In this segment, we will teach you all about Oregano, it's benefits, how to grow and harvest, clean and keep it fresh and dried and what dishes it is commonly used in.
About:
Oregano is a perennial herb with rose-purple or white flowers and a taste reminiscent of thyme. Oregano’s taste is zesty and strong and is often used in many Italian and Mediterranean dishes. It is a hardy plant and makes for a good ground cover.
Benefits:
Oregano is very rich in antioxidants.
It also may help fight bacteria.
Could have anti-cancer properties
Outdoor Growing:
Oregano loves the sun, so ensure that your placement has full, strong sun for strong flavor. Many people plant later in the season for assured warm weather. So, keep away from the frost and cold.
For a head start, plant the seeds/cuttings 6 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost.
Oregano can easily be started from seeds, although to skip ahead, you can also use pieces from an established plant.
Plant the seeds pieces in well-drained soil anytime after the last spring frost. The soil should be some where around 70ºF, if not a little bit over like 75ºF to 80ºF is also good.
For small thin plants, plant 8 to 10 inches apart. The plants will grow 1 to 2 feet tall and spread about 18 inches.
Oregano makes a good companion plant for any vegetable in the garden. Interesting right?!
Indoor Growing:
The container should have excellent drainage. The oregano can be planted in equal parts potting soil, sand, peat moss and perlite.
When you plant the oregano, make certain only the root ball is buried and the main. stems are not immersed in soil or they may rot.
Place your potted oregano in bright light.
The temperature should be about 65 -70 F.
Oregano doesn’t need quite as much water as most herbs. As the amount of watering depends on many variables, just water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fresh:
Hang your oregano up to dry in a well-ventilated area.
Make sure you wash and dry the stems before securing them together.
You may cover them with a paper bag with slits cut into it, in order to keep the bouquets dust-free and the air circulating and its as simple as that.
Wash the fresh herbs when ready to use. Oregano leaves are small and are attached to a woody stem that isn't pleasant to eat.
Remove the leaves from the stems.
Take a single spring of oregano and pinch the top of the stem between your thumb and finger.
Mince the leaves and your ready to use it.
Commonly used in:
Salads
Any dishes that include tomatoes
Dressings and many more
Dried:
Hang your oregano up to dry in a well-ventilated area.
Make sure you wash and dry the stems before securing them together.
You may cover them with a paper bag with slits cut into it, in order to keep the bouquets dust-free and the air circulating and its as simple as that.
Commonly used in:
Pasta
Soups
Pizza
Happy Growing,
Freddie