Quick Reference Growing Guide
| Plant Type: | Semi-succulent perennial herb | Fast |
|---|---|---|
| Native to: | South Asia or southeast Africa | Low |
| Hardiness (USDA Zone): | 9-11 | Full shade |
| Exposure: | Full sun | Loose, organically rich |
| Spacing: | 3 feet | 6.0-7.5 |
Is Cuban oregano from Cuba?
Contrary to its name, Cuban oregano (plectranthus amboinicus) does not originate from Cuba, but it rather added to “jerk” seasoning blends, salsas, and bean dishes for local cuisines in Cuba, Philippines, and India. However, its smell closely resembles that of true oregano, giving off a strong menthol or camphor scent.
Does Cuban oregano like sun or shade?
It grows to two feet high and has a somewhat sprawling habit, reaching as much as 6 feet if its happy. Pinch the tips periodically to encourage dense foliage. Cuban oregano needs regular water and some shade for lush growth. In full sun, the plant will tend to be stunted and hug the ground.
Is Cuban oregano a tropical plant?
Cuban oregano isn’t actually oregano, or even mint, thyme, or borage. It is an herb that is perennial in tropical regions but most commonly grown as a container plant elsewhere. It has fragrant, velvety leaves edged in white, and trumpet-shape flowers in pink, white, and lavender.
Is the Cuban oregano plant edible?
Cuban Oregano Uses
Modern applications use it as a substitute for Mediterranean oreganos, either dried or fresh. The leaves may be dried and crushed to add to meat dishes. Fresh leaves, in small amounts, are used in soups and stews, and in stuffing for poultry and other meat.
Does Cuban oregano repel mosquitoes?
Less mystical and more practical, Cuban oregano can be used to keep mosquitoes away. Just rub the leaves on the skin as a natural insect repellent.
Is Mexican oregano the same as Cuban oregano?
Mexican oregano is not the same as Cuban oregano. The two herbs come from different plants and have different flavor profiles. The leaves of Cuban oregano have a scent that is a mixture of oregano, thyme, and turpentine. The flavor of Cuban oregano is similar to oregano, but with a stronger mint flavor.
Is Cuban oregano toxic to dogs?
Although this spice is not very toxic, it may still cause intense digestive disturbances in your pet, including vomiting and diarrhea. It has also been known to cause more serious side effects in some rare cases, such as decreased heart rate, low blood pressure, and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract.
Can Cuban oregano survive winter?
Prune and shape to keep it tamed – Cuban Oregano’s habit, while not invasive at all, can be somewhat sprawly. Cuban Oregano won’t survive a winter outdoors here, but protected in a container over the winter, may survive to thrive again. This herb is a winner!
Does Cuban oregano come back every year?
Cuban oregano is one of those special plants that adds year-round beauty to your home and flavor to your dishes. Outdoors, it will grow as a perennial only in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, which makes it an ideal addition to your indoor kitchen garden if you don’t happen to live in those parts of the US.
What is Cuban oregano good for?
Cuban oregano leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat sore throats, colds, coughs, nasal congestion, infections, rheumatism and even flatulence. The home gardener will find Cuban oregano is an easy-to-grow plant that does well in pots and containers.
Is Cuban oregano toxic to cats?
Though safe for humans to consume, it’s important to know that Cuban oregano – along with all other coleus plants – is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Thanks to its pungent smell, it might attract your beloved pets, so consider growing it inside a fenced area.
Is Cuban oregano good for tea?
Yerberos, people who practice herbal medicine in Cuba, prepare a tea from the leaves of this herb. This tea is consumed to cure digestive disorders, respiratory problems and arthritis. In Indonesia, Cuban oregano is known as daun kambing.
Why do insects hate oregano?
Well, essential oil derived from Oregano plants contains thymol and carvacol (these two compounds are found in thyme as well and are repulsive to insects), which make it effective pest control against houseflies and moths along with mosquitoes.
How do you eat Cuban oregano?
Culinary use
The fresh leaves are best. They can be used in a salad or put in a blender with other ingredients for a marinade, pesto, or salsa. It even neutralizes the heat of hot peppers to some degree. Cuban Oregano is used as an ingredient in stuffing, in soups & stews, and to flavor black beans.
Does Cuban oregano repel bugs?
The Cuban oregano is a known for its insect repellent properties too. Gardeners rub Cuban oregano in areas where they want to keep off insects.
Does Cuban oregano taste like regular oregano?
Cuban oregano has a strong, pungent and musky aroma, with a flavor profile that is similar to traditional Italian oregano with a hint of thyme.
Can Cuban oregano be dried?
FOOD DEHYDRATOR
My dehydrator instruction manual recommends 95 F to dry herbs, but I usually run it at 115 to 125 degrees to cut down on time. Your herbs will dry in 2 to 3 days; fleshier herbs, like Cuban oregano, will take longer.
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.
How big does Cuban oregano get?
This perennial evergreen herb reaches about 19 inches tall and has a spreading growth habit. With aromatic, velvety leaves, this herb makes a great addition to any garden.
Is drinking oregano tea good for you?
The bottom line. As an herb, oregano offers many health benefits and has been shown to be antiviral, antibacterial, and to include antioxidants. It’s unclear how drinking it as a tea stacks up against other methods of consumption. Still, it’s fairly safe so it may be worth trying if you’re interested.
Gerardo Gonzalez loves cooking. He became interested in it at a young age, and has been honing his skills ever since. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes, and is always looking for ways to improve his technique.
Gerardo’s friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of his delicious cooking. They always enjoy trying out his latest creations, and often give him feedback on how he can make them even better. Gerardo takes their input to heart, and uses it to continue refining his culinary skills.