The most common form of oregano is known as “Origanum
Origanum
Origanumis a genus of herbaceous perennials and subshrubs in the family Lamiaceae, native to Europe, North Africa, and much of temperate Asia, where they are found in open or mountainous habitats. A few species also naturalized in scattered locations in North America and other r…
Is oregano bad for You?
Experts agree that oregano is safe when used for its intended purpose -- adding flavor to food. Oregano's safety for medicinal purposes is not known. Due to some of its properties, a few things should be kept in mind when taking oregano or oregano oil in medicinal amounts. In large doses, oregano oil may be toxic -- and even lethal.
What can I do with all this oregano?
Part 3 Part 3 of 3: Finding Other Culinary Uses for Oregano Download Article
- Whip up an oregano pesto. Pesto is traditionally made with basil, but you can also make a fresh and tasty version with oregano.
- Put it in soups and stews. Oregano is a spicy and robust herb that you can use to add tons of flavor to any soup or stew, including tomato ...
- Spice up your beans. ...
- Season fresh or cooked vegetables. ...
- Make a Greek salad dressing. ...
How to dry oregano and store it properly?
Steps to air drying oregano:
- Gather oregano sprigs in the morning just when the sun has dried the dew.
- Arrange the sprigs in a loose bundle tied securely together with twine or rubber band.
- Place the bundles inside a brown paper bag. ...
- Punch or tear holes all over the sides of the paper bag to allow air to flow in and out.
- Hang the paper bag upside down.
How do I take oregano oil internally?
- Some use oregano oil vapors to ease congestion brought on by a sinus infection. Though this isn't medically verified, it may bring some relief. ...
- Sinus infections will usually go away on their own. Take OTC pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce symptoms. ...
- If your sinus infection is persistent, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. ...
What is the most common use for oregano?
Oregano can be used in more than just pizza and pasta sauce. The beautiful green herb adds a delicious, and perhaps unexpected, earthy flavor to several dishes including chicken, seafood, hamburgers, even beans. Also, try it in your next homemade pesto for a bit of a more robust topping for pasta or fish.
What forms does oregano come in?
The most common form of oregano is known as “Origanum Vulgare” or “Wild Marjoram” which comes in several varieties. The most popular strand is the Greek Oregano which is found in most homes and is often used for cooking dishes that contain tomato sauce such as spaghetti, lasagna, and pizza.
What foods do you use oregano in?
Our pure oregano is a delicious addition to any tomato dish, eggs and omelets, chicken, fish and pork, cooked vegetables, vinaigrettes and more. Consider it your go-to herb for that real Mediterranean flavor.
Where is oregano most commonly found?
Mediterranean countriesOregano is native to the hills of the Mediterranean countries and western Asia and has naturalized in parts of Mexico and the United States. The herb has long been an essential ingredient of Mediterranean cooking and is widely used to season many foods.
Are there two types of oregano?
Common Types of Oregano Origanum vulgare: This is the species most commonly known as oregano. Its best known variety is Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare var. hirtum). Sometimes known as true oregano or Italian oregano, this is the familiar herb used on pizzas and in tomato sauces.
What type of oregano is best for cooking?
The Mediterranean oregano is the best type for cooking because it has a robust, woody flavor. This type is essential for Italian and Greek cuisine, but it can also be used in various other applications in the kitchen. Besides adding to your recipes, you can also use it in oils and dressings.
What is oregano herbs used for?
Oregano contains chemicals that might help reduce cough. Oregano also might help with digestion and with fighting against some bacteria and viruses. People use oregano for wound healing, parasite infections, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
How can I use oregano?
It goes particularly well with the following foods and recipes:jazz up pizza/pasta sauces;use as a pizza sauce itself;make a simple oregano pasta.mix with some olive oil and drizzle in a nice salad;dress up some roast potatoes like these potatoes from A Communal Table;More items...•
Can oregano be used in tea?
To make oregano tea at home, you can use the same dried oregano you use for cooking. Turn the dried spice into tea by: bringing 1 cup of water to a boil. pouring the boiling water over 2 teaspoons of dried oregano in a tea strainer, which you can purchase on Amazon.
