Oregano is the dried leaves of the herbs Origanum sp (Mediterranean variety) or Lippia sp (Mexican variety). Both varieties have traditionally been harvested in the wild. The name Origanum derives from Greek words meaning “joy of the mountain” since oregano thrives in high altitude Mediterranean climates.
Why is it called oregano?
The name oregano is derived from the Greek oros (meaning mountain) and ganos (meaning joy). The literal translation means “mountain of happiness,” since it covers hillsides in the Mediterranean and smothers them with beautiful fragrance and flowers.
What is oregano also known as?
oregano, (Origanum vulgare), also called origanum or wild marjoram, aromatic perennial herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae) known for its flavourful dried leaves and flowering tops.
Is oregano Italian or Greek?
Origanum x majoricum
Slightly sweeter than the ‘Greek’ Oregano, the ‘Italian’ is the herb that brings delicious Italian dishes to life. Popularized after World War II when soldiers brought their love of Italian cuisine home with them from overseas, the ‘Italian’ Oregano became the quintessential pizza herb.
Is oregano Italian or Mexican?
Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. It matches perfectly with dishes from that region. You will commonly find it added to pasta sauces, grilled meats and pizza. Mexican oregano has lemon and citrus flavors as well as some tones of licorice.
Where did oregano originally come from?
Botany. Mediterranean type oregano is a perennial herbaceous plant with small purplish flowers that grows to about 1 to 2 feet tall. It is native to temperate western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. The plant can also be grown in colder climates but often does not survive the winter.
What country did oregano come from?
Since oregano was originally grown in Greece, it was first used by the Greeks. They believed that this herb was created by the Goddess Aphrodite. She wanted it to be a symbol of joy growing in her garden.
Is oregano a natural antibiotic?
Interestingly, oregano oil is an effective natural antibiotic and antifungal agent, and it may help you lose weight and lower your cholesterol levels.
What does oregano do for the body?
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.
Can I boil oregano leaves and drink it?
Oregano is an herb that’s commonly used in cooking, especially in Mediterranean and Italian dishes. You can also brew oregano tea for drinking.
What is the difference between oregano and Italian 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.
What’s the difference between regular oregano and Greek oregano?
Greek oregano has a stronger, more pungent aroma. If you’re familiar with any member of the mint family, you already know what I mean – they share an almost skunky, musky scent. While Italian oregano does have the signature mint family perfume, it’s much more subtle and you have to crush the leaves to release it.
What is oregano called in UK?
What’s known as wild marjoram in Britain is the species Origanum vulgare. It’s frequently known as oregano in Europe. It’s one of our staple herbs, but if you’re a gardener you’ll probably be familiar with it, too.
Is Cilantro Mexican oregano?
Cilantro. Just like the Mexican oregano, this familiar herb is popular in the Southwest United States and Central America. Cilantro is mainly used in Mexican dishes like this corn and bean tacos recipe. The Mexican herb will give you a more darker and robust flavor.
Do Mexicans use oregano?
Mexican Oregano is a very popular herb in Mexican cooking. It is widely used in Mexican and Central American dishes, as well in TexMex dishes.
Are Greek and Mexican oregano the same?
Mexican oregano is commonly mistaken for its cousin Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare). Although, they’re more like step cousins, because the two don’t even share a taxonomic family. Greek oregano is part of the mint or Lamiaceae family, and Mexican oregano is part of the verbena or Verbenaceae family.
Which country produces the most oregano?
Trends of Top 10 Exporters
| Country | Export % | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Global | |
| 2 | China | 24.54% |
| 3 | India | 11.76% |
Is oregano better fresh or dried?
Some herbs’ flavor is also a bit different in dried form compared to fresh – not better or worse, just different. Oregano, for example, is sharper and more peppery fresh, while the dried stuff is flavorful but mild. Both are delicious, but they aren’t identical.
What does oregano mean in Latin?
From Spanish orégano (“wild marjoram”), from Latin orīganum, from Ancient Greek ὀρίγανον (oríganon). Doublet of origanum.
Is oregano medicinal plant?
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an herb prominent in the Mediterranean diet, and has been shown to possess several bioactive properties including anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
Can you eat oregano stems?
Any green, herby sauce makes a good home for those leftover herb stems. They can help to fill out a blended sauce like pesto—it’s kind of all the same when you buzz it up like that—and when chopped finely they add flavor and a bit of crunch to looser sauces, like a simple salsa verde.