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
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So have you tried either of these methods yet for How to Dry Oregano?
Leave a comment & share!
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.
That’s such a fantastic and creative idea, Tina… thanks for sharing!