
Once collected, the next step is the drying oreganoThe drying process largely determines the quality of oregano during its subsequent use, as it determines the preservation of its essential oils, nutrients, and the characteristic aroma that makes it so prized.
There are two main methods for drying oregano:
- Air dry: Arrange the freshly cut twigs in a single layer on a mesh screen or clean surface in a ventilated, dry area away from direct sunlight. Drying can take between one and two weeks, depending on the ambient humidity. This method is ideal for small quantities and allows you to visually monitor the process. To expand your knowledge, you can also consult How to dry herbs at home.
- Hung in bunches: Tie small bunches of oregano with string or twine and hang them upside down in a cool, ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Make sure the bundles aren't too thick to prevent moisture retention and mold growth. This traditional method is very practical and effective.
With both methods you will know that the oregano is ready to store when the leaves and flowers crumble easily between your fingersIf they are still flexible or retain moisture, let them dry for a few more days.
Avoid drying oregano in direct sunlight, as this significantly reduces its flavor and medicinal value. Also, avoid using methods that involve excessive heat, such as using an oven, except in emergencies and at very low temperatures.
How to store oregano to preserve its properties
Once dried, the oregano should be cleaned by separating the leaves and flowers from the stems. You can do this by shredding the sprigs with your fingers in a clean, dry container. Then, follow these steps to store it:
- Container: Use glass jars or airtight containers to store dried oregano. Glass is preferable as it doesn't retain odors or affect the flavor.
- Location: Store the cans in a dark and cool place, away from light, moisture, and heat sources. To learn more about preservation techniques, we recommend visiting How to dry oregano at home.
- Labeled: Label the contents with the name and date of collection to identify them and consume them within one year, during which time they retain their full aroma and flavor.
If you store oregano properly, you'll have a fresh and potent spice at your disposal for many months, perfect for adding to your favorite recipes or preparing natural medicinal infusions.
Main uses of oregano: cooking and health
Oregano is one of the essential herbs in any pantry and stands out for its versatility. These are its most important uses:
- Culinary seasoning: Protagonist in Mediterranean dishes such as pizzas, pastas, salads, meats, fish, vegetables, and sauces. Its use is also common in breads, stews, soups, and casseroles, as well as in the production of flavored oils and vinegars. To expand your knowledge about its cultivation, visit all about growing oregano.
- Use fresh and dry: Fresh oregano is used to give a mild, refreshing touch, while dried oregano provides a concentrated flavor, perfect for cooking recipes or marinades.
- Infusions and home remedies: They are traditionally prepared oregano infusions to soothe respiratory and digestive discomfort and relieve mild headaches.
- Long-lasting storage: Thanks to its intense aroma and essential oil content, dried oregano can be stored for long periods without losing its qualities.
El Oregano not only stands out for its usefulness in the kitchen, but their medicinal properties making it a natural ally for maintaining health. Studies and traditions have confirmed that its regular use in the diet can provide notable benefits. For home remedies against powdery mildew, check out this guide.
Benefits of oregano
- Antibacterial and antifungal properties: Its essential oils, such as carvacrol and thymol, help fight bacteria and fungi, contributing to the natural preservation of food and general well-being.
- Antioxidant effect: Rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, oregano combats cellular damage caused by free radicals, promoting cardiovascular health and healthy aging.
- Vitamins and minerals: It is a source of vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, calcium and manganese, which strengthen the immune system and strengthen bones and tissues.
- Digestive properties: It aids digestion and helps reduce the formation of gas, flatulence, or mild stomach discomfort.
- Natural solution for minor ailments: In infusion form, it is used to relieve respiratory discomfort, coughs, and mild colds, thanks to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Easy to grow: Oregano adapts to both gardens and pots. It's hardy, low-maintenance, and ideal for urban gardening or organic vegetable gardens.
Tips to get the most out of oregano
- Use dried oregano to enhance the flavor of cooked or long-prepared recipes, and fresh oregano to finish dishes just before serving.
- Always store in airtight containers and in dark places to prevent the degradation of its volatile oils.
- You can prepare oils, vinegars, or salts flavored with dried oregano to add flavor and properties to different dishes.
- If you have multiple plants, stagger the harvest to ensure you have fresh oregano for longer and extend the life of your dried supply at home.
Oregano is much more than a simple herb: it's easy to grow, its harvesting and drying are rewarding, and its nutritional and medicinal value, along with its delicious aroma, make it indispensable for both the kitchen and the home's natural medicine cabinet. Enjoying your own oregano, harvested and preserved at home, is undoubtedly one of the best ways to ensure the authentic flavor and benefits of this unique herb year-round.
