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    You are Here: Masala Herb » Seasoning

    Oregano Herb Uses and Recipes

    Published: Feb 17, 2020 · Modified: Sep 21, 2022 by Helene Dsouza

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    Oregano is a versatile culinary herb!

    Here you will learn everything you need to know about this amazing herb and how you can use it in your daily cooking.

    oregano uses and recipes pin
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    Jump to:
    • 📕 What is Oregano?
    • 💡 What is it good for?
    • 🍅 What other ingredients can you use with Oregano?
    • 🔪 How to use it in your food?
    • 🛒 Buying Options
    • 🌿 Growing & Harvesting

    📕 What is Oregano?

    Oregano is a culinary green herb. The leaves are spade-shaped and are about ½-1 inch or 1-2 cm big.

    The leaves can be used fresh or dried in our cooking. Dried leaves are more intense whereas fresh ones can complement other fresh herbs well.

    The Oregano plant is native to the Mediterranean and has been used in traditional food and medicine for ages in the area.

    The "true" oregano variety is known as greek oregano and that's one of the most intensive tasting types.

    Wild Oregano is usually greek oregano.

    Other oregano varieties such as the Italian, Turkish and Syrian oregano are similar in flavor and shape.

    However, Cuban and Mexican oregano is another oregano variety all together but they have sometimes used the same way as you would use the Mediterranean oregano.

    oregano stem with leaves

    Oregano vs Marjoram

    Marjoram is a form of Oregano, which is milder.

    The plants look almost the same but the taste is different. Marjoram is kind of sweeter and less intense.

    They can be substituted for each other wherever applicable.

    💡 What is it good for?

    Oregano is primarily used in our food but it can also be a great home remedy.

    Below some details, however, this post will focus on the food perspective.

    In your food

    Oregano is a great flavor giver and makes our food awesome.

    Take for example pizza. What would be a pizza without some dried oregano sprinkled over it?

    Dried Oregano is more commonly used in Italian and other Mediterranean food.

    Fresh Oregano is not that commonly used but I personally prefer fresh oregano in my food to dried one. It's hard to describe difference. The food just tastes fresher and it has more soul.

    I share more food recipes below.

    dried oregano spice
    dried Oregano

    As a remedy

    Otherwise, the green herb has a reputation for killing germs and fungus.

    You can make oregano tea with dried or fresh herbs, which may promote your digestion and inner well being.

    Oregano essential oil has been popularized most recently. It can be taken in orally.

    To take in oregano oil you will need a carrier oil such as olive oil. Take a tablespoon of carrier oil with 2-3 drops of oregano essential oil.

    When you buy oregano essential oils, look out for the 100% purity label. Most oils on the market are not pure and the quality can be terrible.

    Oregano oil is great if you have skin problems or stomach digestion issues.

    Just keep in mind when taking it in, the dose makes the poison. Don't overdo it with your oregano oil.

    🍅 What other ingredients can you use with Oregano?

    Here are some ingredients that combine well with oregano.

    • garlic
    • olive oil
    • tomato
    • other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, savory
    • cheese
    • ham
    • ground beef
    • shrimp
    • fish
    • olives
    various herbs with fresh oregano

    🔪 How to use it in your food?

    Oregano herb dried or fresh is a typical Mediterranean food ingredient.

    That means you can use it as a spice in Italian, Greek, Turkish, Spanish, South French, Syrian, Lebanese, Israeli/Palestinian food

    I recommend that you experiment with fresh oregano. It's usually overlooked but adds so much flavor to a dish.

    I have compiled a list of uses for your dried and fresh oregano below.

    Using dried Oregano

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    Lebanese Zaatar Spice Blend Recipe
    Zaatar is a fine aromatic spice blend, fresh, tangy and nutty. Prepare this Lebanese zaatar from scratch and use on various foods (see in the post for zaatar uses) or double the recipe to make a bigger batch and store in airtight containers.
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    Meat Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe
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    Using fresh Oregano

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    Handpick your fresh herbs to make this herb compound butter at home.
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    Salmon in Parchment Paper Recipe
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    Greek baked feta, tomato, garlic, olives and herbs
    This baked feta in a rich tomato sauce with fresh herbs will transport you straight to a Greek island.
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    Marinated Olives: With Oregano and Oranges
    Create an easy finger food to serve your guests at your next party. Olive oil is gently heated and lightly scented with oregano and orange zest before being added to the olives.
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    Herb infused vinegar is a homemade vinegar flavored with fresh herbs. Great as a salad dressing!
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    Herby Garlic Butter Pasta Sauce
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    Herb Mustard Crusted Roast Beef
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    Mediterranean Rice Salad
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    🛒 Buying Options

    • Dried Oregano Branches
    • Mediterranean dried Oregano (cut & sifted)
    • Oregano Oil

    🌿 Growing & Harvesting

    To grow:

    Growing Oregano isn't too difficult, but it's easier if you start with a small plant instead of seeds.

    The plant likes a lot of sun and can be grown in a pot or in the ground. Keep it in a well-drained mud bed.

    It grows really well in a dry warm or cooler climate. It doesn't do so well in a humid tropical climate, but it can be done too.

    If you live ina humid tropical climate I recommend to NOT grow oregano during the rainy season because the plant will get moldy and dry. Plant it in the dry season.

    In the northern hemisphere, I recommend planting March/April. That way you can enjoy your fresh oregano the whole summer long.

    growing fresh oregano
    Growing Oregano. The plant is in the right box at the corner.

    To harvest:

    The easiest way to harvest your oregano is to cut the stem close to the ground.

    Keep a few stems with the leaves on together and tie them at the stem end.

    Hang the "bouquet" upside down and keep a newspaper under that. The leaves will dry and some might fall off. The leaves fall off easily when dried.

    You can also place your fresh oregano in a tray to dry. That's your second option but the first one is recommended so that the plants dry better without forming mold.

    Crumble thicker pieces if needed and place into a spice jar. Keep them in an airtight transparent jar so that you remember to use it.

    Recipes from around the world E-Book

    Global Food Recipes

    with Spices and Herbs

    Free E-Book available for a limited time. Grab yours now and get instantly inspired!

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    Dear Reader, how are you going to use your oregano?

    oregano with flowers
    blooming Oregano

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