How to Dry Oregano [Oregano Dehydration Methods]

If you’re looking to add a little extra flavour to your favourite recipes, then why not try adding oregano? Oregano is an easy herb to grow and it’s also easy to dry and store for months to come. This article will first talk about why you should dry your oregano. Specifically, I’ll talk about how to dry fresh oregano in the oven. I’ll start by detailing how to prepare your oregano before drying it, and then I’ll include step-by-step instructions on how to dry oregano in the oven. The article includes details on how long it will take to dry your oregano, and how to store dried oregano properly afterwards.

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Why Dry Oregano?

Adding oregano or other herbs to your meals will definitely add extra flavour. And there’s something special about growing, harvesting and drying the oregano yourself to add that extra something to your dinner. Also, drying your oregano will save you money in the long run. For instance, it’s healthier and fresher to grow your oregano and dry it out yourself rather than buying already dried herbs from the shop.

Don’t be daunted by the process, it really is quite simple. After all, if you’ve got to this point, by growing your own oregano, then drying it is the easy bit! Drying fresh oregano properly will lock in the flavour and keep it longer. So, let’s get started and go through how you dry out fresh oregano at home yourself.

How to Dry Out Oregano

There are a few different methods you can use to dry out oregano. We’ll start with my favourite – and to my mind the best way to dry oregano. Using a dehydrator. I wrote about the best dehydrators for herbs, fruit and vegetables here.

Use a dehydrator to dry oregano

Using a proper dehydrator is a great method to dry oregano safely, but it’s also the slowest. However, it does have great results and your oregano may keep longer if you let the herb cool completely before storing it.

Using dehydrators to dry herbs tends to be more energy efficient than using an oven.

Drying oregano in the air

The second way of drying oregano is by simply letting the natural air do the work for you. For example, you can hang oregano on some twine as if you’re hanging laundry out to dry.

However, drying oregano this way will take a couple of days, depending on the humidity where you are. Also, you’ll want to check on it a few times per day. The oils in the leaves may grow fungi, which isn’t safe at all. In addition, it will take up a lot of space in your kitchen since each leaf needs to be dried individually. If you have a polytunnel or greenhouse you might want to use this.

If you don’t want to hang up the oregano, you can simply lay them out flat on a baking sheet and let them dry on their own. You’ll want to turn it over at least once a day. This way, all sides will dry, and you can make sure no mould grows on it.

Drying oregano in the Microwave

Another method for drying oregano is the microwave. (This is my least favourite and to my mind the easiest to mess up) This method of drying oregano is the fastest, but you need to be careful. For instance, if you leave the oregano in the microwave for too long, it can cook, or even start to burn.

With that said, you’ll want to place the leaves inside the microwave for 30-second increments. Do not place it in for two minutes and then walk away. With each 30-second timer, you can check how dry the oregano is and use your best judgment on whether to put it back in for another 30 seconds or take it out.

Before we get to the specifics of drying oregano in either the microwave or the oven I’m going to cover harvesting and preparing oregano for drying.

How and When To Harvest Oregano

The best time to harvest oregano is spring or early summer.

When your oregano plant is about 15 to 20 centimetres tall, that’s a perfect time to harvest the herb. Harvest on a dry day, after any dew has dried.

You can cut above the node point in the late morning using gardening shears (my essential gardening tools list is here) or a simple pair of kitchen scissors. You should leave 5-7 centimetres of the plant above the soil. This way, the plant will be encouraged to continue growing so you can harvest it again another time.

In addition, when the plant is just about to flower, this is a good time to harvest the oregano. At this time, you can be sure that the oregano will have the most flavour.

How to Prepare Oregano for Drying

If you grow the oregano yourself in your garden without the use of pesticides, then you don’t necessarily need to wash the herb. However, you will want to shake it out and ensure there’s no dirt on the leaves. I prefer to wash oregano to be on the safe side and get rid of small bugs or dirt on the leaves.

Remember, if you wash the oregano before drying it, make sure it’s dry completely without any moisture on it. Otherwise, the oregano will cook rather than dry in the oven.

How to Dry Oregano in a Dehydrator

Follow the instructions for cleaning and prepping Oregano leaves.

Spread your clean, dry Oregano leaves out on the racks
Oregano leaves should be in a single layer.
Set the dehydrator to the settings detailed by the manufacturer – they all differ, but for Oregano leaves, the temperature is likely to be 35 celsius to 50 celsius.
Check at least once an hour the first time that you do this.
Your Oregano leaves will be dried and ready when the leaves crumble easily.
Make a note of how long it takes, and that can be your guide for future drying sessions.

How to Dry Oregano in the Microwave

Drying oregano in the microwave is a simple task, but you need to watch the herbs while they’re drying. This is exactly how to dry oregano leaves in the microwave.

Thoroughly wash the oregano in a salad spinner or sink. Pat them dry with a clean tea towel and wait to dry completely.
Once completely dry, take the leaves off the stems, getting rid of the stems.
Lay oregano leaves flat in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish.
Place leaves in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then, flip them over and place them back in for another 30 seconds.
Repeat this process for two to three minutes until all the leaves are crumbly to the touch.

