Oregano: Use in the kitchen and as a medicinal herb

Content

• Oregano: Use in the kitchen and as a medicinal herb
• The typical aroma
  
• Oregano - the spice of the south
• Process fresh oregano
• Shelf life
• To dry oregano
• Tips & Tricks

Oregano: Use in the kitchen and as a medicinal herb

The oregano is a vigorous and wonderfully fragrant herbs, which is an indispensable part of our kitchen. Preferably harvest the oregano during or shortly after flowering, which extends from June to August. You can cut back the oregano to about a hand's breadth above the ground at this time. In order to preserve the full aroma, it is advisable to process the oregano quickly.

Earlier item Grow oregano in the garden Next article Cutting oregano - so you harvest the spice

The typical aroma

Oregano contains numerous essential oils and phenols, which are responsible for the strong spicy taste of the herb. They are also credited with an antibacterial effect that makes oregano a valuable herb.

Oregano - the spice of the south

The strong aroma of oregano blends well with all the herbs and spices used in the Mediterranean cuisine. Dost, as the oregano is also called, is the pizza spice par excellence. Oregano gives many Mediterranean dishes such as tomato sauce or Mussaka its unmistakable aroma. However, it not only fits in summery food, but also gives an hearty potato stew an interesting touch.

Throughout the summer you can season these dishes with the freshly picked leaves and flowers of oregano. Give the cabbage to the dishes at least fifteen minutes before the end of the cooking time.

Process fresh oregano

Freshly harvested oregano tastes a bit milder than dried and conjures a pleasant note in the food. The aromatic, edible flowers are suitable as a pretty decoration of southern dishes. They can be eaten without hesitation.

Shelf life

You can store freshly cut oregano in the fridge for a few days in a plastic container or a pouch. Like many other herbs, oregano can be frozen.

To dry oregano

Oregano is one of the few herbs whose aroma intensifies through drying. The best time to process oregano in this way is during or shortly after flowering, as the Dost tastes the most intense.

The whole branches of the herb are always dried, loosely tied together and hung upside down. Then peel the leaves and flowers from the stems and store the oregano in tightly closed containers in a dark place.

Tips & Tricks

Oregano is an excellent remedy for colds. A tea infusion or a bath with Dost has a slimy effect, stimulates the discharge and soothes irritating coughing.

SKb