Oregano
What is oregano?
Oregano is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used for thousands of years as a culinary and medicinal herb.
Oregano typically grows to a height of about 20-80 cm and has small, oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in color. The plant produces clusters of small pink or purple flowers in the summer.
Oregano, like other herbs, can also be dried and used in a variety of ways. There are several benefits to eating herbs fresh instead of dried, but here are three of them:
Better flavor and aroma: Fresh herbs have a stronger and more complex flavor and aroma than dried herbs because their essential oils are more intact. When herbs are dried, some of their essential oils evaporate, which can lead to a loss of flavor and aroma.
More nutrients: Fresh herbs contain more vitamins and antioxidants than dried herbs.
Versatility: Fresh herbs can be used in a wider variety of recipes than dried herbs.
What does oregano pair well with?
Oregano is a versatile herb that pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are some examples:
Roasted vegetables
Red meat + seafood (we recommend The Organic Butcher of Mclean)
Different ways to enjoy oregano
Due to its heritage, oregano is a common seasoning used in Mediterranean-style olive dishes, such as tapenade or stuffed olives. Oregano is a great addition to many dishes, such as pasta sauces, soups, stews, and marinades. Try adding it to your favorite recipes for an extra burst of flavor.
Oregano can be used to season bread, either in the dough or sprinkled on top before baking. Oregano also pairs well with many types of cheese, such as feta, mozzarella, or Parmesan.
Add flavor to grilled or roasted chicken dishes or to fish. Oregano pairs well with white fish, such as cod or halibut, and can be used in marinades or as a seasoning.
What are the health benefits of oregano?
Oregano has many health benefits as it’s rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties
Digestive health: Oregano promotes healthy digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and improving the production of digestive enzymes.
Respiratory health: Oregano has been found to help improve respiratory health by reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract and fighting off harmful bacteria and viruses.
Immune system support: Oregano supports the immune system by promoting the production of white blood cells, which help fight off infections and disease.
Heart health: Oregano has been found to help support heart health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of heart disease.
Something you might not oreganknow:
Beyond being named for bringing joy to a mountain, oregano has lots of interesting facts about it:
The name "oregano" comes from the Greek words “oros” meaning mountain and “ganos” meaning joy, which translates to “joy of the mountain.”
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that oregano symbolized happiness, and would often crown newlyweds with wreaths of the herb.
Oregano has been used for medicinal purposes for over 2,500 years, and was even used by Hippocrates, the father of medicine.
Oregano is sometimes called “wild marjoram” because it is closely related to the herb marjoram.
Oregano is a natural insect repellent and can be used to keep pests like mosquitoes and fleas away.
Area 2 Farms for Locals
Your food should be equally accessible and nutritious. Which is where we come in. We’re Area 2 Farms, we grow organic produce, deliver it to your door weekly, and operate all within 10 miles of you.
