harvesting oregano
Commercial herbs, vegetable and fruits, unless organic, are sprayed with pesticides. Pesticides and herbicides have been linked to cancers and autoimmune diseases like diabetes, Crohn’s, Hashimoto’s or celiac. Therefore, it might be a good idea to grow some of your favorite culinary herbs which you use most in cooking.
Oregano
There are so many herbs suitable for drying like; marjoram, oregano, thyme, bay leave, tarragon, parsley, rosemary, lemon grass, chives, chili or basil. Herbs are annual or perennial and they do not grow outdoor all year around. Also dried culinary herbs enhance flavor of the dishes due to the content of essential oils. The essential oil capsules in herbs only open after they are dried first and then they burst open in cooking releasing fragrant oils.
When is the best time to harvest herbs?
Herbs are at its best and the most potent just before flowering and when the herb is dry. Choose a sunny and a hot day and make sure that a weather forecast for that week is dry and hot and no rain. Herbs need to dry as soon as possible to be of the best quality.
How to dry culinary herbs?
Cut enough length of a chosen herb so you may put branches into a small bucket and tight them with a string or a rubber band. Hang in a shaded area away from direct sun. When herbs are totally dry, crush them, using clean gardening leather gloves and store in an airtight glass container. Label the container with the name of herb and the date. Store in a dry and dark place like a pantry or a kitchen. Make enough to last you for the season. Organic freshly dried herbs from your garden will enhance the taste and fragrance with their essential oil of your every dish.
drying oregano in a dark and shaded area
by Danuta Hulajko
Dried herbs from my garden: parsley, basil, thyme, bay leaves and oregano
About the Author
Danuta Hulajko is a holistic practitioner, international speaker, founder of the DH Natural Medicine 
Clinic and www.healingremedies.com.au , Sydney. She specialises in anti-aging, autoimmunity, digestive disorders and heavy metals chelation. For more information please go to our website. You can follow Danuta Hulajko work, events, seminars, expos, latest health research, her health tips and advice on Facebook and LinkedIn
