THE HISTORY OF GREEK OREGANO
Greek oregano comes from the Mediterranean region which is known to have the perfect climate. The Mediterranean boasts of sunny, warm and dry climate, ideal for this ancient medicinal plant to thrive! Greek oregano is mainly used for flavor but historically it was recognized as a "functional food" for its therapeutic, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, leading to the prevention of many diseases.
Origins of Greek Oregano
The linguistic root of the name of Oregano plant derives from the Greek words "Oros" means mountain and "Ghanos", which means brightness - The Glowing Mountain. Oregano belongs to the family Lamiaceae and its scientific name is Origanum Vulgare. There are four different types of oregano, the most common in Greece being “Oreganum vulgare spp. Hirtum”. Although, Greek oregano is a bushy plant with oval and pointed leaves, it is also adorned with beautiful blooms of purple or white flowers from July to September.
For the Ancient Greeks, oregano was a symbol of joy and happiness. It was a tradition in ancient Greece to crown brides and grooms with laurels and oregano. Compared to the other types of oregano, existing in around the Mediterranean, Greek oregano is found to be the best, due to the fact that it has the highest concentration of essential oregano oil.
Benefits of Greek Oregano
The Greeks have known the therapeutic values of the oregano for thousands of years and used it to relieve the pain, muscle spasms, colic and even poisoning. Today, Greek oregano is scientifically proven to have antioxidant and antibacterial properties due to its high concentration in phenols such as thymol and carvacrol and rosmarinic acid. The decoction of Greek oregano is an astringent, which is slightly bitter and has traditionally for diarrhea. The oregano oil was used to relieve toothaches. Hippocrates valued its antiseptic properties and Dioskouridis (an important ancient Greek doctor, pharmacologist and botanist) recommended the consumption of oregano to those who had lost their appetite.
Add Greek Oregano to Your Diet
Greek oregano is the emblem of the Mediterranean cuisine, especially for the Greeks! Locals hand-pick it from the mountains fresh then dry it at home before cooking with it. Since it is so flavorful, many Greek dishes use only oregano as its only ingredient!
Just add this simple herb to your meat, seafood, vegetables, and even cheese for a delicious meal. Or sprinkle Greek oregano on top of salads, pizza, bread, or omelets to kick it up a notch!
Greek oregano is great on its own, but also pairs well with Greek olive oil and lemon. Try our delicious and simple Wild Oregano Potato recipe that includes these 3 ingredients!
Another way to add more oregano is by drinking it! Greek oregano tea has many health benefits, such as improving respiratory problems, obesity, cancers and gastrointestinal problems .
Greek oregano is one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature, making it the best ally to our health. It’s not called ‘nature’s gift’ for no reason.
Visit our shop to get the best deals on Greek oregano and more!