Is There A Greek Oregano?

Greek oregano is called “rigani,” pronounced REE-gah-nee. Oregano is sold fresh and dried as cuttings of flower tops and leaves packaged in disposable containers or as dried, ground leaves packaged in sprinkle-pour bottles. But be aware that not all oreganos are the same.

Is Greek oregano different than regular oregano?

Common Types of Oregano
Origanum vulgare: This is the species most commonly known as oregano. Its best known variety is Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare var. hirtum). Sometimes known as true oregano or Italian oregano, this is the familiar herb used on pizzas and in tomato sauces.

What does Greek oregano look like?

What is Greek Oregano? Compared to other varieties of oregano, there really is nothing remarkable about Greek oregano from an ornamental viewpoint. It simply has hairy dark green leaves with small white flowers.

Is oregano from Greece?

The word “oregano” comes from the Greek words oros, for “mountain,” and ganos, for “joy”, meaning “joy of the mountains”. Greek oregano, also known as rigani, comes from the mint family. A perennial plant, it was originally grown in Greece and it has a remarkable origin story.

Is oregano a Greek herb?

Since oregano was originally grown in Greece, it was first used by the Greeks. They believed that this herb was created by the Goddess Aphrodite. She wanted it to be a symbol of joy growing in her garden.

Can you substitute regular oregano for Greek oregano?

Fresh Oregano Substitute
If you have dried oregano, make sure to use 1 teaspoon to one 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano as dried tends to be more potent.

Is Greek oregano the best?

PROBABLY THE BEST OREGANO HERB IN THE WORLD – Direct from Greece – Greek Oregano is Widely Believed to be the Best Oregano in the World.

What is Greek oregano used for?

In Greek cooking, oregano is used in tomato sauces, with meats, fish, cheese, egg dishes, salads, and cheeses and with vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans. Oregano is an essential ingredient of countless Mediterranean recipes.

Is Greek oregano invasive?

Greek Oregano is an invasive plant that will quickly spread throughout your garden so you will have to cut it back often or plant it in a container to keep it under control. It requires well drained soil, at least 6 hours of sun, and be careful not to overwater as too much moisture can be destructive.

Can you eat Greek oregano leaves?

Use it in marinades or stuffings. Chop and mix into bread or pizza dough for a herby flavor. Add fresh oregano leaves to a salad.

What herbs are Greek?

What are Greek herbs? There are an abundant amount of Greek herbs since it is a country located in the Mediterranean. The most notable herbs include basil, bay leaf, dill, fennel, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, purslane, rosemary, sage, savory, tarragon, and thyme.

What can I do with fresh Greek oregano?

Try these recipes using fresh oregano.

1. Roasted Asparagus with Creamy Mustard-Oregano Sauce.
2. Creamy Tuscan Chicken.
3. Classic Greek Salad.
4. Garlic Oregano Monkey Bread.
5. Pasta with Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce.
6. Bacon, Fresh Corn and Oregano Cornbread.
7. Greek Turkey Burgers.
8. Baked Ziti.

How do you grow Greek oregano?

How to Cultivate Oregano

1. Soil: Plant oregano in light, well-drained soil.
2. Sun: Oregano performs well in part to full sun, but the flavors intensify when it receives a full day of sunshine.
3. Water: Don’t over-water oregano.
4. Spacing: Plant oregano eight to 10 inches apart in your garden.

How do you cut Greek oregano?

Trim the Greek oregano plant back with clean, sharp shears when it is about 6 inches tall. New plantings reach this size in about five to six weeks. Leave two or three pairs of leaves on each stem. Snip the stems off just above a leaf axil to stimulate branching and promote fullness.

Are there different types of oregano?

Oregano Varieties

• Common Oregano. Scientific Name: Origanum vulgare.
• Syrian Oregano. Scientific Name: Origanum syriacum.
• Greek Oregano. Scientific Name: Origanum vulgare subsp.
• Golden Oregano. Scientific Name: Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’
• Ornamental Oregano. Scientific Name: Origanum sp.
• Italian Oregano.
• Sweet Marjoram.

Where does the best oregano come from?

The two types of oregano are even native to different parts of the world: True oregano is native to most temperate climates in western and southwestern Europe and Asia, as well as most Mediterranean countries, while Mexican oregano comes from (surprise, surprise) Mexico, Guatemala, and some parts of South America.

What can you substitute for Greek oregano?

Best oregano substitute

• Basil (fresh or dried). The best oregano substitute? Basil.
• Thyme (fresh only). The best oregano substitute for the fresh herb? Fresh thyme.
• Italian seasoning (dried, for Italian-style recipes). Here’s a fun trick!
• Marjoram (dried, for Mexican style recipes). The last best oregano substitute?

Can I use Greek oregano in spaghetti sauce?

You can make a delicious spaghetti sauce with dried herbs, but cooking with fresh herbs gives the sauce a flavor as fresh as the herbs you add. One highly tasteful and fragrant herb commonly added to spaghetti sauce is sweet basil. Oregano is another herb with a powerful flavor and smell.

Is marjoram same as oregano?

Oregano plants have a concentration of the aromatic compound carvacrol, which gives it its savory flavor. Marjoram, by contrast, is sweeter, as it isn’t high in carvacrol. Instead, it gets its flavor from a variety of aromatic compounds including sabinene (fresh, woody), terpinene (citrus), and linalool (floral).

Does Greek oregano grow back?

Oregano is self-seeding, so the plants will easily grow back. You can divide the plants in late spring if you want to put one indoors.

Can Greek oregano survive winter?

Cold-hardy herbs, such as chives, mint, oregano, parsley, sage and thyme, can often survive cold-winter temperatures while continuing to produce flavorful foliage, as long as they are provided with some protection or grown indoors.