Italian oregano is one of the quintessential herbs for sauce and soup making. Having larger leaves than Greek oregano, it dries down easily but leaves retain a large surface area. Italian oregano also stays sweet and hearty through prolonged cooking periods.
Harvesting: Fresh leaves can be harvested as soon as the plant reaches a height of 6". Harvest entire stalks by cutting them at least 1" above the ground to allow for new growth. Fresh leaves will keep in the refrigerator for about five days, but can also be frozen or dried. Tie stems together and hang them in a dry place away from the sun. OR spread on a cheesecloth or a window screen in a dry, shady location. Or dry herbs in the oven for 2-3 hours on a cookie sheet at the lowest heat, leaving the oven door open. OR use a dehydrator following the manufacturer’s instructions. When thoroughly dry, pulverize and store in a tightly sealed glass jar in a dry, dark location, such as a cupboard. Oregano may also be frozen either in zip lock bags or finely chopped in water or olive oil in ice cube trays. Because heat tends to destroy the flavor of oregano, it should be added to hot food immediately before serving. Unlike most herbs, dried oregano leaves tend to have a much stronger flavor than fresh ones. Seed Saving: Harvest seed heads individually as soon as they begin to turn brown and dry, and spread them out to finish drying in a protected location out of direct sunlight. Thresh out seeds by rubbing or shaking the heads, and remove as much chaff as possible. Store seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year. Notes:
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CategoriesFDL Seed Library
The FDL Seed Library is a collection of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds that you can borrow to plant and grow at home. By saving seeds as a community we help create local seed stocks that are better acclimated to our climate and which support an abundant and genetically diverse landscape.
We ask that seeds are “returned” by harvesting seeds from a plant or two that you grow. Donated seeds will help to add diversity to our collection. Archives
March 2022
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