Appreciating Oregano

摘要

Oregano is the Herb of the Year for 2005 as designated by the International Herb Association. The name "Oregano" comes from two Greek words: "oro" meaning "mountain" and "ganos" meaning "joy" — literally, "joy of the mountains." Its history and origin are from the Mediterranean region. Oregano (and incidentally Sweet Marjoram as well) belong to the mint family Labiatae, and to the genus Origanum. These herbs may be related but certainly have different growing patterns and flavors. Oregano is a long-lived, hardy perennial that grows well in our Ohio climate of cold snowy winters and relatively hot humid summers, while Sweet Marjoram is a tender perennial, actually treated as an annual here. Oregano grows in full sun in well-drained nutrient rich soil. It has oval shaped leaves and grows 6-24 inches high. The plant blooms from July to September with white, pink or purple flowers. These plants can self-seed but generally form a slow-spreading mat that can be divided in spring. For harvesting, cut thetop 4-6 inches of new growth after the morning dew has evaporated and before the hot afternoon sun occurs. The best flavor for oregano is just before the plant flowers. Sweet Marjoram has a much milder flavor and should be harvested in the same way. Oregano has been used historically as a medicinal herb (to treat colds and headaches); as an ornamental herb (in fresh and dried arrangements and wreaths); as a container and landscape herb (Sweet marjoram, potted up, will winter over in the house, whereasoregano needs a dormancy period, outdoors; both are excellent in summer containers); and of course, as a culinary herb (in everything, including herbal jellies and vinegars).