Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Oregano: The King of Mediterranean Herbs



The warm, balsamic and aromatic flavor of oregano makes it the perfect addition to Mediterranean cuisines and Greek dishes. This popular herb whose name means "mountain joy" is available throughout the year.

Oregano is known botanically as Origanum vulgare and is called wild marjoram in many parts of Europe since it is closely related to the herb that we know as sweet marjoram. It is a small shrub with multi-branched stems covered with small greenish oval leaves and small white or pink flowers. In Mediterranean climates oregano grows as a perennial plant, but in the harsher climates of North America, they grow as annuals.

Oregano beside its strong, characteristic flavor, is known as:
  • An Effective Anti-Bacterial
  • Anti-Oxidant
  • A Nutrient-Dense Spice

Also Oregano is an excellent source of vitamin K and a very good source of manganese. It is also a good source of iron, dietary fibre, and calcium.



Tips for Preparing Oregano

Fresh Oregano should be added toward the end of the cooking process since heat can easily cause a loss of its delicate flavor. It is best to add dried Oregano at the beginning of the cooking time.

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