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How to Dry Oregano in the Oven

So, how do you dry oregano in the oven? Here are the exact step-by-step instructions for how to dry oregano in the oven.

Wash the oregano thoroughly (if needed) and then wait for the moisture to air dry.
Preheat your oven to 75-85 degrees celsius.
While waiting for your oven to heat, place the oregano on a baking sheet lined with baking paper or parchment paper. Make sure the oregano sprigs are not touching one another. They should be on a single layer.
Within one hour, the oregano leaves should be thoroughly dried. If not, you can place them back in for another ten minutes. Keep checking on them every ten minutes or so to ensure they’re not cooking. You’ll know when they’re completely dry when they’re crumbly to the touch.
Once done, turn off your oven and take the baking sheet out.
Remove the leaves from the stems into a bowl with your hand. Alternatively, you can crush them with a pestle and mortar if you want the herbs to be a finer texture.
Once crushed, you can use the dried oregano right away. Or you can store it in a glass jar and put it inside a dark cabinet. See our guide to recycling glass jars here.

If you plan on drying lots of herbs, fruits and vegetables then a specific dehydrator is a really good investment. They’re more efficient and effective than ovens and microwaves, designed specifically for the job. They’re energy efficient too! Here are my picks of the top dehydrators to use.

Food Hydrator Name	Highlights	What It Looks Like	Read Reviews & Buy Now!
Excalibur Food Dehydrator	• 9-Tray dehydrator, 15 square feet of drying space • Built-in on/off switch and adjustable thermostat with 26-hour timer • Easy to clean Polyscreen tray inserts • 7-inch fan, 600 watts, • Unit Dimensions: 12-1/2 H x 17 W x 19 D (inches)	Check Prices Here	Check prices and buy now
BioChef Food Dehydrator	• Digital Display: 99 Hour Timer • Adjustable Thermostat: 35º to 70ºC • 6, 9 or 12 Stainless Steel Drying Trays + 100% BPA Free inner- and outer casing • Non-Stick Sheet, Fine Mesh Sheet & 3 Drip Tray • Superior horizontal airflow for even & consistent drying of foods & no flavour contamination between the trays • 3 years warranty on motor & parts – UK service & support centre	Get Prices Here	Get prices here
Klarstein Fruit Jerky 6	• Temperature and timer setting gives even dehydration as the fan circulates warm air • Adjustable display on the upper surface. • Adjustable temperature from 35-70°C. • Adjustable timer from 0:30 – 19:30 hrs	Get More Information Here	Check Prices here
MisterChef Circular Food Dehydrator	Temperature- setting. easy to clean plastic trays and lid On/off switch on the unit base. Settable temperature from 35-70°C.	Buy Here	Buy the best Circular food dehydrator here

How to Store Your Dried Oregano

Once your oregano is dried you can use it right away.

Before storing your dried oregano, you’ll want to “cure it”. Curing the oregano will help prevent mould and bacteria.

All you need to do for this is place your dried oregano in a clear glass container or jar. You can place the jar in a dark part of a room with good circulation. Then, for about an hour a day, leave the lid off to allow the dried oregano to get more air.

Check on it often, and if you see a leaf growing mould, you can easily take it out and toss it.

After a week or so, you can put the lid on the jar and store it away in a dark cabinet.

The dried oregano will last for about two years. However, it will begin to lose its rich flavour after six months.

Guides to Drying Herbs

Want to dry more herbs? Here are my guides to herb drying and herb dehydrating.

FAQs about drying oregano in the oven

Got questions about drying oregano? Or want to know more about how to dry oregano in the oven and we haven’t answered your questions? Check out our frequently asked questions about oven-drying oregano below, or ask us yours in the comments.

What temperature do you dry oregano in the oven?

Set your oven to a temperature of about 80 degrees to dry out the oregano.

Should I wash oregano before drying?

It’s best practice to remove all dirt and contaminants before dehydrating, so I recommend washing the herb carefully.

When should I dry oregano?

Oregano is at its peak flavour just before flowering. It’s best to harvest then for maximum continued flavour.

How Long Does It Take To Dry Oregano In The Oven?

The oven is one of the fastest ways to dry out oregano. At a temperature of 80 degrees celsius or less, you can dry out this herb within an hour or two. If the oregano is completely dry before you place it in the oven, it will take only an hour. However, you’ll want to check on your oregano every 15 minutes or so to ensure that it’s drying out and not being cooked.

How Long Does It Take To Dry Oregano In The Microwave?

Microwaving your oregano can take as little as two to three minutes. So, if you’re in a hurry, you can simply use the microwave. (but see my note above, I don’t think this is a great way to dry oregano).

Do you wash Oregano before drying it In the Microwave?

Yes, you should wash the oregano before drying it in the microwave.

Final Words on How to Dry Oregano

Is drying oregano in the oven the best way to dry oregano? That will be up to you and your preferences. It’s certainly an easy way to do it that doesn’t involve the weather or investing in a dehydrator. Drying oregano is an easy process once you get the hang of it. You can try more than one method to see which one works best for you. Using a dehydrator remains my favourite method for drying oregano, but the oven is also a relatively quick way of doing it too.

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