John Myers
The oregano shrub, up to 60 cm high, forms four-edged, reddish-brownish stalks on which broad leaves are attached. The plant owes its intense, tart, peppery scent to its essential oil content.
Origin
Oregano has its origins in the Mediterranean region and is mainly used in Italian and Spanish cuisine, but the spicy herb can also be found in North Africa.
Season
Oregano can be sown on the windowsill from April and outdoors from May. Flowering time, and therefore harvest time, of oregano is in July, because then the tart, spicy aroma is most intense. The season continues into autumn.
Taste
Oregano has a spicy, piquant, aromatic taste.
Use
The classic Italian spice is mainly used for pizza and pasta sauces, hearty types of meat, tomatoes, and vegetables such as zucchini and aubergines. This spice also gives breads – such as our tomato bread – a Mediterranean touch. In Mexico, a variant of oregano is an ingredient in chili powders.
Storage/shelf life
Oregano can be dried very well and retains its aroma for up to a year if stored in an airtight and dark place.
What oregano is good for?
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.
What are the side effects of oregano?
Generally, potential side effects are minor and may include: Mild stomach upset. Allergic reactions, if you are allergic to plants from the mint family (such as basil, sage, mint, lavender, and marjoram) Skin irritation if oregano oil is applied topically in concentrations greater than 1%
Is oregano good for kidneys?
Research has found that oregano has been traditionally used in the treatment of kidney stones. It acts as a diuretic that increases urine volume and reduces supersaturation of crystals and anti-spasmodic agent or relieves pain. Oregano increases the dissolution of kidney stones.
Is oregano good to eat raw?
It’s often too pungent to eat raw, so fresh oregano is best when used in the last 15 minutes of cooking, according to Newgent. Fresh oregano makes a great accompaniment to a pot of beans, a lemony marinade, or a simple marinara sauce.
