Back to Basics: My First Time Drying Oregano at Home

There’s something deeply satisfying about tending to something you’ve grown yourself. Today, I found myself standing in our little garden, looking at our oregano... once neat and manageable, now wildly overgrown, stretching in every direction as if it had a life of its own.

So I decided, it was time!
With the summer heat at its peak this April here in my lovely country, The Philippines! I knew it was the perfect opportunity to prune and make good use of what we had. Instead of letting the excess go to waste. I was at our bedroom veranda early this morning and saw them so I thought, well why not try drying them? Something I’ve never done before because I was too busy with work but always admired from those who live simply and sustainably.

I carefully harvested the leaves, by cutting the stems enjoying their fresh, earthy aroma as I gathered them in my hands. I washed each leaf because some of them have bird droppings on them.

After washing them thoroughly, I separated the leaves from the stems, plucked them one by one.

I laid each leaf out gently. My husband, always supportive, prepared a steel mesh for me to use it was simple, practical, and perfect for air drying. It felt like such a small act, yet so meaningful.

As I arranged the leaves, letting the sun and air do their work, I couldn’t help but reflect on how things used to be. Long ago, people didn’t rely on convenience the way we do now. They grew their own food, preserved what they could, and made the most out of every harvest. There was intention in everything time, effort, and care.

Nowadays, life is fast. Everything is instant. But moments like this remind me that there’s value in slowing down, in going back to basics. In learning skills that connect us not just to our food, but to a simpler, more mindful way of living.

Drying these oregano leaves may seem like a small step, but for me, it’s a quiet return to something meaningful. A reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are grown, made, and nurtured by our own hands.

And as the leaves slowly dry under the summer sun, I feel a sense of fulfillment knowing that in my own little way, I’m bringing a piece of the past into our present home.
Can't wait to see them dried and be able to use them in my own kitchen for cooking.
I especially would like to try what my mom @jurich60 told me before when they went to Australia about how Italians made a sandwich. She said they made it by adding tomatoes lettuce, extra virgin olive oil and dried oregano leaves on the bread and viola! a simple yet tasteful sandwich was served, no meat just these simple ingredients and she said it was really very delicious! So, I would like to make one as well.

State tuned for the outcome!☺️😍

Have you tried drying your own oregano or herbs before? Please do tell and share some tips.

Thank you for dropping by. See you in my next post.

Remember, You are loved,
@aideleijoie❤️