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The best way to determine the freshness of oregano seasoning is to rub a little between your fingers and sniff. Oregano smells strongly when fresh; it has a sharp and peppery aroma. If it doesn't smell much, or smells like dust, it's too old and will not taste very good.

Why Does Oregano Seasoning Lose Its Flavor?

The flavour of oregano is due to the natural oils contained in the leaves. With time (air, light, heat), those oils disappear, and so does the flavor. This is not just true about oregano, but about most dried herbs. Old oregano won't make the person sick; it's naturally mould- and bacteria-proof at normal moisture levels; it just tastes like nothing. Frail oregano is a frequent cause if you ever made a meal that was too bland even though you followed all the instructions in the recipe.

How to Tell if Oregano Seasoning Is Fresh: 7 Signs to Check

1.    Crush It and Smell It

This is the best test there is. Fresh oregano has a strong peppery aroma. A weak or musty smell means it's tired.

2.    Check the Color

Oregano is deep green-grey when fresh. Old oregano is faded, pale, or brownish.

3.    Feel the Texture

The fresh leaves are slightly rough and crumbly. If it's at the bottom of the jar and is fine powder, it's a bad sign.

4.    Taste a Pinch

Fresh oregano is peppery and slightly bitter, even in small quantities. If it tastes flat, it loses its flavor.

5.    Look for a Slight Sheen

Oils in good oregano may give it a slight natural shine. When the flakes are dry and lifeless, it is likely that the oils have been depleted.

6.    Watch for Clumping

Oregano should flow easily. If there are clumps or dampness, moisture has entered and will destroy flavor quickly.

7.    Check the Lot Number

This is usually printed on the label by most good brands. Although oregano is still within its best before date, it tastes best when packed within 6–12 months.

Fresh vs. Stale Oregano

How Long Does Oregano Seasoning Last?

Whole dried leaves will keep for 1–2 years. Flakes or ground oregano will lose their flavor more quickly, typically in 6–12 months, because there is more leaf surface area exposed to the air. It will weaken in a few months if stored improperly, near heat or light. None of this makes it unsafe to use past the best-before date, as long as it's been kept dry and sealed. It simply means that you will need more of it to achieve the same flavor, so at some point it is worth replacing the jar.

How Should You Store Oregano to Keep It Fresh Longer?

●      Always seal the jar after use

●      Store in a cool, dark cupboard, out of the way of the stove and direct heat.

●      Avoiding fridge moisture is more harmful than cold is beneficial.

●      Do not shake it directly over a boiling pot, as the steam will spoil it.

●      Purchase a size that you will use up in a year, not a year and a day.

●      Flavor lasts much longer in glass jars with a good seal than in thin plastic pouches or paper sachets.

Why Does Fresh Oregano Matter Most for Pizza?

Oregano is the aroma of pizza. Mix it in before baking, and it will blend into the sauce and cheese to give a milder taste. Add it on after the pizza has come out of the oven, and the heat will instantly bring out its aroma, the bold, restaurant-style flavor that most people are looking for, as the herb will remain more noticeable than it would be baked into the pizza. It's a classic combination for a reason: a pinch of chilli flakes

About Shaman Oregano Seasoning

Our Oregano Seasoning is made from 100% dried Greek oregano, the variety used in classic Italian and Mediterranean cooking, with no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives added. It's packed in a sealed glass jar with a sprinkle cap, which keeps air and moisture out the two things that make dried herbs lose their smell fastest. It's also available blended with chilli flakes, for the classic oregano-and-chilli pizza combo in one jar.

In the end 

The crush-and-sniff test takes only five seconds and reveals nearly all the information you need. Also look at the color and texture, keep it sealed and out of the heat, and you'll find a difference in your cooking, particularly when making pizza, where oregano does most of its work at the last minute. When it's time to replenish, choose a new pack with a recent date and a few simple, clean ingredients, such as Shaman Oregano Seasoning, to start with full flavor rather than a jar that's lost its punch.