Oregano (also called oregano) is a spicy herb widely used in cooking and pharmaceuticals. This flavoring seasoning has been known since ancient times. Even the chefs of Ancient Egypt and Rome added it to meat, fish and vegetable dishes.
Oregano appearance and distribution
Oregano tastes like another common spice, marjoram, so the two are often used interchangeably.
The homeland of this spice is the Mediterranean region. An adult plant reaches a height of 80 cm, its stem is tetrahedral, covered with soft fluffy hairs. The leaves are oblong-rounded, dark green above, much lighter on the underside. In length, the leaves reach from 1 to 4 cm.
Oregano flowers are small, collected in panicle inflorescences, red or white. The plant blooms in summer, until the end of August. Oregano grows mainly in open, well-lit areas such as fields, hillsides, and forest edges. But it is often found among shrubs.
This plant was acclimated by European settlers in the New World, and now oregano is ubiquitous in many regions of North America, with the exception of northern Canada and the United States.
In some countries, such as France and the United States, oregano is grown as a cultivated plant.
Cooking uses of oregano
The leaves and inflorescences of the plant are dried and ground into small pieces. In this form, oregano is added to the first and second courses, as well as to sauces as a seasoning. Due to its spicy, slightly bitter taste, as well as a pleasant subtle aroma, this spice can ennoble almost any dish, especially when combined with other spices.
Inexperienced cooks often confuse oregano with marjoram, especially because of the external similarity. However, oregano has a stronger and more pungent flavor than marjoram.
From the time of Ancient Rome, the writings of a certain Tselius Apicius, who had a reputation as a recognized gourmet and connoisseur of culinary arts, have come down to us. Apicius compiled a list of dishes especially popular with the Roman aristocracy. It also contained a white sauce, which was served with fried and baked pork. According to Apicius, the sauce included spices such as oregano, cumin and thyme.
Modern Italians continue the traditions of their distant ancestors. Oregano is widely used in Italian cooking. The Mexicans are also very fond of this spice. Yes, and Russian chefs willingly use oregano, especially in the preparation of second courses, such as stew. Some housewives add oregano when pickling cucumbers.
In the cosmetic industry, this plant is used to flavor toothpastes, soaps, and even lipsticks.
