Oregano, Spice
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a species of perennial herb in mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to warm temperate western and southwestern Eurasia, and the Mediterranean region. It is sometimes known as Wild Marjoram. Oregano whose name is derived from Greek words, oros (mountain), and ganos (joy), a symbol of joy and happiness, is available throughout the year. Oregano is commonly called 'the pizza herb', and is one of the most widely-used herbs worldwide. Oregano is a small shrub that grows from 20-80 cm tall, with multi-branched stems and leaves that are opposite, grayish-green, oval, 1-4 cm long. It grows well in partial shade and a soil that is pH ranged between 6.0 -8.0. It bears white, pink or purple edible flowers, 3-4 mm long, in erect spikes. Oregano leaves taste best before the plant flowers. Oregano leaves are an important culinary herb, providing warm, balsamic and aromatic flavor to dishes, especially to Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines. The dried leaves are more flavorful than the fresh ones. Oregano flavor can vary in intensity. Good quality oregano have flavor that is strong enough to numb the tongue. Oregano is most frquently used together with roasted, fried or grilled vegetables, meat and fish. Oregano is an excellent source of vitamin K and a very good source of iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary fiber. It has a high antioxidant activity, due to a high content of phnolic acids and flavonoids. The volatile oils, thymol and carvacrol, have anti-bacterial properties.  Oregano Author: Christian Bauer (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic) | ||
|
