How to Store Marjoram
Marjoram is best used fresh, but it holds for a short time in the refrigerator and dries very well for long-term storage. Because it is used in small amounts, even a modest harvest goes a long way once preserved.
Best storage conditions
Store fresh sprigs cold, around 34 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with high humidity to prevent wilting. Wrapping stems loosely in a slightly damp paper towel inside a partly open bag keeps the leaves from drying out or sweating. Dried marjoram should be kept cool and dark in an airtight jar away from heat and light.
How long it keeps
Fresh sprigs in the refrigerator stay usable for about one to two weeks. Frozen marjoram keeps its flavor for several months, and dried leaves stored airtight in a cool dark place hold reasonable flavor for roughly six months to a year.
Storage methods
Refrigerate fresh sprigs in a bag or a jar of water like a small bouquet, loosely covered. For freezing, chop the leaves and pack them into ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil, then transfer the frozen cubes to a labeled bag. For drying, bundle stems and hang them in a warm, airy, dark spot, or use a dehydrator on a low setting, then strip and store the crisp leaves whole.
Freezing & preserving
Freezing and drying are the most reliable home methods for marjoram and best preserve its delicate flavor. Marjoram-infused vinegars and oils are popular, but flavored oils must be refrigerated and used quickly because they are low-acid and can be unsafe at room temperature. If you want to can foods that contain marjoram, follow only tested USDA or National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) recipes; low-acid mixtures such as most vegetables, meats, and herb blends require pressure canning, and herbs should be added according to the tested recipe rather than improvised.
Tips
Dry or freeze marjoram promptly after harvest, since the flavor fades as leaves sit. Crush dried leaves only when you are ready to cook, because whole leaves keep their aroma longer than pre-ground herb. Label frozen and dried batches with the date so you can rotate to the freshest stock.
General home-storage guidance. For home canning and preserving safety, follow USDA and National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) guidelines. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.