Oregano and thyme are picked when they are in bloom - this is done, because not only the petals but also the flowers of these plants are used.
Oregano and thyme should be dried to be able to keep them for longer. Through the process of evaporation of the excess moisture from the plants, a large part of the biologically active substances in them is preserved.
Oregano and thyme should be dried in the shade at a temperature no higher than 35-40°C. A constant flow of fresh air must be ensured.
This is due to the essential oils, that are contained in these plants - if they are dried at a higher temperature and without air flow, the essential oils, which are very valuable, will disappear and with this the spices will lose much its beneficial properties.
Direct sunlight changes the color of plants and destroys some of the substances contained in them. Therefore, they should never be dried in direct sunlight.
The best technology for drying thyme and oregano is on a wooden rack over which cloth or gauze is stretched out. The plants are placed next to each other, but without touching each other tightly. Every day they must be turned.
You can dry oregano and thyme by hanging them on a thick string with the roots up or, if you haven't pulled the whole plant out of the ground, with the stalks up, bundled together.
You are considered to have dried the oregano or thyme correctly if they have not lost either their color or their aroma. You will easily know if the plants are already dried - as soon as you touch them with your finger, the petals and flowers begin to fall.
After drying the oregano and thyme, you can store them whole and dip a whole sprig of the spice into the soup, or you can crush them and store them in jars that have tight-fitting lids.
It is not recommended to use plastic jars for storing dried spices, it is preferable to use glass jars. You can store dried thyme and oregano in paper bags, which you seal well and keep away from moisture.
Dried thyme and oregano can be stored for up to 2 years. They can then be used for a period of about 3 months as a bath additive.
Learn more about the benefits of thyme tea and oregano tea.
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