The word Oregano is derived from the Greek oros, meaning 'mountain' and ganos, meaning 'joy' and 'beauty', how right. This is the most wonderful group of plants that not only look stunning at this time of year but are also useful in the kitchen and very beneficial for bees and butterflies.
The leaves of this herb have a wonderful rounded flavour and a tea can be made from the leaves to ease an upset stomach.
I started growing oregano a few summers ago and I wish I'd had this article by Jekka's Herb Farm for reference.
I've been using oregano a lot in salads and breads. It's a great source of Vitamin K which I am deficient in. It's one of those vitamins that people forget about but is actually essential for good bone health.
As with many herbs, it's a great source of fibre. The variety I grow is subtle enough to use liberally.
Finally, you may not know that oregano is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Odd eh?
Aside from all of those lovely health benefits, growing oregano and particularly the 'Kent Beauty' below, is great for our bees. I know they can be a pain - especially with children around - but think about life without them? No honey for starters!
Didn’t realise that oregano had so many health benefits – I’ll have to start using more! I grow Greek oregano for cooking with and let wild marjoram seed itself around the garden for the bees – these last couple of days the flowers have been literally buzzing with them.
Mine too! I’m obsessed with it at the moment. Lovely in a simple yoghurt dip with some poppy seed pastry twists! Hmmmm. >
This is the first year I’ve grown oregano. I had no idea it had so many health benefits, just thought it smelled and tasted great. GG
I love the fragrance too. Just so fresh
I didn’t know oregano was so helpful in ways other than flavour! I grow a Greek oregano that is so pungent one leaf tends to be enough. Maybe I should be less of a wimp and use it more often.
I’m learning about all the different varieties. It’s fascinating!
The bees love our wild marjoram, interesting to know that oregano has more nutritional properties than I knew about. I shall put even more in our home made soups and dips now!
Now marjoram is a herb I’m really not so familiar with. what do you use it in?
We have tons of oregano that self seeds around the garden,coming through cracks and insinuating itself among the more deliberate planting. But I never pull it up. The tiny purple flowers look so pretty and seem to attract as many bees as the buddleia. Because it is so abundant I tend to use it a lot. I’m originally from Florida and the bit where I’m from is heavily influenced by Greek and Cuban cooking, both of which rely a lot on oregano. It’s a much overlooked herb in the UK but a great addition to so many savoury dishes.
And rather nice with apple I discovered today too!