Oregano

About

The name oregano comes from Greek, meaning roughly "mountain brightness," but botanically the term covers a wide range of related species, much like thyme, marjoram, za'atar, savory, and dittany. Unless stated otherwise, oregano generally refers to Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, or Greek/Turkish oregano, the variety most commonly sold commercially. Oregano and thyme share primary flavor compounds, but oregano contains more carvacrol relative to thymol, giving it an earthier, stronger character compared to thyme's greener flavor. Fresh oregano leaf is more potent than thyme and holds up well against strong flavors like olive, celery, and lamb; oregano flowers are also used in some cuisines, notably Sicilian, and the herb flavors an Albanian brandy called raki rigoni.

Pairs well with oregano

• CiLemonLemon, oregano and olive oil form a classic Greek marinade, simple enough to use on meat, vegetables or kebabs, and versatile enough to…
• EaPotatoOregano keeps its assertive flavor whether braised in broth, roasted in oil, or scattered dried over potato salad, a trait that…
• CiOrangeOrange gives oregano a rare sweet application, as in a recipe for almond and olive oil cake with orange and oregano, or in a mandarin…
• FrTomatoGreek salad, with its tomato, oregano and olive oil, shares its base flavors with pizza marinara (tomato, oregano, oil and garlic), a…
• SuGarlicOregano, garlic, celery, parsley and onion are a standard flavoring blend on Greek potato chips.
• SpCinnamonBoth are woody herbs with different characters, oregano bright and piney, cinnamon warmer and honeyed, combining into a perfume that works…
• EaMushroomOregano is sometimes called "the mushroom herb" in Italy for its natural affinity with mushrooms.
• ChCheeseDried oregano sprinkled over briny feta is a classic Greek combination; feta's high salt content helps balance oregano's bitterness.
• FfHoneyBees favor oregano, marjoram and thyme, producing a honey with lemony, floral and herbal notes along with hints of orange and beeswax;…
• EaCuminMexican oregano (Lippia graveolens, a verbena relative, unlike Mediterranean oregano which belongs to the mint family) has a stronger but…
• RoSesameZa'atar is a variable spice blend, often oregano-based but sometimes made with thyme, marjoram or other herbs, combined with dried sumac…
• WoCarrotCarrot is a classic partner for sweet marjoram, a milder relative of oregano, added at the end of cooking as with other soft herbs.
• WoSweet potatoSweet potato's dense sweetness brings out oregano's rich, verdant, almost herbal-green qualities in a smoky, earthy pairing.