Growing oregano is the easiest way to include fresh herbs in your cooking
Origanum vulgare
Oregano, sometimes called ‘pot marjoram’ has a strong warm flavor popular in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines. It is a perennial herb that can grow to over two feet tall and three feet wide, so give it a bit of room in the herb garden.
Oregano is native to the Mediterranean region, so does well in a drier climate. Once established in the garden, oregano does not need frequent watering making it an easy to care for herb.
It has oval grayish-green leaves and a bushy growth habit. White or pink flowers appear in the fall as the herb goes to seed.
Growing Oregano
Ideal Location for Growing Oregano
Oregano prefers a sunny location with well-drained sandy soil and a sheltered location. It is a hardy herb though and can adapt to almost any conditions. In fact the flavor is strongest when grown in poor soil conditions.
Oregano does well as an indoor plant if given enough light. It can also be grown easily in a container herb garden.
Cultivation/Planting Information
Plant oregano outdoors in the early spring when the soil can be worked. Space young plants 12-18 inches apart or based on the plant tag when growing different varieties. As the plant matures, it can be transplanted to allow for additional growth.
If you let a few of your herbs flower in the garden, they will attract beneficial insects such as this pretty blue butterfly.
Oregano can be propagated from seed in the spring. Start seeds indoors in late winter or directly in the garden in the springtime. Seeds should germinate in 5-10 days. At about six weeks old, cut oregano seedlings to about 1 inch tall. This will encourage lush, bushy growth.
Oregano can also be propagated from stem cuttings or root division. Older oregano plants may need to be replaced after 3 years or so as they tend to woody with age. Cut back older plants in the spring to encourage fresh growth. Don’t overwater established plants.
Varieties of Oregano
Italian Oregano is the most common form found in garden centers. It has a bushy growth habit about 2 feet tall.
Greek Oregano has slightly pointy leaves and is slightly shorter at 1-2 feet tall.
Hot & Spicy Oregano is a variety that works well in Mexican dishes. It can also be used as a substitute for common oregano in smaller quantities due to its stronger flavor. It is a shorter variety growing just 12 inches tall.
Where to Buy Oregano Seeds and Plants
Oregano seeds and plants are commonly found in most garden centers or home improvement centers. Some of the more unique varieties are more easily found through online vendors such as Burpee Gardening or Cook’s Garden.com
Cooking with Oregano
Dried oregano retains its flavor well
Oregano is popular in Mediterranean, Italian and Mexican dishes. In Italian cooking, oregano is commonly thought of as the “pizza herb” as it pairs very well in tomato based dishes. In Greek cooking, oregano is often combined with lemon and garlic to flavor fish, meats, vegetables, and salads.
Both fresh and dried oregano are used heavily in cooking. Dried oregano is found in many seasoning blends, condiments, and herbal rubs.
Oregano is a robust herb that can withstand higher cooking temperatures, unlike its cousin Marjoram.
A Simple Oregano Recipe: Oregano Dipping Sauce
Dipping bread in herb flavored oils is often reserved for restaurant eating. You can make a similar appetizer for friends or family by using this easy recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 T fresh oregano
- 1 t rosemary
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup Olive oil
Directions
- Finely chop the oregano and rosemary.
- With a mortar and pestle, add the garlic, herbs and a small amount of oil, then blend well.
- Mix in remaining oil, red pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Allow to sit covered for at least an hour for the flavor to blend.
- Serve with fresh baked bread
If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can use a fork to blend the ingredients. Letting the oil sit overnight will intensify the flavors having a similar effect as crushing the leaves.
Harvesting Oregano
Harvest oregano throughout the growing season to keep the plant bushy. This will also prevent early flowering. Snip branches at a leaf node to encourage more branches to form. Harvest oregano early in the morning on a dry day for best results.
Preserving Oregano
Oregano retains most of its flavor when dried. Cut full stems at the end of the growing season just before flowering. Hang bunches of this herb in a warm well-ventilated location and allow to dry for 10 to 14 days. Once dried, store in an airtight for up to a year.
Oregano can be preserved with oil or vinegars
Oregano can also be stored in oil or water then frozen in ice-cube trays. This is a great way to preserve oregano that will be added to soups or sauces.
Oregano Uses in Herbal Medicine and Health Benefits
The medicinal properties of oregano have been known for centuries. It is well known as a remedy for fevers, treating coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms. There are oregano based teas made for indigestion, bloating and bronchial problems.
The essential oils of oregano are thought to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Herbal products using the oils have been created to treat respiratory infections as well as gastrointestinal ailments. Oregano is a good source of Vitamin K and contains fiber, iron, manganese and vitamin E.
In Summary
Oregano is a perennial culinary herb found in many cultures and cuisines. Prized for its strong warm flavor, oregano is a must have in the culinary herb garden.