How to Identify Oregano

Oregano is a perennial bush that grows about 2 ft (60 cm) although the variety oreganum marjorana is cultivated as an annual. Oregano opens its white and pink small flowers in the middle of the summer. Leaves and top are used.

How to use and store Oregano

Fresh oregano is available in the countries where it is cultivated. Select lustrous green bunches that look crisp and do not show any sign of wilting or yellowing. Keep in the fridge, in a plastic bag, for up to 3 days. Dried oregano is usually in stock crumbled or ground, sometimes dried on stalks. Keep dried oregano in airtight containers in a cool, dark place and use within six months.

Experts say oregano is one herb that gains with drying.

Oregano is a must for pizza and pasta dishes. Its biting flavor complements meats and vegetables such as zucchini, tomatoes or eggplant, also used with peppers. This herb enhances Mediterranean stews together with olives, garlic and red wine.

How to grow Oregano

Oregano requires warm, dry conditions and well-drained soil. It spreads by seed in spring, by cuttings or by root in autumn. Harvest bunches of flowers and leaves in the summer, dry under the sun around four days.

Oregano grows well in Mediterranean countries, Asia, North and Central America. It can be found in cooler regions of North America or European countries, such south England, where it grows with a milder quality.

Cooking with Oregano

Oregano goes well in tomato based dishes. Oregano is often seen in the company of basil, as in this baked salmon with fresh herbs.

Oregano substitution

If you need oregano for a recipe and don't have it, substitute 1 Tbs fresh oregano leaves with

• 1 tsp dried oregano leaves
• 1 Tbs fresh marjoram leaves
• 1 tsp dried marjoram

Other flavor, however, these herbs work where you would have used oregano.

• 1 Tbs fresh thyme
• 1 Tbs fresh sweet basil
• 1 Tbs fresh summer savory
• 1-2 tsp fresh sage
• 1 Tbs fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning –incorporates thyme and basil
• 1 tsp dried Greek seasoning –adds onion, garlic, mint, pepper and cinnamon
• 1 tsp herbes de Provence –adds thyme, bay leaf, savory flavor.

1 oz fresh oregano leaves = 1 cup chopped.

Cooking your way with Oregano

Create your own pizza and sprinkle oregano on top. Mix thick cream, anchovy stuffed olive, sliced, witth cooked tagliatelle and sprinkle dried oregano on top for a quick delicious meal.

Try charcoal grilled lamb or pork, seasoned the Greek way with lemon and their strong rigani.