Oregano
Estimated Inventory, lb : 29.74
This item was last sold on : 01/25/25
Description/Taste
Oregano is a shrub-like herb with multiple-branched stems, growing either upright or in a creeping manner, depending on the variety. It can grow as tall as three feet in height. The leaves are narrow and pinnate, or arrow-shaped, and have a soft, fuzzy texture. They grow in pairs, well-spaced out along tender stems. As the plant grows, the more mature stems become woody at the base. In the late summer, small white flowers bloom from the flower spikes (bracts) at the top of the stems. Typically, Oregano is harvested just before the flowers bloom, when the flavor and aroma is at its peak. Oregano is said to have a ‘balsamic’ flavor; a combination of mint (a closely related herb), thyme, and rosemary. The taste is strong and somewhat bitter.
Seasons/Availability
Oregano is available year-round.
Current Facts
Oregano is botanically classified as Origanum vulgare, and is often referred to as “Wild Marjoram.” While marjoram is also in the genus Origanum, the two are different species. The major differences between the two herbs can be found in the compounds contained in each plant’s volatile (or “essential”) oils. Oregano has long been used as a culinary and medicinal herb in Europe and more recently worldwide.
Nutritional Value
Oregano is a good source of iron, manganese, vitamin K, fiber and calcium. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids The two main compounds in essential oils obtained from Oregano are thymol and carvacrol, which are the primary natural chemicals that give Oregano its specific flavor profile. The compounds have strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Phytonutrients in Oregano give the herb four times more antioxidant power than blueberries. For the best health benefits, Oregano is often brewed into a tea or the essential oils are extracted from the leaves for use in supplements, diffusers and some cosmetics.
Applications
Oregano is a traditional Mediterranean herb and plays a prominent role in Greek and Italian cuisine. Pair fresh and dried oregano with cured olives, sheep's milk cheeses, tomatoes, pork, lamb, potatoes, pasta and rices. It is an ideal aromatic for meat stews and can compliment olive oil sauces for grilled and baked fish. Keep cool and dry until ready to use.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
To the ancient Romans and Greeks, Oregano was seen as a symbol for happiness and joy. Wreaths of Oregano sprigs were worn as crowns by the bride and groom on their wedding day; the herb was thought to bring blessings of happiness to the couple. In other folk remedies from Europe to Australia, Oregano was used as a cure-all for sickness, digestive troubles, detoxification and maintaining good heart health.
Geography/History
Oregano is native to the Mediterranean and the region stretching east towards Asia. The botanical name Origanum vulgare comes from the Greek oros for “mountain” and ganos for “joy,” named for its favorite growth habit – the warm, dry mountainsides of Greece. Oregano was cultivated in France since the Middle Ages and is a major component of Mediterranean cuisine. The herb was unknown to Americans until the 20th century when soldiers returning from World War I brought Oregano back from Italy. There are many plants that are referred to as “Oregano” because they contain high amounts of carvacrol, which is responsible for the flavor profile indicative of Oregano. It is estimated that there are over forty different species, and countless hybrids of Oregano due to the wide variability of the species and its ability to cross pollinate very easily.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Venissimo Cheese Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-847-9616 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-206-6352 |
| Mister A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Seasoned Catering and Events | San Diego CA | 619-246-4909 |
| Candor | La Jolla CA | 858-581-2205 |
| Morning Glory | San Diego CA | 619-629-0302 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Cucina Enoteca | Del Mar CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| Fresco Cocina | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Crust Pizzeria Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 858-212-8751 |
| Harvest Kitchen (Corp Lunch) | San Marcos CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Savory Moment (1) | Carlsbad CA | 619-633-8863 |
| Something Homemade | Vista CA | 858-245-1004 |
| The Roxy Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2899 |
| Pali Wine Company | San Diego CA | 310-893-0038 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| The Tavern | Coronado CA | 602-628-5890 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Pizza Cassette | San Diego CA | 802-310-5601 |
| Finca North Park | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| Birdseye Rooftop | La Jolla CA | 619-206-7220 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| The Cottage | La Jolla CA | 858-454-8408 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Boujiemana (La Maison) | San Diego CA | 415-710-0510 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Blind Lady | San Diego CA | 619-381-4475 |
| Napatini Bistro & Wine Bar | Carlsbad CA | 415-505-5955 |
| Isola La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5566 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Ranch Catering | San Diego CA | 858-491-9100 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
| UCSD Health East campus | San Diego CA | 619-578-3373 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| Hilton Garden Inn | San Diego CA | 858-720-9500 |
| Craft House Sky Deck | San Diego CA | 619-948-4458 |
| Crust Pizzeria-Carmel | San Diego CA | 858-212-8751 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Home & Away - Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
| Burning Beard | El Cajon CA | 619-884-4716 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Valley View Casino & Hotel (Black&Blue) | Valley Center CA | 760-291-5500 |
| Catania La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-551-5105 |
| American Pizza Manufacturing | La Jolla CA | 858-246-6756 |
| Mothership | San Diego CA | 858-342-3609 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 619-816-8319 |
| 264 Fresco (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Gravity Heights Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-384-5993 |
| Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery | San Diego CA | 858-551-5105 |
| Prager Brothers Artisan Bread | Carlsbad CA | 760-445-9536 |
| Bar Ella | San Diego CA | 858-808-2286 |
| Lucky Bolt | San Diego CA | 662-832-3638 |
| Viewpoint Brewing Co. | Del Mar CA | 858-205-9835 |
| Kona Kai Resort and Marina | San Diego CA | 619-221-8000 |
| Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-2938 |
| Slowly | San Diego CA | 858-352-6080 |
| Rosemary Trattoria | Coronado CA | 619-669-8435 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Wildland | Carlsbad CA | 619-385-0914 |
| Mamas Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-233-6262 |
| Black Raill Kitchen + Bar | Carlsbad CA | 619-454-9182 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters | La Jolla CA | 858-228-5655 |
| Solare Ristorante Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-270-9670 |
| Relic Bageri LLC | San Diego CA | 619-335-6328 |
| Haggos Organic Tacos LLC | Encinitas CA | 760-695-8870 |
| My Chef | San Diego CA | 916-217-0049 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Knotty Barrel- Rancho | San Diego CA | 858-484-8758 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 915-861-2297 |
| Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Il Giardino di Lilli | La Jolla CA | 619-467-9897 |
| Hyatt Islandia | San Diego CA | 619-224-1234 |
| Sbicca Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 619-417-2587 |
| Palmys | San Diego CA | 858-886-7111 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Waverly | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Oregano. One
is easiest, three is harder.
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