Oregano, a fragrant herb with history: what are its secrets?

Etymology of the name, culture, and symbolism

“Joy of the mountain”, this is the etymology of the name of an aromatic herb that has always been present on our tables, oregano.

This aromatic herb is an essential element of our cuisine: a true Neapolitan pizza cannot exist without oregano, just as it is unimaginable to have a pizza without its intense and fragrant aroma.

Oregano was already widely cultivated and appreciated in the dawn of ancient civilizations such as the Egyptian, and it was used not only for culinary purposes but also medicinally.

In ancient Greece, brides were adorned with garlands made of oregano, considered a symbol of fertility and prosperity. The ancient Romans used it in cooking for the preparation of numerous dishes.

Oregano in detail: plant, flowers, and difference with marjoram

Oregano, whose scientific name is Origanum vulgare, is a perennial shrub of the Lamiaceae family.

The stem is erect, square, 50-80 cm tall, and the leaves are lanceolate ovals.

The flowers are collected in panicles at the tops of the stems and have a beautiful white-pink-red color.

The plant is often confused with marjoram (Origanum majorana, which is of the same family) as they look very similar, but the taste and aroma are very different as marjoram does not contain the essential oils that oregano possesses.

Oregano in practice: from ants to Mediterranean cuisine

Oregano is not loved by ants: simply sprinkle it on windowsills and balconies and remember to replace it often to keep them away.

When cultivated alongside other herbs, this plant performs a pest-repellent action without side effects.

If you want to infuse roasted foods with just a light aroma, you can burn sprigs of oregano on the coals of the barbecue.

Oregano is widely used to flavor meats, fish, mushrooms, and vegetables.

It is a fundamental ingredient of traditional pizza and can also be used in the preparation of tomato sauce, fresh seasonal salads, and many other Mediterranean dishes like meat alla pizzaiola; moreover, it is used to flavor both cooked and raw dishes, cheeses, tomato salads, to preserve vegetables in oil and vinegar, in sauces, and in digestive liquors.

To keep its aroma intact, we recommend storing the jar in a pantry away from light and sealing the lid tightly after using the product.

The beneficial properties of oregano

Oregano is much more than just a simple aromatic herb: it is indeed rich in properties thanks to its active ingredients, phenols: thymol and carvacrol, iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C found in the flowering tops and leaves.

In September 2010, a study conducted by Spanish researchers was published in the journal “Foodbourne Pathogens and Disease” demonstrating that, thanks to the phenols, oregano inhibits the growth of bacteria and molds typical of food contamination.

Another study published in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences”, conducted by researchers from the University of Bonn in Germany and ETH Zurich in Switzerland, has identified a substance in oregano, known as beta-caryophyllene, which seems to be able to counteract some inflammatory states.

Oregano is also widely used in cosmetics: it seems to act on peripheral circulation, particularly when metabolism is slow and water retention concentrates in the hands and feet.

In wellness centers, oregano oil is prepared for draining massages.

The infusion of oregano added to bathwater has strong relaxing power, while if used to wash the hair, it strengthens them.