How many Types Of Oregano are there? Oregano is one of those herbs you may not use every day, but it sure is handy for its numerous benefits and uses. And did you know there are different types of oregano? Well, there is!
Oregano is widely used in the culinary world to enhance the flavor in different recipes across numerous cuisines.
That said, it doesn’t stop there; oregano has many medicinal uses. Oregano supplements and oregano oil is known to be a natural antibiotic; it supports low cholesterol levels, it is also a powerful antioxidant, it can improve gut health, contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, could even help in pain relief, may help you shed unwanted weight and can even fight cancer.
It is important to get to know the different types of oregano so you can make the most out of this excellent plant.
Here you’ll find all the different types of oregano, how to store it, recipes, and a lot more.
Types Of Oregano
Oregano belongs to the mint family; this flowery plant is fairly easy to grow, many people enjoy growing it at home for fast and fresh use. Oregano doesn’t only provide a nice aroma and taste for your food, but it can help you stay in good shape.
It kills bacteria and has multiple vitamins, calcium, iron, fiber, potassium, folate, and magnesium!
Want to know more? Find out which are the different types of oregano.
Common Oregano
Common or simple oregano is scientifically called Origanum vulgare and comes in other variations. A popular variety of common oregano is Greek or true oregano, widely used in pizzas and sauces. These plants do very well outdoors and need well-drained soil.
Common oregano subtypes include
- Golden: it gets its name from its golden tone and can be eaten.
- Marjoram is widely used in the Middle East and Southern Europe and is known for its mild taste.
- Syrian oregano: this is mostly used in the Middle East.
Cuban Oregano
This type of oregano is known for its intense but nice aroma. It has thick, velvety leaves and white, lavender, or pink flowers. This doesn’t do well under the sun, and though it is considered a house plant, it is ideal for Mediterranean recipes. You don’t want to overdo it as a cooking tip because a little Cuban oregano goes a long way.
Greek Oregano
Like Cuban, this type of oregano is also perfect for Mediterranean dishes and is just heavenly in spaghetti. Greek is the one you probably get from the market and is known for its sharp taste. It’s straightforward to grow and does well in 5-11 zones.
Italian Oregano
This type of oregano is a cross between common oregano and marjoram. Its flavor is comparable to sweet marjoram and Greek oregano and goes well in numerous recipes, including grilled meat, fried veggies, and tomato sauces. Italian oregano is present in most Italian dishes.
Mexican Bush Oregano
Grown in Mexico, this type of plant needs hot and dry areas to develop. It can be found in Texas. Mexican Bush oregano has purple-colored flowers that can endure harsh climates. It is also known as rosemary mint or Mexican sage and has a nice smell.
Mexican Oregano
Mexican oregano can do the trick if you want to make your home garden look nicer. As showy as it is, you’ll see it dye down during the winter and grow back in the spring. It is popular in Mexican recipes, and when squashed, it has a sharp aroma and flavor.
Ornamental Oregano
This type of oregano is purely decorative and not meant for your cooking. There are several ornamental types of oregano:
- Hop-flower oregano is similar to hop-flowers and is ideal for decorating.
- Heiderose oregano can grow to be three feet tall, and it has pretty pink flowers.
- Compactum oregano is distinguished for having deep-green leaves.
- Aureum oregano, this type, has yellow leaves and is considered leaf litter.
- Kent Beauty, known for its petite flowers and big bracts.
- Pilgrim oregano, known for its soft pink flowers.
- Amethyst Falls oregano has a cascade shape and hot pink flowers.
Reasons To Cook With Oregano
As previously mentioned, you may want to incorporate oregano into your diet for many reasons. Below are some of the most important reasons to add oregano to your life.
- It promotes good health: many studies have shown that oregano is potent in killing bacteria, so consuming oregano often can help you get rid of bacteria that may cause you to have an infection.
- Oregano can decrease inflammation: the antioxidants in oregano can reduce inflammation from injuries and even help with an inflamed colon. It also helps with autoimmune conditions, heart conditions, and diabetes.
- High in vitamins: oregano has vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K.
- Makes cooking healthier: adding oregano to your food can help reduce toxic compounds that may be harmful to you.
- Essential oil: oregano essential oil has tons of benefits, including helping reduce flu, colds and boosting your immune system. Just add a few drops to your favorite juice, and voila. It can also be used topically, perfect for ear infections and inflamed lymph nodes. If you are experiencing hair issues, oregano essential oil can also help you avoid annoying dandruff and stimulate hair growth.
How To Keep Oregano Fresh?
Whether you grow it at home or got it from the market, oregano needs to be utilized fairly quickly, and it definitely belongs inside your refrigerator.
To keep it fresh, you must store oregano inside a sealed plastic bag in the fridge. This way, your oregano will stay good for about three days.
How To Store Oregano, So It Stays Fresh For Longer?
