Buzz
The sharp yet slightly bitter flavor of oregano is guaranteed to enhance the taste of any dish or beverage you include it in. Harvesting your own oregano at home ensures you obtain the freshest, most flavorful herb available, and collecting it yourself is incredibly simple. Continue reading to discover how you can harvest your oregano throughout the growing season for a delightful addition to your kitchen.
Steps
How can you tell when oregano is ready for harvest?
When the stems reach at least 4 inches (10 cm) in height. It’s a general guideline, but not strictly necessary to follow. If you prefer to let your oregano grow a bit taller, feel free to do so! Otherwise, keep a ruler handy and measure your plant's growth.
- Oregano is typically ready for harvest in late spring.
How can you harvest oregano without harming the plant?
Trim a few stems approximately 2/3 down the plant.
Utilize sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip the stem around 2/3 of the way down. Oregano is quite resilient, so there's no need to worry about being overly delicate.
Remove the leaves by hand. Grasp a stem with one hand and steady it. Use two fingers to delicately slide along the stem and strip off all the leaves. Once finished, gather the leaves and discard the stem into your compost or bin.
Is it possible to harvest oregano after it blooms?
Yes, but its flavor might not be as pronounced. Oregano leaves are most flavorful when harvested just before the flowers bloom. If you notice flowers on your oregano plant, begin harvesting immediately.
Is it advisable to allow my oregano to bloom?
If you wish to harvest oregano seeds, then certainly. The blossoms of the oregano plant are responsible for producing oregano seeds for future planting. If you intend to gather the seeds, trim the blossoms from the plant as they start to dry out. Hang them upside down for 2 to 3 weeks, then shake the dried flower heads into a container to collect the seeds.
Is it necessary to trim oregano?
Yes, regular trimming encourages growth. If you observe that your plant is becoming excessively bushy, feel free to trim it back by around 2/3 using sharp scissors or pruning shears. Aim to maintain about 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) of growth above the soil level to ensure the plant's health. Oregano is quite resilient, so as long as you leave at least one-third of it intact, it will thrive.
Is fresh or dried oregano preferable?
Opt for fresh oregano for superior flavor. Fresh herbs consistently offer a more pronounced taste compared to their dried counterparts. If you desire to fully experience the flavor of oregano, harvest it just before usage.
Dry oregano if preservation is your goal. Fresh oregano has a limited shelf life. If you intend to prolong its usability, rinse the leaves with cool water first. Then, lay them out on a paper towel in a single layer. Place the leaves in the oven with the oven turned off, and leave them overnight. Once the leaves are dry and crumbly, store them in an airtight container.
- You can also use a dehydrator to dry oregano leaves if you have one.
- Store the leaves in a cool, dark location, such as your kitchen pantry.
What are some ways to utilize fresh oregano?
Incorporate it into chicken for an exquisite flavor profile. Oregano and chicken complement each other perfectly. Regardless of your cooking method—roasting, baking, grilling, or poaching—adding chopped oregano can elevate the dish's taste. Consider including it in your marinade or stuffing it inside a whole chicken.
Enhance your burgers with a touch of oregano. Give your summer BBQ an extra kick. While mixing your ground meat, toss in some chopped oregano before forming the patties. Your guests will marvel at the incredible flavor you've infused into those delicious burgers.
Experiment with oregano in your pesto sauce. While basil typically takes center stage in this recipe, incorporating oregano can elevate its flavor profile. Dice some fresh oregano and mix it into your pesto sauce, then drizzle it over pasta, salad, or flatbread.
