Friday's Herbal - Oregano

Common name: Oregano
Latin: Origanum ssp.

When I sat down to start researching this week's herb, I have to admit that I was thinking, "ok, oregano, how dull," but omg!  I've really learned a lot about this herb; there is so much more to know about it than "yeah, it goes in pasta sauce."

First off, oregano belongs to the genus Origanum, which, according to the Herb Society of America, includes "44 species, 6 subspecies, 3 botanical varieties and 18 naturally occurring hybrids, and includes several types of oregano as well as sweet marjoram (O. majorana) and dittany of Crete (O. dictamnus)."  I already knew there was some confusion (for me at least) because I had always planted what was labeled Greek Oregano, while my friend insists that Italian Oregano is the only way to go.   What I've been able to glean from my research is the true Greek Oregano is the one with the stronger flavor and you will find it labeled Origanum heracleoticum  or Originum vulgare hirtum.  What is called Italian Oregano is apparently a cross between true oregano and marjoram, and has a milder flavor. 

After reading all of this I had to run out to the garden and check my own.  The tag is long gone.  I do remember I couldn't find one labeled "Greek", but this one was called "hot and spicy" oregano.  The leaves are furry, which I believe, although I'm not an expert, is a sign of the true Greek Oregano.  I tasted a leaf or two, and mine is indeed spicy.  It had a bite!  Further reading suggests it may be a new cultivar, possibly from Israel.

Oregano is an herbaceous perennial, hardy to US zone 5.  It grows to 2 feet tall and has 1-2 inch long leaves.  Flower stalks with small 1/4" pink, white or purple blossoms will form on the end of the stems.  It likes a well drained, average soil, with full sunlight.  It's best to plant from established and well marked nursery plants.  Taste a leaf before buying to be sure.  Plant your oregano next to beans to enhance their growth.

Oregano is native to the Mediterranean, where it has been used for centuries as a medicine and in kitchens by the Romans and Greeks.  The name means "joy of the mountain", deriving from the Greek oros for mountain, and ganos, meaning joy.  The British herbalist John Gerard prescribed this herb for those who "are given to overmuch sighing."  I'll eat another leaf.

Oregano's history as a medicinal herb seems to go back farther than its culinary uses.  The ancient Greeks used poultices on sores and sore muscles alike.  The Roman scholar Pliny used oregano for scorpion and spider bites.  It was brought to North America by colonists, and remedies here included a tea that was used to ease coughs and asthma.  Doctors also used the essential oil on a cotton ball to soothe tooth aches.  This is a remedy still in use.  Oregano mixed with olive oil was thought to cure baldness.  Probably it just made the guys smell like dinner.  The same mixture was used to ease the pains of rheumatism and sprains.  Oregano is still used today to relieve indigestion, coughs, headaches, and to promote menstruation.  A muslin bag stuffed with oregano leaves and dropped in your bath is said to relieve aches and stiff joints.   It is sounding more and more like this is an herb I should be making  better use of!

And of course we know that oregano is good in the kitchen.  It is a common ingredient in Greek and Italian cuisine; you will find it flavoring Greek recipes for moussaka, lamb, chicken, meatballs, and in Italian cooking it is ubiquitous in pasta and pizza sauces.  Try drizzling some good olive oil over a slice of feta and sprinkle some oregano leaves on top.  I enjoy oregano scattered on a simple white pizza.

OK, I've managed to make myself hungry!  How about you?  And it is lunch time;)

Have a fabulous, relaxing weekend of your dreams!