The peppery leaves of oregano are most well-known for his or her use in Mediterranean delicacies. However for hundreds of years, this pungent herb has additionally been extremely prized for its medicinal qualities.
Initially native to the Mediterranean area, oregano is now naturalized throughout a lot of the northern hemisphere. A member of the mint household, the herb is a perennial. Nonetheless, it’s typically grown as an annual in areas with harsh winters.
Oregano’s Latin binomial is Origanum vulgare. The genus Origanum combines the phrases ‘oros’, or mountain, and ‘ganos’, that means brightness. This identify, ‘brightness of the mountain’ suits an herb that cascaded throughout the perimeters of the very best hills in Historic Greece, reflecting the morning gentle off the dew on its leaves.
The particular epithet, vulgare, sometimes defines the ‘widespread’ species inside a genus. So many typically seek advice from this herb as widespread oregano.
The plant can be typically known as wild marjoram, and it’s carefully associated to candy marjoram, O. majorana. These two crops are sometimes used interchangeably, though oregano has a a lot stronger taste and aroma.
Two different species of Origanum obtainable to the grower additionally bear mentioning; O. onites, the Greek oregano and O. syriacum, from Syria. Each are stunning crops, related in taste to the widespread selection.
Both of those herbs would make a fantastic addition to the backyard.
Oregano within the Kitchen
An inventory of oregano’s culinary makes use of could be nearly infinite as this versatile herb provides a depth of taste and aroma to many dishes. However this herb mostly pairs within the kitchen with tomato. This mixture is virtually ubiquitous!
You’ll discover oregano in most tomato-based sauces, like marinara and pizza sauce, however it additionally brings scrumptious taste to roasted meats and greens. The woodsy taste provides vibrance to rooster and different poultry, and it additionally pairs nicely with different herbs in seasoning blends.
Oregano, in fact, options within the customary “Italian Seasoning” mix present in virtually each grocery retailer and spice cupboard throughout the nation. However additionally it is an important ingredient within the extra elevated herbes de Provence, a conventional herb combination from the Provence area of France.
Strive infusing the herb, together with rosemary and thyme, in a high-quality vinegar. Let the herbs steep for one to 2 weeks. Mix with virgin olive oil to create a robustly flavored French dressing to drizzle in your salads and vegetable dishes.
Learn extra: It’s time for thyme! Develop this scrumptious and wholesome herb in your backyard this 12 months.
Oregano within the Apothecary
Potential medicinal makes use of predate its in depth culinary historical past. Historic Egyptians used oregano each topically and internally for all kinds of illnesses, together with abdomen upset, minor wounds, infections and pores and skin irritations. It was additionally prescribed as an antidote for poisoning.
Historic Greeks, too, recorded many of those conventional makes use of.
Oregano continues to be a well-liked herb within the fashionable apothecary. A tea brewed from its leaves helps settle digestive points or ease a persistent cough. Craft a salve to make use of topically on cuts, scratches and different pores and skin abrasions. An antibacterial herb, oregano additionally does a fantastic job at therapeutic wounds.
I discover the numerous medicinal makes use of of oregano in my guide The Artisan Herbalist. If I may solely select a handful herbs to inventory in my apothecary, this versatile ally would definitely be one in all them!
Learn extra: Tackle chilly and virus season with this refreshing natural tonic!
Rising Oregano
Oregano is an easy-to-grow herb that must be included in each backyard! It prefers full solar however will nonetheless do nicely in partial shade. Oregano is considerably drought tolerant, and it’s additionally fairly cold-hardy.
As soon as your plant is well-established, it ought to thrive for years to come back!
You possibly can actually begin your crops from seeds as they germinate fairly simply. Begin your seeds eight to 10 weeks earlier than your final spring frost. Transplant the younger seedlings out into the backyard after the climate warms and soil temps attain round 70 levels F.
This herb is extremely prolific, and it’s really easy to propagate through root division. Merely separate an already established oregano plant into clumps, making certain that every piece has some roots nonetheless hooked up, and replant wherever you need your oregano to develop. Make sure to maintain the ‘new’ crops well-watered till they’ve settled into their new houses.
Harvest your oregano commonly to encourage new development and powerful, wholesome crops.
