How to Harvest Oregano Before the Winter
Time to harvest oregano!
Winter is coming. What are you going to do with all the bushy oregano growing in your herb garden before the freezes come? While fresh oregano picked straight from the garden tastes best, freshly harvested, then frozen oregano can also give those hearty winter recipes a robust added flavor.
You don’t want to waste all that beautiful, green, aromatic herb, to an imminent night time frost, so take 30 minutes to harvest oregano and store it in your freezer. There, it will last in an air tight container up to six months, which will get you into Spring, when it is finally time to start growing again!
Here is how to keep your fresh oregano.
First, grab some scissors and head out to the garden. Harvest oregano by cutting a bundle of about 3-6 inch stem lengths of oregano.
Next, give the oregano a gentle rinse.
Set some paper towels on a plate, and strip the oregano leaves from the stem. Do this by gently pinching the top of the stem with the thumb and index finger and then running the pinched fingers down the length of the stem. Keep the good looking leaves and discard the bug chewed or browned leaves as well as the stems.
Allow to dry about an hour or two.
Finally, place the freshly harvested non-wet leaves in small plastic freezer containers. Label the date of your oregano harvest using masking tape. I like to fill multiple one ounce containers, which is a good amount needed to cook a big pot of tomato sauce or vegetable soup, or to sprinkle onto a slow roast.
PS – Remember to grow your herbs organically, away from pesticides and pollutants! Organically grown oregano is so much more healthy for you!
How is oregano good for you?
Oregano is an herb with strong antimicrobial action. Its phenolic constituents of carvacrol and thymol have been studied and proven effective against a variety of microbes, insects, parasites, and other pests. It may also be helpful to cardiac health with potential in reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure. In addition, it has shown blood sugar level lowering capabilities.
Oregano Tea
When you feel a cold or flu coming on, pull an ounce of frozen oregano from your freezer. Pour 16 ounces of hot water over the oregano and cover with a lid. Steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink. Adults can drink up to three cups a day.
Large amounts of oregano can interfere with certain medications and medical conditions; consult with your Doctor with questions.
Want to learn more about the benefits of oregano, review scientific research, and check out some recipes. Click here: Oregano Monograph
“Oregano is the spice of life.”
-Henry J. Tillman
Blog By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA (ARC), Professional NAHA and AIA Member, LMT
9/11/2018
