Oregano

Oregano is a flavorful herb with a host of culinary and medicinal uses. It is grown in gardens around the world and is a key ingredient in many of our favorite recipes. But how does it get from the field to the dinner plate and what happens along the way? This post will explore the journey of oregano, from seed to savory seasoning.

The Life Cycle of Oregano

Before anything else, we’ll need to understand the lifecycle of oregano. First, the seed phase. The seeds of this plant are often scattered or planted in the spring. During this stage, the seeds are exposed to light, moisture, and temperature, all of which must be just right for the seeds to germinate. If these conditions are met, small plants will eventually sprout from the soil. Next up is the vegetative phase. This phase consists of the bright green stages of adolescent oregano. The leaves will gradually start to dip down in size and the stems and stalks will grow more robust. Finally, the flowering phase. During this stage, the oregano will produce delicate white, purple, or pink flowers in the center of its foliage.

Harvesting Oregano

Once the oregano has reached the flowering phase, it is time to harvest. Oregano is best harvested when the flowers have started to bloom but the leaves are still tender. When harvesting by hand, care should be taken not to disturb the delicate growing stems or roots. If done correctly, the oregano should stay healthy enough that it can be replanted.

If the oregano plant is being harvested to be processed and shipped, it is done slightly differently. Here, the whole plant is gathered together and cut off at the base. This allows the oregano to be put into trays or bags and shipped off. The harvested plants are then ready to be dried and processed.

Drying Oregano

The reason for drying oregano is to transform the fresh leaves into a shelf-stable product that can be stored for up to several years without losing flavor or aroma. To dry oregano, the leaves are separated from the stems and left to hang, either in bunches or spread out on screens and trays. The trays and screens are then placed in warm, dry, and sometimes humid places, such as a greenhouse or solar dryer. This helps the oregano reach its ideal moisture content, usually less than 10% depending on the intended use.

Once the oregano has reached the desired moisture content, it is ready to be processed. Again, there are different ways to do this. If the oregano is to remain in leaves, then it is simply cut or crumbled and then put into airtight containers. But if it is to be ground into a powder, then it can be done either by hand or with a commercial grinder. The powder can then be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.

Packaging Oregano

Finally, the oregano is ready to be packed and shipped. Oregano is typically packaged in food-safe bags, jars, boxes, or bottles. Depending on where the oregano is going and how it will be used, the packaging can vary. For example, if it is for retail sale, then the packaging will likely be more decorative and more attention to detail will be paid to the labeling. If the oregano is for food production, then it may be sealed in more industrial-looking bags and labeled with the relevant information.

Getting Oregano to the Dinner Table

Once the oregano is packed, it is ready to be shipped out to be used in various kitchens and restaurants. If the oregano is to be used in a restaurant, then it is likely to be freshly chopped, or even poured directly onto the dish. But often, the oregano will be bought in bulk form, either in leaves or powder, and stored in a pantry or spice rack until needed.

It is up to the chef or home cook to decide how to use the oregano. It can be used fresh onto dishes or cooked in sauces, stews, or casseroles. It can also be added to a variety of dishes from salads to main courses. Or it can be used to season pizza, pasta, or fish. Oregano has numerous uses in the kitchen, and its versatility helps explain why it remains one of the most popular herbs.

Final Thoughts

As we can see, oregano’s journey from the field to the dinner plate is quite complex. From the initial germination of the seeds to the careful harvesting and drying of the leaves, to the packaging and shipping, each step of the journey plays an essential role. While it’s impossible to summarize the entire process in one post, hopefully, this insightful overview has given you a better understanding of the path followed by this versatile herb.