What can I use fresh oregano for?
Try these recipes using fresh oregano.Roasted Asparagus with Creamy Mustard-Oregano Sauce. ... Creamy Tuscan Chicken. ... Classic Greek Salad. ... Garlic Oregano Monkey Bread. ... Pasta with Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce. ... Bacon, Fresh Corn and Oregano Cornbread. ... Greek Turkey Burgers. ... Baked Ziti.More items...•
Why oregano is used in pizza?
A quintessential Italian herb, Oregano brings an earthy and sweet aroma to your pizza. The herb instantly upgrades the pie, augmenting some of the flavors in the pizza's tomato sauce. If you're going to experiment with oregano, we'd recommend using it with a pie that boasts more traditional pizza toppings.
Is oregano an herb or spice?
herbSpices like cinnamon are made from the aromatic seeds, bark, flowers, and roots of plants that have been dried and crushed. Oregano, however, is an herb derived from the herbaceous oregano plant.
How many types of oregano are there?
She explained that there are three to four dozen or so species of the perennial herb. Each has its own flavor - from strong and peppery to hardly spicy at all. You have to take the time to find the one that suits your taste and needs.
What are the differences in oregano?
Oregano from these areas is robust in flavor, though different varieties may be more bitter, sweet, or peppery than others. Greek oregano tends to be the most savory and earthy, while Italian is milder and Turkish is more pungent.
Can I eat raw oregano?
It's often too pungent to eat raw, so fresh oregano is best when used in the last 15 minutes of cooking, according to Newgent. Fresh oregano makes a great accompaniment to a pot of beans, a lemony marinade or a simple marinara sauce.
What is the difference between marjoram and oregano?
Oregano plants have a concentration of the aromatic compound carvacrol, which gives it its savory flavor. Marjoram, by contrast, is sweeter, as it isn't high in carvacrol. Instead, it gets its flavor from a variety of aromatic compounds including sabinene (fresh, woody), terpinene (citrus), and linalool (floral).
Why is oregano used in Mediterranean cuisine?
People have used it for thousands of years to add flavor to dishes and to treat health conditions. It features in the Mediterranean diet. The Greeks and Romans associated oregano with joy and happiness. The name comes from the Greek words “oros,” meaning mountain, and “ganos,” meaning joy.
What are the benefits of oregano?
regulate blood sugar and lipids. fight cancer. Oregano and other herbs provide antioxidants. Dietary antioxidants help the body eliminate free radicals, which are toxic substances that result from natural processes and environmental stresses. A buildup of free radicals can trigger oxidative stress.
What are the antioxidants in oregano?
The antioxidants thymol, carvacrol, limonene, terpinene, ocimene, and caryophyllene give the herb. Trusted Source. its flavor and scent. They also contribute to the health benefits of oregano oil. Oregano provides other antioxidants when people consume it in the diet.
How to get more flavor from oregano?
Chop, crush, or grind the leaves to release more flavor. Start with a small amount and scale up, as too much can make the food bitter. If a recipe asks for one tsp of dried oregano, this is equivalent to one tbsp of fresh oregano. People can buy oregano dried or fresh in grocery stores.
What to do with oregano?
Here are some tips for adding it to food: While cooking, sprinkle meat, chicken with oregano for flavor. Use it in marinades or stuffings. Chop and mix into bread or pizza dough for a herby flavor. Add fresh oregano leaves to a salad. Sprinkle onto slices of mozzarella cheese and tomato, and drizzle with olive oil.
What plants are allergic to oregano?
People with an allergy to plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, which include oregano, basil, lavender, mint, and sage, should take care, as they may also develop an allergic reaction to oregano. Last medically reviewed on January 17, 2020. Nutrition / Diet. Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine.
Can you use oregano oil in a steam bath?
Dilute essential oils before use, either with a carrier oil, such as olive oil, or in water, as for a steam bath. The concentration of oregano oil should be no more than 1%, or skin irritation may occur. It can be dangerous to swallow essential oils or apply them to the skin.
What is oregano used for?
