Oregano is an herb that is native to the Mediterranean region that typically grows to a height of 12-24 inches. It’s a really easy process to harvest oregano, but there are a few best practices to consider.
Oregano’s name is derived from the Greek words “oros” (mountain) and “ganos” (joy). It has been used for centuries as a culinary and medicinal herb, and is one of the key ingredients in Italian and Greek cooking. The ancient Greeks and Romans used oregano for a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, sore throats, and colds. It was also believed to have spiritual and magical properties, and was used as an aphrodisiac and as an ingredient in love potions.
During the Middle Ages, oregano was widely used as a medicinal herb in Europe. It was believed to help with digestive issues, colds, and headaches, and it was also used to treat menstrual cramps and to induce labor. In the 17th century, oregano was introduced to North America by European settlers.
It was used both medicinally and as a culinary herb. Today, oregano is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking, and it is widely available in grocery stores, health food stores, and online. It is used to flavor a variety of dishes, including pasta sauces, stews, and pizza sauces.
When should you harvest oregano?
You can harvest oregano at any time of year, but the best time to harvest it is just before the flowers open. This is when the leaves have the most flavor and aroma. Oregano typically flowers in the summer, producing clusters of small, white, or pink flowers. Each flower has four petals and they usually open in the afternoon. So the best time to harvest oregano is in the late spring to early summer before the flowers really start blooming. You can harvest oregano any time, though.
Harvesting oregano in the fall is a great way to ensure a plentiful supply of the herb for winter. To harvest oregano in the fall, fully cut the entire plant down to about one inch in height. Don’t worry, this won’t harm your oregano plant. Oregano is a perennial in USDA zones 5-12, so if you live in one of these zones, it’ll grow back in the spring!
The amount of oregano you can get from one plant will depend on the size and health of the plant. Generally, a single plant can produce up to 2 ounces of oregano leaves.
How to harvest oregano
To harvest oregano, cut the stems just above where good, high-quality leaves begin growing. Older foliage may be dead or damaged. Place the stems in a paper bag and hang them in a warm, dry location away from direct sunlight. Leave the bag for 2-4 weeks until the leaves are completely dry.
You can also hang dry oregano. Simply cut the oregano plant back to about 6 inches from the base. Tie the stems together with twine or a rubber band then hang the oregano in a cool, dry, dark location. Leave the oregano to dry completely for about two weeks, occasionally blotting off any moisture with a towel. When the oregano is completely dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store in an airtight container. Once dry, you can remove and store the leaves in an airtight container.
Storing oregano
Oregano should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Fresh oregano can also be stored in the freezer for up to a year. Freshly harvested oregano can be stored in water for a few days as well. Just as you would with a lovely bouquet of flowers, place the stems of your oregano plant into a container of water, taking care not to submerge the whole plant. Refrigerating the oregano can help extend its lifespan as well.
