Dehydrating Oregano
Learn how to dehydrate oregano using a dehydrator so you can enjoy homegrown oregano year round!
Equipment
- Dehydrator
- Kitchen scissors or knife
- Clean towel or paper towels
- Airtight container such as a glass jar
Ingredients
- fresh oregano as much as you have
Instructions
- Harvest the oregano: Harvest fresh oregano from your garden or use store-bought oregano. The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.
- Prepare the oregano: Rinse the oregano sprigs under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Gently shake off the excess water and pat them dry with a clean towel. Make sure the oregano is completely dry before placing it in the dehydrator.
- Arrange the oregano in the dehydrator: Spread the oregano sprigs out in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Avoid overcrowding the trays to ensure even drying. If needed, you can remove the leaves from the stems and spread them out individually.
- Set the dehydrator temperature: Set your dehydrator to a low temperature, around 95°F to 115°F (35°C to 46°C). Oregano is a delicate herb, so a lower temperature helps preserve its flavor and color.
- Dehydrate the oregano: Allow the oregano to dehydrate for 2 to 4 hours, checking occasionally to see if the leaves are dry and crumbly. The exact drying time may vary depending on your dehydrator and the humidity level in your area.
- Check for dryness: To check if the oregano is fully dried, gently crumble a leaf between your fingers. It should crumble easily and feel dry to the touch. If the leaves are still soft or pliable, continue dehydrating them for a little longer.
- Cool and store the oregano: Once the oregano is fully dehydrated, remove the trays from the dehydrator and let the oregano cool completely. After cooling, remove the leaves from the stems if you haven’t done so already. Store in an airtight and moisture-free container.
