How and when to pick oregano

Oregano is one of the best Mediterranean herbs, we have already covered how to grow it, now we will quickly focus on how to harvest and dry it.

For aromatic herbs, the harvest is a moment of fundamental importance, choose the right time you can have a better smell and better quality of the spice.

Preservation is the other fundamental step where we play with taste, so let’s try to explain how to do it better. Oregano, in particular, is one of the aromatics whose drying enhances the fragrance instead of reducing it, provided it is done in the best possible way.

Best oregano seeds.

Oregano is one of the easiest plants to grow and the seed price is really low.

#1 bestseller

Oregano – Origanum vulgare

• Aromatic plant, used mainly as a culinary condiment
• sow in spring
• Seat cut at 30 cm
• Harvest when the appearance of the first flowers is observed from June to September

#2 bestseller

Oregano – Origanum majorana – ECO

• Aromatic plant, used as a culinary condiment
• sow in spring
• Seat cut at 30 cm
• Harvest when the appearance of the first flowers is observed from June to September

Bestseller No. 3

Batlle Seeds – Menta Spicata (peppermint), green color

• Mint for infusions, used as a seasoning in cooking, for making tea, mojitos and for medicinal use
• Sowing from February to June
• Grow in a seedbed or seat, thinning out to about 30cm for transplanting when plants are 10cm tall
• Harvest from 3 months

Bestseller No. 5

Thyme (thymus vulgaris) – ECO

• It is considered antiseptic and expectorant
• Use: For making profiles in gardens and as a condiment, or for making lemon balm water
• Aromatic shrub up to 40 cm tall; sowing: Autumn-Spring
• Flowering: From May to August; plant with purple flowers and leaves 7 to 15 mm long

Bestseller No. 6

Basil Genovesa large leaf – ECO

• It is also an insect repellent
• Widely used in cooking, it acts mainly on the nervous system as a sedative and to promote digestion.
• Height: 20-40 cm Sowing: Spring in nursery or seat; Harvest: May to June or June to October
• Use: The leaves, flower tops and essential oil are used.

Bestseller No. 8

DARK GREEN FRIEZE PARSLEY

• Plant with erect stems and extremely curly leaves, quite aromatic, used as a condiment, seasoning and garnish for certain culinary dishes.
• Mode of culture: It is sown all year round only in planks or in rows spaced 25 to 30 cm.
• Harvesting: It is done by cutting its stems, which reproduce many times. Its nascence is in some cases quite slow, since depending on the weather and the season it takes 20 to 30 days.
• Sowing: all year Harvest: from 3 months

Bestseller No. 9

SAFLAX – Greek Oregano – 600 seeds – Origanum vulgare

• Aromatic and fragrant herb with a shiny silver color
• 600 seeds per pack. Quality seeds from Germany.
• With detailed instructions for successful propagation.
• The natural habitat of Greek oregano extends over Macedonia, Greece, Cyprus and Turkey.
• Not only during its inflorescence, it captivates with its peppery aroma. The leaves are hairy on the surface, which protects against desiccation and is a sign that Greek oregano comes from both hot and cold climates. The hairs give the plant its silvery to gray sheen. Compared to others….. (A photo of the back of our seed card with full planting and care instructions can be found in the photos)

How and when to pick up the leaves

Oregano can still be harvested leaves and inflorescences are good as an aroma, at any time they are taken, but there are better times, when the plant smells more, especially during flowering.

It is also necessary to balance the harvest so that it never completely “peels” the plant, so that it can last a long time and develop well.

Those who grow oregano on the balcony will have the plant a stone’s throw from the kitchen, so they can use the freshly picked leaves very comfortably.

Here are some quick tips on collecting:

• Avoid harvesting when the seedling is very small it is better to wait until it is vigorous and well developed before depriving it of a few branches.
• harvest oregano during flowering , is the best time. The flowering period varies according to the age of the plant and the weather, generally from June to September.
• Pick up when the ground it’s a bit humid , not completely dry. Alternatively, wet the day before harvest, without overdoing it.
• use shears to cut the twig, do not break it so as not to damage the plant.
• cut the branch just above the neck without affecting the base of the plant.
• pick up the branches flower oregano they are a fragrant part that is used together with the leaves as an aromatic spice.

How to dry oregano

Oregano is an aromatic herb that must be kept dry. As soon as it is picked, it has to go through the drying process, which is extremely easy to do. We have already written in general some useful indications for the drying of aromatic herbs, here we are talking specifically about the drying of oregano.

The drying place should be cool, shady and airy , this can be done for example under a porch. Oregano sprigs should be tied in bunches that can be hung up to dry. Once the oregano has dried, it’s time to remove the leaves and flowers from the branch and place the spice in glass jars.

Impossible to say how long it takes to dry, it all depends on the climate and the humidity of the place where the parcels are hung. It is very easy to understand when the leaves are dry, just look at them and touch them.

It can also be used with great results a dryer allows you to have dry oregano faster and retain its aroma better.