Catch the leaves that fall as the plants dry. Strip leaves and flowers after they are crispy and dry. Store in an airtight container for many months for a pungent and flavorful herb. Oregano also can be frozen in ice cube trays or frozen fresh in foil for use within two weeks. Herbal uses Cosmetic, culinary, decorative, and medicinal.
Oregano is used in bath oils and sachets to help relieve aches and stiff joints.
Fresh or dried leaves flavor tomato sauce, vinegar, butter, omelets, quiche, bread, marinated vegetables, beef, poultry, game, onions, black beans, and zucchini. Dried flowers are used in decorative arrangements and for fragrance in potpourris. Fresh sprigs are used to make wreaths. Oregano also is used to make red dye. It has attractive flowers and can be grown in containers.