Oregano

Oregano is a herb from the mint, or Lamiaceae family. People have used it for thousands of years to add flavor to dishes and to treat health conditions. It features in the Mediterranean diet.

The Greeks and Romans associated oregano with joy and happiness. The name comes from the Greek words “oros,” meaning mountain, and “ganos,” meaning joy.

There are different types of oregano. The most common type is Oregano vulgare, also known as Spanish thyme and wild marjoram.

People use oregano in the diet as supplements and as an aromatic oil.

The antioxidants thymol, carvacrol, limonene, terpinene, ocimene, and caryophyllene give the herb its flavor and scent. They also contribute to the health benefits of oregano oil. Oregano provides other antioxidants when people consume it in the diet.

What's the Difference Between Oregano and Basil?

While fresh basil has a flavor that is herbal and minty, with hints of clove and pepper, it has a more pronounced sweetness compared with oregano's bitter, earthy flavor. The flavors of these complementary herbs are similar enough that, especially when used as dried herbs, they can be substituted for one another in richer dishes, like tomato-based sauces and stews. In lighter dishes, like dressings and marinades, the distinction between the two will be more apparent as the flavors of the peppery oregano and sweet basil are more pronounced.

Benefits:

1.Antibacterial properties: The main components of oregano essential oil are carvacrol and thymol. These may have antimicrobial properties.In a 2019 laboratory study, carvacrol and thymol prevented various strains of Staphyloccus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria from developing in meat and dairy products, suggesting that it could help control bacterial growth in foods.

2.Anti-inflammatory properties: In animal studies, oregano extract has reduced inflammation that could lead to:autoimmune arthritis,allergic asthma,rheumatoid arthritis

3.Protecting against cancer: Some of the ingredients in oregano may have anticancer properties.Scientists have found evidence that extracts may help prevent DNA damage in cells due to oxidative stress, radiation, and mitogens, a type of protein that can cause unwanted cell division.

4.Diabetes: Compounds in oregano may help manage type 2 diabetes. Authors of a 2016 rodent study concluded that Origanum extract may help:improve insulin resistance,regulate the expression of genes that affect fat and carbohydrate metabolism,restore damaged liver and kidney tissues

5.Depression: In 2018, scientists looked at how treatment with oregano oil and other substances affected rats with depression due to chronic unpredictable stress. After 14 days, stress-related behavior improved in rats that received the oregano treatment. The study authors concluded that oregano might relieve stress-related behavior

6.Other possible health benefits: According to the National Library of Medicine, people take oregano products by mouth for coughs,asthma,allergies,croup,bronchitis,painful menstrual cramps rheumatoid arthritis,urinary tract infections and disorders,headaches,diabetes,bleeding after a tooth extraction,heart conditions,high cholesterol

Serving ways:

• Italian Vinaigrette - A simple salad dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

• Basic Pizza Sauce - A universal sauce for homemade pizza can made using tomato paste, tomato sauce, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Green Pozole - A traditional Mexican soup made with chicken broth, chicken breast, salsa verde, hominy, green chiles, garlic, cumin, and Mexican oregano.

• Baked Chicken with Oregano and Lemon - Chicken breast marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, and salt. Baked until golden and served with grilled vegetables and an herby Greek yogurt sauce.

• Oregano Pesto - An alternative take on traditional pesto made with fresh oregano, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

• Oaxacan Mole with Mexican Oregano - Yellow mole made with guajillo chiles, Mexican cinnamon, chicken stock, saffron, tomatillos, masa harina, and dry Mexican oregano.

• Mussels with Lemon and Oregano - Mussels cooked in a mixture of white wine, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped onions, lemon juice, dried oregano, and salt. Topped with fresh oregano and served with crusty bread.

• Tomato Pasta with Oregano - A fresh tomato sauce consisting of plum tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh oregano, crushed red pepper, and seasonings. Served over cooked pasta with parmesan cheese.

• Oregano Lamb Chops - Lamb chops marinated in olive oil, dried oregano, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Grilled and served with a chopped Greek salad.

• Chimichurri Sauce - An herbaceous combination of fresh parsley, fresh garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and dried Mexican oregano.

• Eggplant and garlic confit with oregano - Chef Thomas Keller uses oil to confit Chinese eggplant and garlic, a technique that will impart a creamy, succulent texture to both.