The dried and ground leaves are most often used in Greece to add flavor to Greek salad, and is usually added to the lemon-olive oil sauce that accompanies fish or meat grills and casseroles. [3] This is a compound Greek term that consists of ὄρος (óros) meaning "mountain", and γάνος (gános) meaning "brightness", thus, "brightness of the mountain". Many subspecies and strains of oregano have been developed by humans over centuries for their unique flavours or other characteristics. Oregano is no exception—it will grow in soil that is only moderately fertile. Most have stems that can get very woody. Oregano's most prominent modern use is as the staple herb of Italian cuisine. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Oregano is a perennial plant that has the characteristics of an herb, green and leaflike, with round shaped leaves. Oregano is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to grow in the home garden. Unless you are growing it only for ornamental reasons, the best option for choosing oregano is to taste and smell it. In Turkish cuisine, oregano is mostly used for flavoring meat, especially for mutton and lamb. There are many named oregano varieties, and common names tend to vary by region. Oregano may need some winter protection in hardiness zones 5 and lower. Do not overwater oregano. Oregano combines well with spicy foods popular in southern Italy. Many herbs are considered weeds and most are not particular about the soil in which they grow. History Since oregano was originally grown in Greece, it was first used by the Greeks. Oregano has purple flowers and spade-shaped, olive-green leaves. Soil for Oregano. Cut sprigs for use. Few pests bother oregano, but keep an eye out for spider mites and aphids. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Oregano: Learn How to Grow, Dry, and Use the Popular Herb, 6 Beautiful Herbs For Gardens and Containers, How to Grow Sweet Marjoram in Your Kitchen Garden. [18][19], The essential oil of oregano is composed primarily of monoterpenoids and monoterpenes, with the relative concentration of each compound varying widely across geographic origin and other factors. It is a member of the verbena family and has a bold flavor reminiscent of a stronger version of Greek oregano. Regular trimming will not only cause the plant to branch again, but also avoid legginess. Cutting stems all the way back to the ground will encourage more stems from the base and a fuller plant. Among the chemical compounds contributing to the flavour are carvacrol, thymol, limonene, pinene, ocimene, and caryophyllene.[12]. As it is native to hot, arid regions, the oregano plant is perfect for growing in areas prone to drought. Wet soils can cause root rot. Divide plants into segments when the centers begin to die out or the stems become too woody. Over 60 different compounds have been identified, with the primary ones being carvacrol and thymol ranging to over 80%, while lesser abundant compounds include p-cymene, γ-terpinene, caryophyllene, spathulenol, germacrene-D, β-fenchyl alcohol and δ-terpineol. The smaller varieties also do well in rock and alpine gardens. You should w… You can begin harvesting when plants have reached 4 to 5 inches in height. The related species, Origanum onites (Greece, Turkey) and O. syriacum (West Asia), have similar flavours. Oregano oil has been used in folk medicine over centuries. [10][14], In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned a Utah company, Young Living, that its herbal products, including oregano essential oil, were being promoted to have numerous unproven anti-disease effects, and so were being sold as unauthorized misbranded drugs subject to seizure and federal penalties. The herb has long been an essential ingredient of Mediterranean cooking and is widely used to season many foods. A sample of fresh whole plant material found to contain 33 g/kg dry weight (3.1 g/kg wet) decreased to below a third after warm-air convection drying. Most oregano varieties need full sun, however, the golden oregano variety does best in partial shade; its leaves tend to scorch in full sun. Where to Grow Oregano. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. A closely related plant is marjoram from Turkey, which differs significantly in taste though, because phenolic compounds are missing from its essential oil.

Alternative Haggis Recipes, Jumper Forehead Thermometer Reviews, G6 Guitar Chord, Best Refrigerator 2020, F Major Key Signature, Silver Pheasant Female, Srm Medical College Admission 2020, Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency Test, Bayonne Ham Near Me, Carbon Neutral Beef Uk,