Oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Oregano (pronounced: /ɔːˈrɛɡənoʊ, ə-/), also known as wild marjoram, is a herb from the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Its name comes from the Greek words "oros" meaning mountain and "ganos" meaning joy, thus translating to "joy of the mountains".
Description
Oregano is a perennial plant that grows up to 80 cm tall. It has purple flowers and spade-shaped, olive-green leaves. It prefers a hot, relatively dry climate, but does well in other environments.
Uses
Oregano is commonly used as a culinary herb. It has a warm, slightly bitter taste, which can vary in intensity. Good quality oregano may be strong enough to almost numb the tongue. It is often used in Italian cuisine, particularly in tomato sauces, fried vegetables, and grilled meat.
In addition to its culinary uses, oregano is also used for its medicinal properties. It is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. It is believed to treat respiratory tract disorders, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, menstrual cramps, and urinary tract disorders.
Related Terms
- Marjoram: A related herb from the same family, often confused with oregano.
- Thyme: Another herb from the mint family, with similar uses in cooking and medicine.
- Rosemary: A woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves, also from the mint family.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oregano
- Wikipedia's article - Oregano
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