Using these 2 easy tricks for How to Dry Oregano Leaves could save you some real money, while yielding superior tasting Oregano, too!
Be sure to also try these easy methods for How to Dry Fresh Basil and for How To Dry Fresh Rosemary!
How to Dry Oregano Leaves
Did you know that drying your own herbs is ridiculously simple? It’s true… once I tried it I couldn’t believe how easy it was!
Which brings us to this simple little trick I’ve got for you… How to Dry Oregano!
Kathi writes: "I love how easy this is and the color stays green."
Not only is this trick SO easy, but it’s also such a fabulous way to save a little extra money!
If you use this tip with herbs you grow at home… you’ll even end up with organic dried herbs!
How nice is that?!?
Plus, when you dry your herbs at home, they can retain more of their gorgeous, vibrant color!
Seriously… it’s SO much prettier than store bought dried herbs!
The flavor is just fantastic, too!
So what are you waiting for?
Here’s what you’ll need to do to Dry Oregano Leaves at Home…
Related: 21 DIY Seasoning Recipes!
What’s Needed for Drying Out Fresh Oregano
You’ll just need a few basic supplies to dry your oregano.
You likely already have all of these items laying around your home somewhere…
- Fresh Oregano Leaves from Your Garden (or leftovers from the grocery store)
- Glass (microwaveable) Plate + Microwave-Safe Paper Towels
- OR 1 Rubber band + Twine
That’s it. So simple.
If you don’t have any of these items, you can easily pick them up next time you are out and about.
Related: Easy Gardening Tips and Tricks (How to Grow Your Own Food)
How Do You Preserve Fresh Oregano?
It’s actually really easy!
There are two simple methods to dry your Oregano at home and save it for later use.
You can either use your microwave to dry up the leaves quickly, or just let your leaves air dry naturally!
Drying Fresh Oregano in Microwave Instructions
It takes just a few simple steps and literally a few seconds of your time to dry your fresh oregano in the microwave.
Here’s what you’ll do…
1. Place 1 paper towel flat on your plate.
2. Lay out Oregano Leaves in a single layer on the paper towel, then add another paper towel on top.
3. Microwave 45 seconds, then in 15 second increments.
Mine are usually dried out and ready after a total of 1 minute, and 45 seconds.
4. After dry, use thumb and forefinger to pinch stalk while slowly sliding fingers down the stem to remove dried leaves.
5. Toss the stems, then simply crumble and crush the oregano leaves with your fingers.
6. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (like with your other spices).
Mini Mason Jars work great, or you could even use your old spice containers!
Drying Fresh Oregano in Microwave Reviews
What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About the Microwave Method…
Kathi writes: “I love how easy this is and the color stays green.”
Rocky writes: “Wow! Super easy! Saving this one for sure. The time in microwave is right on. Thank you.”
Joe writes: “We’ve used the microwave method for basil, rosemary, and oregano.”
How to Dry Oregano Leaves from the Garden Naturally, Without a Microwave
No Microwave?
No problem!
You can also dry your oregano using a dehydrator, or here’s an old-fashioned method that works just as well…
1. Take a bundle of oregano leaves from your garden (or leftovers from the grocery store), fasten the ends with a rubber band, then tie some twine around them.
2. Hang them upside, and allow to dry completely inside your home.
3. Leaves should be dry within 1 – 2 weeks, although here in Arizona our air is SO dry it usually only takes a couple of days. 🙂
4. After dry, use thumb and forefinger to pinch stalk while gently sliding fingers down stem to remove the dried leaves.
5. Discard the stems, then gently crumble and crush the oregano leaves with your fingers.
6. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or spice cabinet).
I like to use mini mason jars or old glass spice containers to store mine.
How to Use Dried Oregano
Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe (Fast & Flavorful)
Make your favorite Greek chicken classics at home with this easy Greek Chicken Marinade Recipe!
Crock Pot Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe (with Oregano)
Make amazing things happen in the kitchen when you make this yummy Crock Pot Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This delicious Slow Cooker Chicken dinner is loaded with flavor, and perfect served with a side of rice!
