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A bundle of dried oregano sprigs and a pile of dried oregano.
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5 from 1 vote

How to Dry Oregano

Homegrown fresh oregano is a great addition to any kitchen garden and easy to preserve to use all year long. How to dry your fresh oregano leaves to use in pasta sauce, rubs, soups and so much more. 
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Fresh Herbs
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1
Calories: 127kcal
Author: Kristin

Equipment

Ingredients

  • Bundle of Fresh Oregano

Instructions

  • Start off by harvesting your fresh oregano. Taking sharp, clean kitchen sheers, cut the stalks at the base of the plant.
  • Run under cool water to remove any dirt or bugs. Pat dry with a paper or cloth towel.
  • Choose one of the three methods for drying your oregano.

Hang Dry

  • Take twine and tie together about 5-6 sprigs at the bottle of the stalks. Too many in one bundle will prevent good air flow.
  • Find a spot in your house that stays at room temperature, has good air circulation and not a lot of moisture. 
    Hang the bundles upside down and leave them for 1-4 weeks. The exact amount of time will depend on the conditions of your home.
  • They are done when the leaves and stalks are brittle and fall apart easily. 

Oven Drying

  • Give them a good wash and make sure to completely dry with a paper towel or cloth.
  • Place your oven on the lowest temperature setting possible. My oven goes down to 170.
  • Take a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lay out the sprigs, or leaves, in a single layer. 
  • Place in the oven with the door slightly propped open and let it dry for 2-3 hours. Check in every 30 minutes and rotate the baking sheet. 
  • It is important to prop the door so all the moisture can escape. The leaves will not dry out if there is moisture. 
  • They are done when the leaves are dry and brittle.

Dehydrator

  • Give them a good wash and pat dry. 
  • Place the oregano on the dehydrator tray and set the temp to 90-100 degrees. 
  • Let it run for 1-3 hours or until the leaves are dry and crumble easily when handled. Exact time will depend on the temperature on the dehydrator.
  • Now that they are dry, add them to your favorite recipes or store them for later use. 

Store Fresh Oregano

  • When the oregano is completely dried out break up, cut or grind into your desired size then store in an air tight container or glass jar and store in a dark cool location.

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 605mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 816IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 767mg | Iron: 18mg