Oregano can be traced back to as early as 3000 BC when it was used by the Assyrians. During Greek and Roman times, it was one of the most commonly used herbs for health and medicinal purposes.
Where did oregano first come from?
Oregano comes from Origanum, a genus of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Oregano originally came from warm climates in western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. Oregano is a perennial plant that has the characteristics of an herb, green and leaflike, with round shaped leaves.
How was oregano first used?
History and Folklore
The Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BC) used oregano for antiseptic purposes and to protect against respiratory ailments and gastrointestinal distress. Medieval Europeans would chew on oregano leaves to alleviate rheumatism, toothache, indigestion, and cough.
Where is oregano cultivated?
Oregano (US: /ɔːˈrɛɡənoʊ, ə-/, UK: /ˌɒrɪˈɡɑːnoʊ/; Origanum vulgare) is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. It was native to the Mediterranean region, but widely naturalised elsewhere in the temperate Northern Hemisphere.
| Oregano | |
|---|---|
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Origanum |
Is oregano from the New or Old World?
Food. Like its namesake oregano (Origanum vulgare) , an Old World plant widely used in New World cuisine, Mexican oregano is utilized as a spice throughout Mexico.
Which country produces the most oregano?
- China. ≈ 24.79% $864.80M. ≈ 3.93% ≈ 24.76%
- India. ≈ 11.88% $414.49M. ≈ 19.33% ≈ 34.92%
- Germany. ≈ 6.67% $232.62M. ≈ 7.45% ≈ 22.9%
- Egypt. ≈ 4.55% $158.70M. ≈ 14.55% ≈ 42.29%
- United States. ≈ 3.64% $127.02M. ≈ -7.71% ≈ -5.54%
- Spain. ≈ 3.1% $108.13M. ≈ 4.67% ≈ 23.43%
- Poland. ≈ 2.98% $103.79M. ≈ 6.97%
- Canada. ≈ 2.45% $85.48M. ≈ 103.38%
What culture uses oregano?
Oregano is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and Asia. Oregano was used by the Ancient Greeks and Romans in their food (2). Wild oregano oil is used throughout mediterranean cultures as a powerful medicine (3).
What does oregano do for the body?
Oregano is an herb that boasts some pretty potent benefits when it comes to your health. It is high in antioxidants and may help fight off bacteria and viruses, potentially reduce the growth of cancer cells and help alleviate inflammation.
Is oregano a drug?
Overview. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an herb used to flavor foods. It is considered safe in common food amounts, but has little evidence of health benefits.
Is oregano poisonous?
In large doses, oregano oil may be toxic — and even lethal. Oregano may have diuretic effects. Large amounts of oregano can upset the stomach.
What is oregano called in English?
pot marjoram
Oregano (Origanum vulgare), also known as pot marjoram, is a species of Origanum.
| Oregano | |
|---|---|
| Species: | O. vulgare |
| Binomial name | |
| Origanum vulgare L. |
Is oregano an Italian herb?
Oregano. Oregano (origano, in Italian) is ubiquitous in the United States and became popular in the States following WWI, when soldiers brought it back to America. Ironically, oregano is not as commonly used in Italian cooking as other herbs, such as parsley or basil.
Is oregano a Greek herb?
The name oregano is derived from the Greek oros (meaning mountain) and ganos (meaning joy). The literal translation means “mountain of happiness,” since it covers hillsides in the Mediterranean and smothers them with beautiful fragrance and flowers.
Is oregano an anti inflammatory?
Essential oils of oregano are widely recognized for their antimicrobial activity, as well as their antiviral and antifungal properties. Nevertheless, recent investigations have demonstrated that these compounds are also potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and cancer suppressor agents.
Why is oregano popular in Greece?
Oregano brings good luck
Back in ancient Greece, the tasty herb was thought to bring good luck and good health, but it also symbolized joy. This herb is known as the “brilliant joy of the mountain” and is still just as prominent in Greek cuisine and life as it was in ancient times.
What is oregano made from?
Oregano is an herb composed of the fresh or dried leaves of the oregano plant. The plant has tiny leaves that lend a pungent aroma and strong flavor to a variety of savory foods.
Why does oregano taste bitter?
If the oregano is cooked too long, you run the risk of having it become bitter. Similarly, if dried oregano is used in dishes in too large of quantities, it may impart a medicine-like flavor rather than a pleasant herbal taste.
What gives oregano its smell?
In contrast, oregano contains particularly high levels of carvacrol, which has similar properties. Its smell is often associated with pizza sauce and other Mediterranean dishes. Both substances are chemically closely related and are produced by thyme and oregano in multi-stage processes.
Is oregano acidic or alkaline?
oregano is alkaline when fresh.
Oregano has an 8.0 pH level when fresh, once digested. Fresh herbs are typically alkaline.
Is oregano a natural antibiotic?
Several studies have shown the powerful antibacterial properties of oregano oil, even against antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. In one study that tested the antibacterial effects of a range of essential oils, oregano oil was found to be the most powerful inhibitor of bacterial growth.
Can I drink oregano tea everyday?
Oregano has a long history of safe use in foods and food products. Most people won’t experience side effects from consuming oregano tea. However, if you drink a lot of oregano tea — say, more than four cups a day — you might develop an upset stomach. In rare cases, people can also have allergic reactions to oregano.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.