How to Dry Oregano

Oregano is a popular herb that can be used as an ingredient in many dishes. With its strong and bold flavors, it’s not hard to see how oregano can spice up the taste of your food. If you want to dehydrate some fresh oregano for use at a later time, this article will show you how!

Keep scrolling to find the best way to plan your oregano for drying.

What You Need:

Fresh oregano leaves (I usually buy oregano in bulk to save some money)
I use the Excalibur 10 Tray Food Dehydrator, and it has a nice size so I can lay all my leaves flat.
An airtight container

How To Dehydrate Oregano Leaves In A Food Dehydrator?

First, To dry fresh oregano for storage and long-term preservation, begin by washing the leaves gently with cool water.
Then, Place the oregano in a colander and allow it to drain.
Set the dehydrator adjustable temperature between 95-125 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once thoroughly dried of excess moisture, place the oregano on dehydrator trays. Dehydrate until crispy (about 6-18 hours in the dehydrator). Drying times can vary depending on how much oregano you’re dehydrating, the humidity, and the size of your appliance.
After they are dried and cooled, remove them from the dehydrator rack and place oregano in a self-seal bag or airtight container for storage.

How Can You Tell If the Herb Has Dried

After you have finished dehydrating fresh oregano in the dehydrator, how do you know if it is ready to use or not? First, make sure that your herb is fresh before drying it. The next thing to check for is dryness. Dry oregano will have a much darker color than fresh oregano. The herbs should crack and break into smaller bits. The larger amounts of herbs will extend the drying time.

When Is The Perfect Time To Make Dehydrated Oregano?

Early to mid-May looks to be the best time for dehydrating oregano.

Why You Should Dehydrate Oregano

There are many benefits to dehydrating oregano:

It saves space in your pantry.
Dehydrated herbs last longer than fresh ones.
They take less energy and time to prepare
These are excellent culinary herbs for cooking.
It can be added to your favorite recipe dish.
It has a wonderful scent.

Recipes That Use Dried Oregano (recipes)

Some recipes that would taste great with dried oregano as an ingredient:

Italian dishes such as spaghetti and lasagna (recipes)
Adding to barbecue sauce or meat rubs for a spicy kick (ingredients)
How about some homemade pizza? Of course, you’ll need the fresh herbs, but it’s nice to have them on hand (ingredients)
How about a Caprese salad? It would be even better with dried oregano than fresh basil. (recipe)
Chicken, zucchini, and corn skillet

Is Fresh Oregano An Anti Inflammatory Food?

Oregano is a herb that not only has the power to make your favorite foods taste better but it can also give you a healthy boost. The herb’s antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in our bodies while containing compounds like carvacrol which have been shown anti-inflammatory effects themselves!

How to Find the Best Dehydrator for Herbs

To find the best dehydrator for herbs, it’s essential to consider factors such as heat distribution and airflow, ease of use, size and capacity, temperature range, construction materials, and power/speed. Here are some top-rated dehydrators for herbs based on various sources:

1. **Nesco Gardenmaster Pro Food Dehydrator**: This dehydrator is praised for its ease of use and is suitable for drying herbs at home. It has a temperature range of 90°F–160°F, making it ideal for preserving the volatile oils in flavorings.

2. **Excalibur dehydrators**: These dehydrators are known for their horizontal airflow and are considered workhorses for drying a lot of herbal material. They are popular among home chefs and professionals alike.

3. **Brod & Taylor SAHARA**: This top-end model is highly recommended for its ease of use and precise control over the drying process. It ensures the freshest flavor and preserves the integrity of fresh herbs.

4. **Presto 06301**: This budget-friendly option is often on sale and offers a good balance between price and performance.

5. **Magic Mill Food Dehydrator**: This dehydrator is considered the best overall option for its affordability and powerful performance.

When selecting a dehydrator, consider your specific needs, such as the amount of dehydrating you plan to do, available space, and your budget. It’s also helpful to read real-world reviews from people who have used the machines.

Final Say:

You can now go ahead and enjoy your home-dried oregano without the worry of any preservatives. Dehydrating herbs is an easy way to preserve them for later use, but it can be a process that’s hard on our homes due to the heat required. Thankfully with a food dehydrator, you’ll never have this problem again! If you’re looking for some more tips about how to get started with drying foods in general, we’ve got plenty of information just waiting for you at dehydratedfoodz.com/category/food-dehydration-tips/. Happy dryings!

Try our other recipes on how to dehydrate herbs in a food dehydrator

Danny Content Writer

Hey there, since 2016, my mission has been to provide you with the information and guides you need to make food dehydrating simple and fun. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, my site offers helpful guides, reviews, and recipes to enhance your dehydrating experience. I take pride in only recommending products I believe in, ensuring my readers' trust. As an affiliate of various programs, including Amazon Associates, your support helps me continue providing quality content. Thanks for stopping by, and happy dehydrating!

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