If you wish your oregano to stay around for a few more days, then the good idea is to dampen a paper towel, wrap your oregano with it, and place it inside a plastic bag. You may leave some air inside the bag, giving you oregano for about a week.
Another way to make your oregano last longer is to place its stems and all inside a jar with water and cover it loosely with a plastic bag.
Can You Freeze Oregano?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze fresh oregano. First, it is important to wash and dry it properly. Then all you need to do is separate the leaves from the stems and transfer them to a sealed freezer bag.
Another idea to freeze your oregano is to make into pure. Just chop the leaves in a little water and transfer them to the ice cube tray. Once completely frozen, place the cubes inside a tightly sealed plastic bag. Your frozen oregano will be good for a whole year!
What To Do With Oregano Before It Goes Bad?
You don’t have to worry; it can last a few years in good shape. However, fresh oregano goes bad quickly if not properly stored.
It is easy to spot if your oregano is not good anymore; it will become mushy, and its color will fade, and its smell will be off. It would help if you got rid of it right at once.
But before it goes bad, there are millions of recipe you can use it. Check out below some of our favorite meals using this fantastic herb.
Additional Question About Different Types of Oregano
What’s the difference between Greek oregano and Italian oregano?
The two types of oregano are quite different. Greek oregano is a more potent type of oregano with a stronger flavor, while Italian oregano is milder and sweeter. Greek oregano is also better for medicinal purposes, as it has higher levels of antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. Italian oregano, on the other hand, is better for cooking since it has a more subtle flavor.
What’s the difference between wild oregano and cultivated oregano?
Wild oregano is more potent than cultivated oregano, but both types can be used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Wild oregano is more difficult to find, but it can usually be ordered online or through specialty stores. Cultivated oregano is easier to find and is typically less expensive than wild oregano.
Which variety of oregano is best?
Oregano is a popular herb that comes from the mint family. There are many different varieties of oregano, but the most popular one is Origanum vulgare. It has a strong, peppery flavor and is used in many Mediterranean dishes.
Other popular varieties of oregano include Origanum heracleoticum and Origanum minutiflorum. Origanum heracleoticum has a milder flavor than Origanum vulgare, making it a good choice for those who do not like strong flavors. Origanum minutiflorum is a very small plant with a strong flavor, making it ideal for use in potpourris and sachets.
No matter which variety of oregano you choose, it is sure to add a delicious flavor to your dishes! Try experimenting with different varieties to find the one that you like best. Who knows, you may even discover a new favorite!
Have you ever wondered which variety of oregano is best? Oregano is a popular herb that comes from the mint family. There are many different varieties of oregano, each with its own unique flavor. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular varieties of oregano and see what makes them so special.
Origanum vulgare, also known as common oregano, is the most popular variety of oregano. It has a strong, peppery flavor and is used in many Mediterranean dishes.
What type of oregano is used for cooking?
Oregano used for cooking is typically the variety Origanum vulgare. This type of oregano has a stronger flavor than the other types of oregano and is used in Italian, Mediterranean, and Mexican cuisine. Other types of oregano, such as Origanum heracleoticum and Origanum onites, can also be used for cooking, but they have a more muted flavor.
Which oregano is the strongest?
Oregano is a type of herb that is used in cooking. There are many different types of oregano, and they all have different levels of potency. The strongest oregano is the wild oregano, which is found in the Mediterranean region. It has a higher level of anti-oxidants and other nutrients than the other types of oregano.
If you want to get the most flavor from your oregano, then you should use the wild oregano. This type of oregano has a strong flavor that can add a lot of depth to your dishes. If you are looking for a milder flavor, then you can try the cultivated oregano. This type of oregano is grown in greenhouses and is not as strong as the wild oregano.
No matter which type of oregano you use, make sure to add it towards the end of cooking so that its flavor is not lost. Oregano can be used in many different dishes, including pasta, pizza, and salad. It is a versatile herb that can be used in many different ways. Experiment with oregano and find the flavor that you like the best.
Oregano is a type of herb that is used in cooking. There are many different types of oregano, and they all have different levels of potency.
Which oregano is medicinal?
Oregano oil is a potent medicinal oil that has been used for centuries. There are many different species of oregano, but the most beneficial one for medicinal purposes is Origanum vulgare. Oregano oil has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, and bronchitis.
Oregano oil is a natural expectorant and can be used to relieve congestion from colds and allergies. It can also be used topically to treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Oregano oil is a potent medicinal oil that has many uses. If you are interested in trying oregano oil, be sure to purchase it from a reputable source.
Oregano oil is a potent medicinal oil that has been used for centuries. There are many different species of oregano, but the most beneficial one for medicinal purposes is Origanum vulgare. Oregano oil has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, and bronchitis.
Oregano oil is also effective against stomach viruses and can be used to treat diarrhea. Oregano oil is a natural expectorant and can be used to relieve congestion from colds and allergies. It can also be used topically to treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
