Today I just picked a big bunch of oregano and I'm going to try drying them for the first time. I've looked a bit online and I think I'll try the following methods: hanging them, hanging them with a paper bag (what's the point of this?), and wrapping them in tulle and putting them in the fridge. I also found the fan/filter method, but I don't have a fan like that, so that method I'll have to try at a later date. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Any other ways that you like?
Thanks,
Dana
Suggestions for Drying Oregano
I think the point to hanging them in a paper bag or wrapping in tulle is in part to catch any dried leaves that might crumble & fall off the stems.
I actually like to freeze oregano. I mince it in my food processor, just as if I'm making pesto, and add a little olive oil to make a rough paste. Freezing it in ice cube trays gives you handy portions. I do measure my oregano leaves before processing, then divide by the number of cubes so I can make a note that one cube equals, for example, 1/4 cup fresh oregano. If you use oregano in smaller amounts, a mini cube tray might be the thing.
I freeze a combination of herbs for spaghetti sauce, including the garlic & black pepper. I've also frozen combinations for marinades or stir fry (Thai basil, Thai chile peppers, garlic & ginger). The only thing I don't put in is salt. I think the oil helps stabilize the herbs, as they stay fresh tasting for a year or more.
I usually just line a shallow cardboard box with paper towel, put the herbs in that, and put the box in a warm, dry part of the house. I turn the herbs over every day or so until they're dry. It works well for most herbs.
Thanks-- great suggestions! It seems like such a simple, straightforward thing until you actually go to do it and realize you really don't know what to do. :) I'm going to have to try it all these different ways.
Thanks,
Dana
Dana, the other reason to use the bag is to keep the leaves shaded. Direct light will lessen the potency of the herb. I prefer to dry my herbs, but have frozen them as well, using much the same method as Critterologist. Have fun!
Ah, that makes sense, too. I couldn't find paper bags yesterday, though, so it's a good thing we hung them in a room with no windows or skylights. I haven't tried freezing yet, but that really sounds like a neat, convenient way to have herbs all ready for use. That can be my next project.
I hang mine to dry, away from any windows. My oregano has always done very well this way. I only use the paperbag method for dill, etc. where you want the dried seeds as well.
Barb
Okay, that makes a lot of sense! How long does it usually take for the oregano to dry? Mine has been hanging since the day I started the thread, but I don't think it's ready yet.
That'll vary with temperature & humidity. Just hang it until it's crispy! ;-)