Crockpot Honey Garlic Ribs Recipe (fall-off-the-bone good)
Serve your family some fall-off-the-bone deliciousness when you make these easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Ribs!
Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
Take your homemade pizza to the next level when you add some delicious dried oregano to your dough!
More Ways To Preserve Fresh Herbs
On the hunt for more DIY kitchen hacks?
Become your own homemade seasonings genius with the help of these fun ideas below…
How to Dry Fresh Basil
Never run out… and save some serious $$ moola at the same time. If using homegrown herbs, you’ll even end up with Organic dried herbs… which can be a huge money-saver!
Drying Fresh Rosemary in 60 Seconds
Save money on herbs with this easy trick for Drying Fresh Rosemary in 60 seconds!
How to Dry Thyme Leaves in 2 Minutes!
Making your garden fresh Thyme last all year long is easy with this tip for how to Dry Thyme Leaves.
How to Dry Dill
Once you know How to Dry Dill, you’ll be able to easily preserve your fresh dill from the garden or leftover dill from the grocery store! It’s so easy!
How to Dry Sage Leaves Fast
Try my simple tips for how to Dry Sage Leaves so you can save money and always have a plentiful supply of sage on hand!
How to Dry Cilantro Leaves
Let me show you how to Dry Cilantro Leaves, so you can enjoy the yummy citrus like flavor of cilantro anytime you want!
How to Dry Parsley Leaves Fast (Dried Herb Trick)
When you grow parsley in your garden like I do, you really need to know how to Dry Parsley and keep it green for later!
DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden
Enjoy fresh herbs year round with this easy DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden!
55 Easy Gardening Tips and Tricks for Beginners!
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a fabulous garden. So go grab your shovel, and get inspired with these helpful Gardening Tips and Tricks you’ll wish you tried sooner.
Canning and Preserving for Beginners
There’s just something so satisfying about the entire process of preserving your own food. As an added bonus, it tastes so much better, too!
Homesteading 101 (Ultimate Guide for Homesteaders Today)
Savor every moment of the simpler life and take your homesteader skills to the next level with this ultimate guide for Homesteading 101!
Easy Homemade Seasoning Recipes
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe
This Ranch tastes absolutely amazing!! Ever wonder what makes Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix so amazingly delicious?? It’s the Buttermilk!!
Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe
When you know the spices to put in chili, you’ll never want to buy those chili seasoning packets again.
Easy Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe
No need to buy expensive store-bought Fajita Seasoning ever again!
Easy Taco Seasoning Recipe
You’re gonna fall in love with this Taco Seasoning! Yum!! Skip a trip to the store, and have some yummy fun making your own taco seasoning!
21 DIY Seasoning Recipes
Cut your grocery bill and score big flavors with these DIY Seasoning Recipes. You’ll love these easy spices and seasonings you can make at home!
31 Sauce Recipes for Chicken (Easy Homemade Sauces)
If you love sauce, then you’ll love making your own at home with these easy homemade sauce recipes for chicken!
Grocery Money Saving Tips
Walmart Grocery Deals (Best Secret Tips)
Make your next trip to Walmart extra thrifty when you use my favorite money saving tips for scoring the best Walmart Grocery Deals!
Sam’s Club Deals and Steals
Start scoring yourself some fabulous Sam’s Club Deals and Steals when you are prepped with these little-known shopping hacks!
How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half (35 Money Saving Tips)
Want to know how to cut your grocery bill in half? Keep more cash in your wallet with these easy money saving tricks!
So have you tried either of these methods yet for How to Dry Oregano?
Leave a comment & share!
Don't Miss Out... Subscribe Now!
Tina Ward says
Instead of throwing away the stems from dried herbs (especially the woody stems), Save them! Tie in bundles and add to your grill (wrapped in a foil “pan” if it is a gas grill) to add extra flavor to your grilled food or toss into your wood burning fireplace. The woody stems can be used for spearing fruits (mint twigs), cheese chunks (basil, sage, etc. or if the sticks are really sturdy, sausage bites, etc.