What’s Ground Oregano?

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Ground oregano is made by drying the leaves of the oregano herb and grinding them into a powder. Oregano is used for a variety of culinary purposes, and the ground variety is especially popular as a dry rub ingredient for meat that is being prepared for the barbecue. You can buy bottles of ground oregano, but you need containers and an herb mill to produce and store it.

Oregano is generally grown in warm climates and may also be referred to as wild marjoram. The leaves, which are often used for cooking, are usually about half an inch (1.3 cm) long to just over 1.5 inches (about 4 cm) long. The leaves are harvested and dried, which involves bunching them together and then hanging them upside down in a warm area or room that allows for airflow. The leaves can take a week or more to become completely dry, after which they can be ground into a powder.

Cooks who are preparing a dish that calls for this type of oregano should not confuse ground oregano with dried oregano. Dried oregano generally refers to oregano leaves that have been crumbled or left relatively intact but not ground into a powder. Ground oregano is often used, either on its own or as part of a blend of other herbs or spices, as a dry rub for meat that will be grilled or broiled. Applying a dry rub involves sprinkling ground oregano or the mixture onto the meat and rubbing it into the meat before cooking.

Making ground oregano requires an herb mill and one or more airtight containers. The crusher allows the user to grind the dried oregano leaves into the texture of his choice, which can be relatively coarse or very fine. Containers used to store ground oregano must be completely airtight to prevent contamination and preserve the flavor of the herb. The container should be stored in a cool, dry place to keep the ground oregano fresh and flavorful for as long as possible, which can last up to a year or more.

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