Oregano is a culinary herb which is native to temperate Western and Southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. It is widely used for the flavor of its leaves, which are more flavorful when used dried. It has an aromatic, warm, and slightly bitter taste. Oregano is the staple herb of Italian cuisine. In fact Oregano is a flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is best known as “pizza herb”. It is a best partner for pastas, spaghetti and tomato dishes.
Think of a pizza then think of its soothing herb “Oregano” and read some fascinating facts about this flowering plant.
Interesting Facts About Oregano
- Do you know!!! In Ancient Greek Oregano means “Joy of The Mountain”.
- The name “oregano” originates from Greek language and it means “delight of the mountains”.
- Oregano was first used by the Greeks. According to the Greek mythology the goddess Aphrodite invented this spice.
- The Ancient Greeks also believed that cows that graze in fields full of oregano had tastier meat.
- In fact the Ancient Greeks didn’t stop at this; they also believed that if you grease yourself with oregano you will dream about your future spouse. This is strange isn’t it!!!
- This flavorful spice has beautiful edible purple or pink flowers.
- Oregano is often known as the pizza herb.
- This herb is always referred to as an essential ingredient of Mediterranean cooking.
- Due to a high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids, Oregano is high in antioxidant activity.
- Oregano is an all-round antiseptic. The credit goes to its powerful constituents known as carvacrol and rosmarinic acid. These compounds fight against bacteria, viruses, fungi and even parasites.
- Oregano has a helpful benefit of protecting the immune system and prevents the onset of chronic diseases. It improves digestion, detoxifies the body, strengthens the bones, improves heart health, boosts energy levels, protects against diabetes and calms nerves.
- A drop of oregano oil can be a boon for gum care and tooth protection.
- Mexican oregano is a special kind of oregano that is mainly used in western societies. This type of oregano is one of the ingredients of chili powder.
- Oregano contains vitamin A, C and K and minerals such as iron and manganese.
- Oregano can be used against sea sickness.
- “Therapeutic” oregano can be consumed in the form of tea or ointment.
- Oregano may act as a natural insecticide when it is planted in the garden because the chemical compounds in it repel insects.
- Oregano is a perennial plant, it lives more than two years in the wild.
- Well, it is ironic, but it’s true that this humble herb led to a war once, called ‘Oregano War. The popularity of the herb led to Albanian thieves capitalizing on oregano that resulted in a war.
Nutritional Profile
100 g of oregano herb provides:
Dietary fiber- 107% (Percent of RDA*)
Folates- 69%
Pyridoxine- 93%
Vitamin-C- 83%
Vitamin-A-230%
Vitamin-K- 518%
Iron- 550%
Manganese-203%
Carotene-ß- 4112 µg
(*RDA- Recommended daily allowance)
“Oregano is the spice of life”