These tips on when and how to harvest oregano will ensure you pick the tastiest leaves.
The tips below will help you harvest the best-tasting oregano for drying or fresh eating.
When to Harvest Oregano
As acut-and-come-again herb, oregano can be harvested throughout the year as needed.
Credit:Marty Baldwin
Then, plan to harvest a larger quantity of oregano for drying or freezing just before the plant flowers.
For peak flavor, harvest oregano plants in early morning, immediately before the plant flowers.
Repeat this process as you work around the oregano plant until you have the quantity of oregano you need.
Use oregano immediately after harvesting or store it for later use.
For longer storage,freeze whole or chopped oregano leavesin ice cube trays with water.
Oregano stems are easy to hang dry or dryusing a dehydrator or an ovenset on its lowest setting.
Oregano can also be used to make homemade pasta and pizza sauces,chimichurri, and pesto.
For an unexpected twist, brew oregano leaves intohot or cold herbal teas.
Many growers pinch back oregano flowers because flowering changes the flavor of the leaves.
Flowering is also essential if you want tocollect oregano seeds.
The best way to keep oregano plants productive is to harvest small quantities of stems throughout the season.
