Herbs
Oregano
origanum vulgare
Taste & scent
Flavor & aroma
Mediterranean oregano belongs to the mint family and is robust, earthy, and slightly peppery, with a hint of bitterness and, as expected, a warm, minty aroma. Mexican oregano belongs to the verbenas plant family and has stronger citrus and anise notes.
Cook with it
In the kitchen
- Mediterranean oregano is typically used in dishes like pastas, pizza, vinaigrettes, and herbal teas.
- Mexican oregano is typically stronger in flavor so it's fantastic in chilis, beans, marinades,
In the garden
Growing it
Oregano is native to Europe and naturalized in the Middle East. It's a perennial in growing zones 4-9, and insanely easy to have available right outside your door. Grows great in fertile, well draining soil, and would do best in a container to avoid unwanted spreading.
Keep it useful
Storage & preserving
Fresh oregano retains more valuable nutrients and oils that dried loses over time. If you have it available, fresh is always better, but dried is perfectly fine as well. Store fresh oregano stems in the refrigerator by wrapping the cut end in a wet paper towel and place the wrapped bundle inside a plastic bag left open. Fresh could last about 7-14 days this way. Store dry oregano in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place.
Herbal tradition
Traditional use notes
Oregano is antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antibacterial. Adding oregano to your food--whether into dishes or consuming as an herbal tea--could provide an added boost to your immune system to help heal your body faster and provide a little protection from minor seasonal illness.
Safety first
Things to know
Herbal information on Fate Apothecary is for educational purposes only and is not individualized medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications, health conditions, pregnancy, and one another.
From the Library
From our bookshelf
A few of the references we actually reach for when learning about and working with oregano. You can find the full collection in the Fate Apothecary Library.