Image by Yarygin. Many different varieties of oregano find uses in cuisines from around the world. Some of these varieties have quite different flavors from the familiar oregano found in Italian herb blends. Trying different kinds of oregano is a great way to add interest to your garden and your cooking.
Where does oregano grow?
Other “Oregano” Plant Varieties. Mexican oregano or Puerto Rican oregano ( Lippia graveolens) is a perennial shrub native to Mexico and the southwestern United States . It is a member of the verbena family and has a bold flavor reminiscent of a stronger version of Greek oregano.
What is the name of the herb that is used in pizza sauce?
Its best known variety is Greek oregano ( Origanum vulgare var. hirtum ). Sometimes known as true oregano or Italian oregano , this is the familiar herb used on pizzas and in tomato sauces.
What is the difference between Mexican bush oregano and Spanish thyme?
Cuban oregano ( Plectranthus amboinicus ), also known as Spanish thyme, is a member of the mint family. It is used in Caribbean, African, and Indian cuisine. Mexican bush oregano (Poliomintha longiflora), also in the mint family, is also known as Mexican sage, or rosemary mint. It is a very aromatic edible plant with tube-shaped purple flowers.
What is the flavor of Syrian oregano?
Its flavor is similar to that of Greek oregano, but milder and less spicy. Syrian oregano ( Origanum syriacum or Origanum maru) is often used in za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice mixture, along with ground sumac and sesame seeds.
What is the best zone for oregano?
Outdoors, it does best in zones 5 to 10 and should be planted in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Golden oregano: ( Origanum vulgare var. aureum) is an edible variety with gold colored foliage. Marjoram ( Origanum majorana) is commonly used in southern European and Middle Eastern recipes.
Is oregano a plant?
True oregano plant varieties are members of the Origanum genus within the mint family . There are several other plants known as “oregano” that are used in international cooking but are not members of this genus. Since oregano can be grown indoors, outdoors in containers, or in the ground and since different kinds of oregano are suited for different climates, you can enjoy homegrown oregano no matter where you live.
What are the uses of oregano?
These are the different strands of oregano in the world. Many strands of oregano can be used to cook and prepare delicious meals. Other strands can only be used for ornamental (decorative) purposes.
What is the most common form of oregano?
The most common form of oregano is known as “Origanum Vulgare” or “Wild Marjoram” which comes in several varieties. The most popular strand is the Greek Oregano which is found in most homes and is often used for cooking dishes that contain tomato sauce such as spaghetti, lasagna, and pizza.
What is Italian oregano used for?
Italian Oregano is used in dozens of dishes, especially in Italian and Sicilian dishes. It can also be used for grilling vegetables and meat. Italian Oregano is the hybrid of the sweet marjoram strand and the common Greek Oregano strand and has been known to resemble both plants with its strong flavor.
What is the yellow leaf on an oregano plant?
Aureum Oregano: Has yellow leaves that act as a groundcover and can even be cooked with. Oregano plants are very high in vitamins, iron, folate, fiber, calcium, and magnesium. They provide loads of health benefits and is used every day in households worldwide.
How did golden oregano get its name?
Golden Oregano gets their name from their yellow to golden foliage that is covered in delicate pink and purple flowers, during the summer. It is edible and can be used in a wide variety of dishes.
What is the best herb for landscaping?
Hop-Flower Oregano: This is great for landscaping purposes because of its lavender bracts that resemble Hop-Flowers. Kent Beauty Oregano Has large beautiful bracts that overlap one another, it also has small tiny flowers. Compactum Oregano: Has dark green leaves that are ideal for groundcovers.
What is the color of the flowers on Cuban oregano?
Cuban Oregano (which is a member of the mint family) is very strong and has thick fuzzy leaves. The flowers of this strand can be lavender, white or pink. The plants should be kept in an area, where they won’t be in direct sunlight or else they will burn and wilt.
What Dishes Can I Use Oregano In?
In addition to the above-mentioned pizza and tomato-based dishes, oregano often pairs well other common Greek ingredients such as feta cheese.
What Does Oregano Taste Like?
