Food

Food Information

Herbs&Spice

OREGANO

OREGANO (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano, also known as wild marjoram, is closely related to sweet marjoram.It also is a perennial and grows to about 2-2 1/2 feet. The leaves are roundedand come to a blunt point at the tip, but often are larger and coarser thanthose of sweet marjoram and have a darker green color. Small, purplish pinkblossoms grow at the ends of the stems. Oregano is shrubby and tends tospread by invasive underground stems.

There is a legend that describes the origin of oregano. A young servantto Cinyras, the king of Cyprus, was carrying a large vessel, full of valuableperfume which the king was particularly fond of. Accidentally, he droppedthe container, spilling its contents. He was so afraid of what his punishmentwould be that he fainted, and, while lying unconscious on the ground wherethe oil had spilled, he was metamorphosed into the oregano plant.

Oregano grows in well drained, good garden soil where plants receive fullsun. It requires routine watering. Like sweet marjoram, the flowers shouldbe kept cut back to encourage bushiness and thick foliage. It makes a goodcontainer plant but should be replaced about every 3 years when it becomeswoody. Grow new plants from seeds or by dividing an established plant.

The leaves have a sharper flavor than sweet marjoram and taste a littleof thyme. Use them fresh or dried in the same foods you would marjoram orthyme, especially Italian and Spanish or Mexican dishes.