The peppery leaves of oregano are most well - known for their use in Mediterranean culinary art . But for centuries , this pungent herbaceous plant has also been extremely respect for its medicinal qualities .
Originally aboriginal to the Mediterranean area , oregano is now naturalized across much of the northern cerebral hemisphere . A member of the mint category , the herb is a perennial . However , it is sometimes grow as an annual in country with harsh winters .
Oregano ’s Latin binomial isOriganum vulgare . The genusOriganumcombines the Logos ‘ oros ’ , or mountain , and ‘ ganos ’ , meaning luminousness . This name , ‘ brightness of the mass ’ fits an herbaceous plant that cascaded across the sides of the highest hill in Ancient Greece , ruminate the aurora light off the dew on its leaf .
The specific epithet , vulgare , typically determine the ‘ uncouth ’ species within a genus . So many often refer to this herb as uncouth oregano .
The plant life is also sometimes consult to as violent marjoram , and it ’s tight relate to sweet marjoram , O. majorana . These two plants are often used interchangeably , although winter sweet has a much stronger flavor and scent .
Two other species of Origanum useable to the raiser also gestate mentioning;O. onites , the Greek oregano andO. syriacum , from Syria . Both are beautiful plants , similar in flavor to the vulgar variety .
Either of these herbaceous plant would make a fine addition to the garden .
Oregano in the Kitchen
A list of oregano ’s culinary uses would be almost endless as this various herb tot a deepness of nip and odour to many dish . But this herbaceous plant most commonly pair in the kitchen with tomato . This combining is practically ubiquitous !
You ’ll see oregano in most tomato - found sauces , like marinara and pizza pie sauce , but it also brings delicious savor to roasted meat and vegetables . The woody flavor adds vibrance to chicken and other domestic fowl , and it also pairs well with other herb in harden blends .
Oregano , of path , feature in the customary “ Italian Seasoning ” blend notice in much every grocery store and spice cabinet across the country . But it is also an essential element in the more elevatedherbes de Provence , a traditional herb mixture from the Provence region of France .
Try infusing the herb , along with rosemary and thyme , in a in high spirits - timbre vinegar . Let the herbaceous plant usurious for one to two weeks . Blend with pure olive oil to create a robustly flavour vinaigrette to moisten on your salads and veggie dishes .
Read more : It ’s time for thyme ! arise this delicious and healthy herb in your garden this yr .
Oregano in the Apothecary
potential medicinal uses predate its blanket culinary history . Ancient Egyptians used oregano both topically and internally for a wide variety of ill , including tummy upset , minor combat injury , infections and peel innervation . It was also prescribed as an antidote for intoxication .
Ancient Greeks , too , enter many of these traditional use .
Oregano is still a popular herb in the advanced chemist . A afternoon tea brew from its leaves serve settle digestive return or comfort a unrelenting coughing . Craft a unguent to use locally on undercut , cacography and other pelt detrition . An antibacterial herb , oregano also does a peachy job at healing wounds .
I explore the many medicative uses of oregano in my bookThe Artisan Herbalist . If I could only select a handful herb to stock in my apothecary , this versatile friend would sure as shooting be one of them !
Read more : Take on cold-blooded and virus season with this refreshing herbal tonic !
Growing Oregano
Oregano is an easy - to - grow herb that should be admit in every garden ! It favor full sun but will still do well in partial shade . Oregano is somewhat drouth tolerant , and it ’s also quite frigid - hardy .
Once your plant is well - build , it should flourish for years to come !
you’re able to sure start your plants from seminal fluid as they develop quite easily . set out your seeds eight to 10 calendar week before your last spring Robert Lee Frost . transplantation the young seedling out into the garden after the conditions warms and soil temps reach around 70 degrees F.
This herb is incredibly prolific , and it ’s so easy to circularise via root air division . Simply divide an already established oregano plant into clumps , ensuring that each piece has some etymon still attached , and replant wherever you want your oregano to turn . Be sure to keep the ‘ new ’ plants well - watered until they ’ve settled into their new nursing home .
Harvest your oregano regularly to boost new growth and strong , healthy plant .
