how much of the oregano do i eat?

[jennlin]

the stems are hard, and the leaf attachy part to the stems are also hard/stiff. if i chop it all up, and cook with it, will it be better?

[Deleted]

Seperate the leaves from stem, toss the stem, and then chop the leaves and throw it in stuff.

[jennlin]

man. that's so much work. i would've never grown oregano had i known.

[Deleted]

No way! It'll take you about 30 seconds. The fastest way I found to strip the leaves I turn the whole stem upside down, run your fingers against the grain and the leaves will fall off. A rough chop will suffice. Then toss it in food.

If you're using it in soups/stews I keep the sprigs whole, tie together with other herbs with kitche string and then retrieve the bundle when its done cooking.

[Deleted]

I find they strip easier if I run my fingers (held like you're pinching) against the grain of the growth (meaning, from top of plant down toward ground).

[Deleted]

Er yeah, what IK said. I gave you bad instructions, don't turn it upside down, just go against the grain.

[amandasw]

alternatively, if you don't want to deal with it now, it's very easy to dry and then you'll have it during the winter!

(bunch some up, hang it upside down - when it's dry, you can do like pp explained to get the leaves off and store it)

[emyinpink]

everyone else has it covered

[jennlin]

thank you ladies..i did it UW's way (put the whole thing in, then took it out).

[sarack]

lol. hopefully all of your hard work will pay off and it'll be great. i hate the taste of oregano..