Oregano
Oregano is a Mediterranean herb with small velvety leaves on long skinny stems. It is draught tolerate and grows well in the hot and dry climate of the California central valley. It can be used fresh or dried. It’s most commonly used as a dried herb in pizza and spaghetti sauces. Dried oregano can also be steeped into a tea; the strong flavor and aroma can clear sinuses and lift spirits. My favorite way to use oregano is fresh in a pesto sauce.
Harvesting Oregano
Oregano is best harvested in the spring before it flowers. All you need is garden shears. Bunch the oregano together and cut near the base of the stems, snipping a few leaves from the bottom so new stems can grow.
Oregano blooms all summer long and well into fall, providing valuable nectar to honey bees. When the plant is done flowering, new stems will start to grown under the old. All of the withered stems should be cut off at the base. The new stems will flourish over the old.
Washing Oregano
Oregano should be rinsed well before using. Plunge the harvested stems into a bath of cool water in the sink. Swirl them around and rinse again when removing from the water. Lay the oregano to dry on a paper towel or dish cloth.
To dry the herbs for storage, bunch several stems together and tie with kitchen string or rubber band. Hang somewhere free from dust. Let the oregano dry until crisp to the touch. Remove the leaves and store in a glass jar.
Removing Oregano Leaves from Stems
The leaves can easily be removed from the stems whether you plan to use them fresh or dried. Hold the stem with both hands, pinch the top, and pull your fingers down the stem. The leaves will break off leaving behind a bare stem. Pinch off the leaves at the top where the stem was held in place. Compost the stems.
Notes on Oregano
Caring for an herb garden is a great way to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Oregano grows happily in hot dry climates without much water. In the vegetable garden, oregano attracts honey bees and other pollinators. It is easy to care for and harvest. The leaves can be used either fresh or dried. Oregano’s aroma and flavor is good for the soul.
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