While there are Mexican, Greek, and Turkish varieties, generally, oregano has a peppery and spicy flavor. The fresh leaves or the dried herb in large amounts are also generally somewhat bitter, although it’s generally not used in large enough quantities to be unpleasant.
Where Can I Buy Oregano?
Spice Station Silverlake has several varieties of oregano available for purchase and delivery straight to you. Whether you want to dabble in spicier Mexican oregano, or the more traditional Greek or Turkish varieties, Spice Station’s fast and easy shipping is free when your order totals $25 or more.
Common Oregano
Common oregano is one of the most common types of oregano because its flavor works so well in a large variety of recipes. You’ll often find common oregano in many tomato-based dishes as well as in soups and casseroles.
Greek Oregano
Greek oregano is a variety of common oregano and is used in Greek, Italian, and Spanish cuisine. It’s also one of the most commonly stocked types of oregano in grocery and spice stores. You’ll find Greek oregano in many tomato-based dishes such as pizza, lasagna, and spaghetti.
Sweet Marjoram
Native to Turkey, sweet marjoram is considered a different herb from oregano when it comes to cooking. However, all varieties of marjoram are types of oregano.
Syrian Oregano
This quick-growing herb has a robust flavor that adds a delicious spicy oregano taste to your dishes.
Cuban Oregano
Although Cuban oregano isn’t a member of the true oregano family (Origanum), it’s a succulent in the same larger Lamiaceae family which is home to oregano, mint plants, and more. Other common names for Cuban oregano include Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, and Indian borage.
Italian Oregano
This delicious oregano variety is a hybrid of common oregano and sweet marjoram. It’s a versatile and tasty herb that also happens to look pretty amazing in the garden.
Golden Oregano
This oregano variety is different from sweet oregano but still common. You can typically find it in a lot of larger nurseries or home improvement stores. It has a deliciously sweet scent and spicy flavor.
What is the most common oregano?
The most common form of oregano is called the Origanum vulgare, but it comes in several different varieties. The most well-known variety is the Greek oregano, which can also be called a true oregano, even though Italian oregano also goes by this name. Familiar to most people because it is frequently used in tomato sauces and on pizzas, these types of oregano grow very well outdoors, especially if you live in zones 5 to 10 and you plant them in a sunny spot with soil that drains well.
Where does Mexican oregano grow?
Native to Mexico, the Mexican Bush oregano grows well in hot, dry areas in the U.S., most notably Texas. It isn’t a lot like your typical oregano plant, but it has beautiful purple flowers that both smell terrific and can survive in harsh conditions. It grows differently in different areas of the country, but it does best in growing zones 7b through 8a, as well as zone 11. It is also called Mexican sage or rosemary mint, and it is a member of the mint family.
What is the best herb to use for spaghetti?
If you love spaghetti or Mediterranean dishes, you likely use Greek oregano to cook it. In fact, Greek oregano is one of the most common types of oregano, and you may have it in your cupboard without even realizing it. Greek oregano has a pungent flavor and is a useful herb for dozens of dishes, and if you’d like to grow it, it does best in zones 5-11. The Greek ore gano plant has white flowers and fuzzy leaves, and it doesn’t grow as aggressively as the standard, common oregano. Most oregano, however, is very easy to grow and produces a lot of plants for the money you spend on it.
How tall does Cuban oregano grow?
It is saw-toothed at the edges of the leaves, and its flowers can be pink, lavender, or white. The plants themselves grow up to 18 inches tall, but they should never be left in full sun because they may burn.
How to use oregano oil for hair?
It can get rid of dandruff, heal irritated scalps, stimulate hair growth, and make your hair softer and shinier. Just apply it directly to your scalp before you wash your hair, and you can also take it in capsule form if you don’t want to ingest it orally. In fact, since oregano can be purchased and consumed fresh or in oil and capsule form, it is easier than ever to use it for a variety of health conditions.
How to use oregano oil for sore throat?
If you have swollen lymph nodes, an ear infection, or even a sore throat, just rub the oil onto the affected area a few times a day for up to five days, and you should see some relief in no time. You can also try it for muscle pain, viral and fungal infections such as warts and nail fungus, and even look for toothpaste containing oregano should you have mouth sores or toothaches.
