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How long do mountain tea and oregano last? Storing them right

Dried herbs do not spoil easily, but they slowly lose their aroma. How to keep it for as long as possible.

2 min read Apostolou Farm
How long do mountain tea and oregano last? Storing them right

A question we hear often: “Is last year’s oregano still good?” The short answer is that well-dried herbs do not spoil easily, but they slowly lose their aroma. How fast depends mostly on how you store them.

How long they last

  • Oregano and mountain tea on the stem (bunches): keep their aroma longest, because the leaves and flowers stay whole and the essential oils stay protected inside.
  • Rubbed oregano: more convenient, but with more surface exposed to the air, so it loses its aroma faster.
  • In general, dried herbs are at their most aromatic in the first 1–3 years, if stored properly.

The date on our packs shows how long we guarantee the best quality. After it, the herb is usually not unsafe; it simply has less aroma.

How to store them

  1. Airtight. A glass jar with a good lid is best. If you keep the original pack, close it well after each use.
  2. In the dark. Light, especially sunlight, fades both colour and aroma.
  3. Somewhere cool. Away from the hob, the oven and the back of the fridge, where warm air comes out.
  4. Somewhere dry. Moisture is the biggest enemy. Don’t shake oregano straight over a steaming pot.
  5. Not in the fridge or freezer. Every time you take the jar out, the cold container collects moisture from the air.

How to tell if it still has aroma

  • Rub a little between your fingers. A strong smell means it is in great shape. If it smells faintly, use a little more in your cooking, or replace it.
  • Look at the colour. Green or greenish is a good sign. Very faded or brownish means it has lost much of its aroma.
  • When to throw it away: if you see mould or insects, or it smells musty or damp.

A practical tip

Buy as much as you will use within the year. For the strongest aroma, choose oregano on the stem or a mountain tea bunch and rub only what you need while you cook.

For more on oregano, see Greek oregano, bunch or rubbed?

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