Oregano – June Featured Ingredient

So, how much do you know about Oregano – June Featured Ingredient? Did you know you can grow Oregano indoors? Did you know this is one of the easiest herbs to grow? Do you know when to use dried versus fresh? Since it’s Summer and I love growing fresh herbs, you should grow some, too. What better time to share why I love this easy to grow herb and if you don’t grow Oregano now, I bet you will be growing it soon.

Oregano – June Featured Ingredient

First, Oregano’s true family name is Origanum vulgare which is indigenous to the mint family. Most commonly known is Greek oregano, the true oregano yet there are other so-called oregano but are not true family herbs. Second, mostly used in international cooking you may see golden oregano, Syrian oregano and even marjoram. In addition, you may see ornamental oregano like Purple, of which the leaves are edible and grow best in dry, hot climates. Lastly, you may see Mexican oregano used in Latin cooking for its mild flavor but is not true oregano either.

Oregano – June Featured Ingredient

That said: Oregano is used fresh or dried in Italian, Greek, and Latin cuisines. Found in seasoning blends like Italian seasoning are fantastic in tomatoes sauces, tomato dishes, meats and poultry. It also can be found in egg-based recipes. Oregano is a potent herb, so a little goes a long way and most often it’s flavor is compared to marjoram which is similar but sweeter. When growing both herbs they look very much the same. However, I enjoy using marjoram in pot roast but that a subject for another month.

Oregano – June Featured Ingredient

I recommend using fresh in herb butters and in marinades I like to use either with good results. This herb can be long simmered depending on the recipe. Fresh Oregano – June Featured Ingredient was used in my Grilled Ribeye Steaks with Roasted Garlic Herb Butter recipe. You’ll be sure to grow oregano in your garden once you get a taste of fresh. Super easy to grow without a lot of care. Oregano is both heat and drought tolerant during hot Summer months. Perfect, don’t you think?

Oregano – June Featured Ingredient

Now: Did you know oregano has health benefits as it contains two oils believed to fight bacteria? Neither did I and I have been using oregano for years. My spice cabinet is never without. Other health benefits in oregano are having anti-inflammatory properties, cancer-fighting effects, and contains antioxidants for immune system support. For thousands of years, oregano has been used for medicinal purposes while the oil helps to repel insects. If you or someone you know is allergic to mint, watch closely when eating oregano as an allergic reaction is possible.

So have some fun growing your own oregano and enjoy cooking with this flavorful, distinctive herb. Prepare flavorful sauces and butters, marinades for meats, poultry, and incorporate into homemade breads and toppings for pizza. Click here to read more about oregano and here on how to grow and harvest this delicious fresh herb. You’ll be glad you did. Enjoy and Happy Gardening!