What is the best herb for landscaping?
Hop-flower oregano, which is hardy to zone 4b and has lavender bracts that resemble hop-flowers; it is also perfect for landscaping purposes. Heiderose oregano, which has pink flowers and can get up to three feet in height. Compactum oregano, which has dark-green leaves and is perfect for use as groundcovers.
What is the most common form of oregano?
Greek oregano, common oregano, or Origanum vulgare hirtum) - The most common form of the herb —it has a milder taste and bold aroma. Mexican Oregano (aka. Lippia graveolens) - A flavorful variety of oregano that is popular in Mexican cooking thanks to its strong peppery notes that pair well with chilies.
What is the meaning of oregano?
Also known as wild marjoram and Origanum vulgare (meaning “joy of the mountain” in Greek), oregano is a fragrant culinary and medicinal herb that has been used for thousands of years.
Where does oregano come from?
Originating in the mountains of Greece, this aromatic herb has long been a hallmark of cooking across the Mediterranean region.
What is the difference between oregano and marjoram?
Oregano is commonly confused with marjoram, another member of the mint family that has a similar appearance and aroma. However, marjoram has a sweet, lemony taste in contrast to oregano’s more savory flavor .
How to dry oregano in microwave?
Microwave the oregano on low until the leaves have completely dried, cool, and crush into powder form.
What is the most popular herb in the world?
Thanks to its subtly sweet, herbaceous flavor, oregano has become one of the most popular cooking herbs in the world, featured prominently in Italian, Turkish, Mexican, and Greek cuisine.
How long does it take for oregano to dry?
Use the rubber band to hang the oregano on a nail or herb drying rack in a dry, sunny room. Let the herbs hang until completely dry, 1-2 weeks. Strip the dried leaves from the stem into a large bowl, discard the stems, and crush the leaves by hand until they’ve reached a fine, powder-like consistency.
Features
Origin
- Common oregano is botanically known as Origanum vulgare, Greek for \"joy of the mountains.\" It can be found growing wild on mountainsides of Greece and other Mediterranean countries where it is a herb of choice. It was relatively unused in America until returning World War II soldiers heightened the popularity of pizza. In fact, sales of oregano increased by 5,200 percent between …
Varieties
- Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is considered to be the strongest-flavored variety. It is actually from a different botanical family and is also known as Mexican marjoram or Mexican wild sage. If your recipe calls for Mexican oregano specifically, try not to substitute another variety. If you are making your own chili powder, use Mexican oregano for its strong, peppery flavor.
Appearance
- Adding more confusion to the mix isdue to the close relationship between marjoram and oreganothat they look very much alike. Marjoram has leaves which are slightly hairy and more gray-green in color, while oregano has olive-green colored leaves, but overall they have similar appearances.
Usage
- Fresh oregano has the most flavor and aroma. Strip the leaves from the stem and discard the stem. Fresh oregano is commonly used in a bouquet garni for making stocks and soups. For this use, do not strip leaves from the sprigs and instead tie it up with the rest of the herbs. It is easy to grow your own oregano as part of an herb garden so you have...
Preparation
- Unlike some other herbs, dried oregano can be added early in the cooking process for sauces and stews as its flavors will stand up to cooking. Crush dried oregano to release more flavor before adding it to the recipe. If you have made your own dried oregano, use only the dried leaves and not the stems unless you are going to remove the stems from the finished dish (as in baking fish stu…
Variations
- If you find you are out of oregano, marjoram may be substituted. Use half of the amount called for of oregano. Basil, savory, and thyme are other possible substitutions. To substitute fresh oregano for dried, and vice versa, the equivalent is that 1 tablespoon fresh oregano equals 1 teaspoon dried.
Availability
- Dried oregano is readily available in small bottles in the spice section of the supermarket, and you can find it in bulk at warehouse stores. Fresh oregano is usually found in a plastic clamshell sold in the produce or fresh herb section, or you may find it at farmers markets. Look for bunches that are rich green and that haven't gone limp.