Oregano is a bold-tasting and flavoured spice that can be used on any meal. But improper storage decreases its strength in a short period. So you have to do the correct procedures to preserve its natural oils. This is a comprehensive guide on how to store oregano leaves. Furthermore, it also contains the practical Herb storage tips to be used in the kitchen daily.
What are Oregano Leaves?
The leaves belong to the oregano plant, a common food herb all over the globe. Their aroma is strong, and their taste is bitter and earthy. They are served fresh or dried in soups, pizzas and grills. Natural antioxidants and essential oils, which improve the taste and nutritional value, are also found in oregano.
Oregano Shelf Life
The fresh oregano remains green temporarily. Typically, it takes between 7 and 14 days in the refrigerator. By comparison, dried oregano has a shelf life of one year. Nevertheless, the storage conditions have a significant impact on Oregano shelf life.
Heat, light and moisture destroy herbs fast. Thus, exposure decreases the strength of aroma and flavour. So, these factors should be under control. It can be handled properly, which guarantees greater freshness and improved taste in every meal.
What are Oregano Leaves?
The fresh oregano requires instant attention after picking or buying. First, examine the leaves. Eliminate the yellow or damaged areas. After that, wash under a little cold water.
Wash leaves after which they are dried. Dampness leads to the growth of molds. Hence, dry excess water with paper towels. Otherwise, dry up with a salad spinner.
Refrigeration Method
Dry oregano in a lightly moistened paper towel. This should be followed by putting it in a breathable plastic bag. and then placing it in the vegetable crisper drawer. This process promotes the preservation of herbs for a maximum of two weeks. Nevertheless, inspect the leaves after every few days. One must take away any wilted areas.
Jar Storage Method
Before storing, trim the stems a bit. Next, put the stems in a jar that has water. Loosely wrap the leaves with a plastic bag. Then place the jar into the refrigerator. The method is effective with soft-stem herbs. It also helps to preserve the Organic oregano leaves naturally.
Best Way to Store Dried Herbs
Dried oregano should be stored without air. As such, tight-lidded glass jars are to be used. Plastic containers are not advised as they absorb the odours. Keep store jars in a cold, dark cupboard. You should never keep them close to the stove. Potency is easily impaired by heat.
In addition, the date should be written on every jar. This practice is useful in monitoring the Oregano shelf life. In most cases, dried oregano can last up to 8 or 12 months.
Furthermore, do not open the containers too often. The exposure to air causes the freshness to diminish with time. Consequently, make sure the lids are tightly closed after use.
How to Dry Oregano at Home?
Preservation of oregano is done by drying. To start with, collect oregano stems in small bundles. Then, bind them up carelessly with a cord. Hang the bundles upside down in a dark, dry place. Make sure that there is good ventilation in the room. Drying normally requires one to two weeks.
Alternatively, dry it in a low-temperature dehydrator. However, avoid high heat. Unnecessary heat kills vital oils. Dry up the leaves, then crumble them. Take off thick stems before storage. This is the best way to store dried herbs.
Freeze Oregano for Long-term
Oregano is preserved by freezing for months. The first is to wash and dry the leaves. Take away the leaves of the stems. Put cut pieces of leaves in ice cubes. Add the olive oil or water to each of the sections next. Freeze and place cubes into freezer bags.
This approach assists in cooking in small portions. Furthermore, it adds flavour to soups and sauces. It is thus a good technique in your Kitchen herb-care guide. The entire leaves may also be frozen in airtight bags. It is important to remove as much air as possible, though.
Organic Herb Preservation
Herb is purified using natural preservation processes. As such, do not treat it with chemicals when storing. Rather, emphasise clean manipulations and dry conditions. Air dry using organic cotton bags. Moreover, keep herbs in glass bottles in the stores. This is a good practice as it helps in the preservation of Organic herbs.
Also, it is possible to plant oregano at home. New harvesting can guarantee the strongest flavour. As such, you ensure quality throughout the process.
Conclusion
Keep fresh oregano in the fridge with a small amount of moisture. Refrigeration will need dry leaves first. To store long-term, dry or freeze. Store dried oregano in non-light containers. Write the date on jars to track Oregano shelf life. Keep out of heat, humidity, and air.
These are useful strategies on how to preserve the leaves of oregano so that they may be freshest. This means that your dishes will always provide bold flavour and rich aroma. Essential oils can be stored properly. Thus, take time to handle herbs properly. In the long run, you will be eating healthier and more lively meals every day.