Introduction
Oregano is a popular herb in the culinary world thanks to its distinctive aroma and flavors that can complement a wide range of dishes. However, fresh oregano can be challenging to find year-round, which is why drying oregano becomes necessary. Drying oregano not only preserves its flavor and nutrients but also ensures that you have access to oregano whenever you need it. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to drying oregano and explore creative ways to use it in your cooking.
How to Dry Oregano: A Beginner’s Guide
The first step in drying oregano is understanding the benefits of the process. Drying oregano makes it easy to store for longer periods, retains its flavor, and ensures you have access to oregano all year round. Here are three different methods to dry your oregano:
Air-Drying:
Air-drying is a popular method of drying herbs that involves hanging the herbs upside down in a warm, dry place for a few weeks. To air-dry your oregano, start by cutting the stems near the base and gathering them into small bunches. Tie each bundle securely with a string and hang them in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Wait for two to three weeks until the leaves are dry and brittle, then crumble them into small pieces and store them in an airtight container.
Oven-Drying:
Oven-drying is a faster method of drying oregano, but it requires more attention and effort. To oven-dry your oregano, preheat your oven to 180°F. Rinse the oregano leaves and lay them out on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the oven and leave the door slightly ajar to prevent moisture buildup. Check the oregano after 10 minutes, and if it’s not dry yet, keep checking it every five minutes until it’s thoroughly dried. Once the leaves are dry, crumble them into small pieces and store them in an airtight container.
Dehydrator:
If you have a food dehydrator, drying oregano is simple. Rinse the leaves and pat them dry. Spread them out on the dehydrator trays and turn on the device to the ‘herb’ setting. Leave the oregano to dehydrate for three to four hours or until it’s brittle and dry. Once the leaves are dry, crumble them into small pieces and store them in an airtight container.
It’s important to store your dried oregano properly to keep it fresh. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Creative Uses for Dried Oregano in Your Cooking
Dried Oregano offers a range of possibilities for your cooking. Here are five ways to use dried oregano:
1. Spice Blend:
Dried oregano is a staple ingredient in many spice blends, such as Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and Herbes de Provence. You can create your spice blend by combining dried oregano with other dried herbs, spices, and seasonings that complement the cuisine you’re cooking.
2. Dressing or Marinade:
Oregano adds a robust flavor to dressings and marinades, especially when paired with citrus juice, garlic, and olive oil. Use it as a marinade for chicken, fish, or meat, or as a dressing for salad.
3. Infused Oil or Vinegar:
Combine dried oregano with olive oil or vinegar to make an infused oil or vinegar. Infused oil can be used as a dressing or as a flavor enhancer, while infused vinegar makes an excellent addition to sauces, marinades, and salad dressings.
4. Roasted Vegetables:
Sprinkle dried oregano over roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes. It adds an earthy, savory flavor to the veggies and pairs well with other seasonings like salt and black pepper.
5. Pizza:
Oregano is a classic ingredient in pizza seasoning mixes. Sprinkle some dried oregano over your homemade pizza for a burst of flavor.
To get the perfect flavor for your dishes when combining oregano with other dried herbs, it’s best to start with small amounts and add to taste. You can also experiment with different combinations until you find the one that suits your taste buds.
Oregano: The Herb that Keeps on Giving – How to Dry and Propagate Your Own Plants
While drying oregano is a great way to preserve the herb, growing and harvesting your own oregano plants provides a steady supply of both fresh and dried herbs. Here are the steps you need to follow to harvest and propagate your oregano plant:
Harvesting:
When harvesting fresh oregano, cut the stems down to one-third of the plant, leaving some leaves and stems to grow back. Rinse the herbs and shake off the excess water. Spread them out on a clean dishtowel and air-dry them in a cool, dry, and dark place until the leaves are dry and brittle. Once dry, transfer the leaves to an airtight container.
Propagation:
You can propagate oregano from seeds or by dividing the plants. When dividing the plants, use a sharp knife or shears to cut the root ball into smaller portions, ensuring that each portion has a healthy root system and a few stems. Replant the divided segments in fresh soil and water them well.
Once you have dry oregano leaves, they can be mixed with fresh ones to make incredible herbal tea or tisane, which is an excellent way to enjoy the herb’s healing properties.
Healing Properties of Dried Oregano: How to Make Herbal Tea
Oregano has potential health benefits that have been well documented. These benefits come from the active ingredients in oregano, such as carvacrol and thymol, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Here is how to make oregano tea or tisane from dried oregano:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
- 2 cups water
- Honey – optional
Instructions:
- Boil the water in a saucepan and add the oregano leaves.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and add honey to taste.
- Enjoy warm or chilled.
Oregano tea is useful in relieving digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea, and it has also proven useful in reducing inflammation and easing cold symptoms.
From Garden to Gourmet: How to Use Fresh and Dried Oregano in Your Cooking
While dried oregano is handy for many dishes, it’s worth highlighting the differences between fresh and dried oregano. Fresh oregano tends to be milder and has a sweeter taste than dried oregano, which is more potent and has a slightly bitter flavor. However, they can both be used interchangeably in most recipes if the proper proportions are used.
Here are a few recipes that incorporate both fresh and dried oregano:
1. Mediterranean Pasta Sauce:
Sauté garlic, onions, and dried oregano in olive oil. Add fresh tomatoes and let the sauce simmer. Add spinach and fresh oregano leaves. Toss with pasta, adding crumbled goat cheese for flavor.
2. Greek Pizza:
Drizzle olive oil over pizza and sprinkle dry oregano over the crust. Add Feta cheese and fresh spinach. Top with sliced red onions and sliced black olives.
3. BBQ Chicken:
Dry rub fresh chicken breast pieces with dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Grill it on the BBQ and brush with a glaze made from honey, lemon juice, and fresh oregano leaves.
When using fresh oregano, remember that the flavor can be intense. It’s best to add it towards the end of cooking or use it to garnish dishes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drying oregano is a simple process that ensures your access to the herb throughout the year. It’s essential to store the dried herb correctly and experiment with different ways to incorporate this delicious herb into your cooking. Harvesting and propagating your oregano plant provides a steady supply of fresh and dried herbs. Finally, remember that oregano has potential health benefits and can be used in a variety of culinary and medicinal applications.
So don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with oregano in your kitchen to find the perfect flavor combinations for your dishes. Whether dried or fresh, oregano is a herb that can enhance the flavors of many meals.
