All About Oregano
Your complete guide to oregano - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Oregano Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for oregano in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Dried Oregano (opened, in pantry)6-12 months (whole leaves), 3-6 months (ground)
Signs of Spoilage
Loss of strong aroma, faded green/brown color, potential clumping if moisture has entered the container, no distinct oregano smell.
How to Check
Rub a small amount of the dried herb between your fingers and smell. A strong, pungent, slightly peppery aroma should be present. If it smells faint, dusty, or like nothing, its quality has degraded. Check for any signs of moisture (clumping) or mold, though rare for dried herbs.
Storage Tips
Keep tightly sealed in an airtight container to prevent moisture and air exposure, which accelerate flavor degradation. Store in a cool, dark, dry cupboard, away from heat and humidity.
Fresh Oregano (in refrigerator)1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Wilting, yellowing or browning leaves, slimy texture, soft spots, mold growth (fuzzy white, gray, or black patches), an off-putting or musty smell.
How to Check
Visual inspection is key: look for discoloration, wilting, or any signs of mold. Touch the leaves: if they feel slimy or excessively soft rather than firm, they are likely spoiled. Smell the bunch: fresh oregano has a distinct, pungent aroma; if it smells sour, musty, or simply 'off', discard it.
Storage Tips
To maximize freshness, do not wash until ready to use. Wrap the unwashed sprigs loosely in a slightly damp paper towel, then place them in a perforated plastic bag or an airtight container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Alternatively, place the stems in a glass of water like a bouquet, cover loosely with a plastic bag, and refrigerate. Change the water every few days.
Fresh Oregano (frozen)3-6 months for best quality (safe indefinitely)
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (dry, discolored, leathery spots), significant loss of flavor and aroma after thawing, though it remains safe to eat.
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive freezer burn, which indicates quality degradation. After thawing, the texture will be softer, but the aroma and flavor should still be present, though less vibrant than fresh. If it smells or tastes 'off' after thawing, it's best to discard.
Storage Tips
Wash and thoroughly pat dry the oregano leaves. You can freeze whole leaves on a baking sheet and then transfer to an airtight freezer bag. For convenience, chop the leaves and freeze them in ice cube trays with a little olive oil or water, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag. Label and date the bags. Freezing is excellent for preserving flavor for use in cooked dishes.
Dried Oregano (unopened, in pantry)2-4 years (whole leaves), 1-3 years (ground)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant loss of aromatic potency, faded color, no distinct oregano smell.
How to Check
While not 'spoiled' in a safety sense, quality degrades. Open the package and rub a small amount between your fingers; if there's no strong, characteristic oregano aroma, its flavor contribution will be minimal. Visually, the color may appear dull or faded.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources (like the stove). While safe to consume beyond these times, the flavor will be significantly diminished.