Easy step-by-step instructions on how to dry oregano in 1 hour! This method is the quickest way to dry herbs.
What is the best way to dry fresh oregano?
There’s 2 popular ways to dry fresh herbs. You can hang the herbs up indoors and let them dry naturally. This works great, but it takes up space, and it takes time. I live in a NYC apartment, and I’m impatient, so I usually don’t do this method.
The other way, the one I prefer, is drying herbs in the oven. This method only takes around an hour, from start to finish. It’s really as easy as putting the herbs in the oven, checking on them, and crumbling the dry leaves into a jar.
And if you have a garden filled with lots of different herbs, you can easily make this a drying day (herb party everyone!) and get everything done quickly.
Here’s a video I made to show you how easy it is to dry oregano!
How long does it take to dry fresh oregano?
Fresh oregano takes 1 hour to dry in the oven. You want to make sure the oregano is completely dry before putting it into the oven. If it’s wet, it’s going to take longer.
Do you wash oregano before drying?
If you’re drying organic oregano that hasn’t been sprayed with chemicals (like in your own garden) then you don’t have to wash it. I like to just shake the oregano to remove any remaining dirt on it.
If you bought the oregano and unsure if any chemicals were used, it’s best to wash it to be safe. Gently run the oregano under cold running water and then pat dry. I recommend leaving the oregano on a towel overnight to make sure it’s completely dry. You can also give the oregano a spin in the salad spinner to speed up the drying process.
Do not move on to drying the oregano in the oven until it’s completely dry.
How to Dry Oregano in the Oven
Wash and dry oregano (if needed). See above for directions.
Preheat oven to 170 degrees F. If your oven only goes down to 180 degrees F, that’s ok.
Place oregano in a single layer on a baking sheet. You can dry directly on the baking sheet or put down parchment paper. Place in the oven for 1 hour.
After 1 hour the leaves should be completely dried. If they aren’t, continue baking for 10 minutes. Repeat until oregano leaves are crumbly to the touch.
Remove from the oven and crumble the leaves into a bowl. You can easily do this by hand.
Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle to crush them finely.
Store your dried oregano in a glass herb jar, in a dark cabinet. If stored properly your dried oregano will last 2-3 years.
Hope you enjoyed this post! Have fun drying your oregano!
Can I dry different herbs together?
Yes, you can definitely dry some herbs together. This makes things easier if you have a herb garden and want to dry a bunch of different things at once. I have a couple herb drying posts that might be helpful to you. Find the ones that have similar temperatures and dry together.
How to Dry Parsley in the Oven
How to Dry Basil in the Oven
How to Make Mint Tea
Other Garden Posts You Might Like:
How to Dry Parsley In The Microwave
How to Make Parsley Tea
How to Make Tomato Powder Out of Tomato Skins
How to Store Lettuce to Last for a Month
Carrot Tops Vegetable Broth
Broccoli Leaves Vegetable Broth
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How to Dry Oregano in 1 Hour
PrintIngredients
- Fresh Oregano
Instructions
- Wash and dry oregano. If you're drying organic oregano that you know hasn't been sprayed with chemicals you can just brush it off and skip the washing. If you're unsure, or the oregano is dirty, wash it first and then dry. I prefer drying it overnight on towels to remove any remaining moisture. Also, a salad spinner works great for helping dry oregano quicker! Do not move on to the next step until the oregano is completely dry.
- Preheat oven to 170 degrees F. Place oregano in one layer on a baking sheet. Depending on how much oregano you have, you might need to use multiple baking sheets.
- Bake oregano for 1 hour.
- Remove oregano from the oven and crumble leaves into a container. Store oregano in a jar, preferably on a dry dark cabinet shelf.
Lori Veirs says
Brilliant! Last time I had oregano hanging all over the place and it was quite a production. Thrilled to be able to stick it in the oven for an hour. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Harriet G. says
Thanks! This was a GREAT way to dry oregano – both Greek & Italian. Can you do thyme the same way? Please LMK – thanks!
Melissa F. Kline says
Do you rinse the oregano first?
Pamela says
Usually I just give our oregano a little shake as it’s not very dirty – no rinsing is needed. If your oregano is dirty, you should wash it first and then let it sit or hang it overnight, before moving on to drying in the oven. Hope this helps.