Description
Origanum vulgare.
Oregano is a resilient, hardy and useful perennial herb. It was once popular for its medicinal uses but it is now more commonly known for its culinary uses due to its delicious flavour.
Oregano is a wonderful ground cover which works well in rocky areas or in a herb garden. The plant likes well draining soil in most soil types, as long as it’s not too moist or acidic. They like sunny positions and can be pruned to help avoid them from getting straggly.
Harvesting of the leaves can be done year round, but for the best flavour, harvest in the morning while there is still a light dew. If dried, the leaves will have a stronger flavour.
In the kitchen, the leaves are useful in adding flavours to dishes such as pizza and pasta and other tomato-based dishes.
Medicinally it can be used in a tea for colds, indigestion and tension headaches. Gargling can assist with sore throats and mouth ulcers.
Marjoram and oregano are often used to describe each other, when in fact marjoram is a type of oregano.
