Most people are familiar with oregano as an ingredient in Italian or Greek cuisine. But did you know that oregano is actually a member of the mint family?
This hardy perennial herb is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used for centuries in cooking and natural medicine. Let’s take a closer look at this delicious and versatile spice.
Nutritional Facts of Italian Oregano
Italian oregano is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber. It also contains minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. In addition to being a great way to add flavor to your food, oregano may also offer some health benefits.
Health benefits of Italian oregano
Oregano is a popular herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health issues. It has also been used traditionally to treat coughs and colds.
- Oregano oil may also be helpful in treating menstrual cramps and urinary tract infections.
- Oregano oil has been shown to be effective against a number of bacteria, including E. coli and H. pylori, which makes it a good medicine if you feel you have had food poisoning.
- Oregano can help improve digestion by aiding in the absorption of nutrients from food.
- It can aid in reducing anxiety and stress levels because it contains compounds that activate serotonin receptors in the brain.
- It helps improve heart health by boosting the immune system and decreasing inflammation throughout the body.
- It reduces cancer risk by promoting healthy cell growth and preventing cancer cells from spreading throughout the body.
- Oregano is also effective at relieving all sorts of different pain due to various conditions, such as headache, dental pain, or arthritis.
Make your recipes more authentic with Italian oregano
Of course, one of the most popular uses for oregano is in cooking. This versatile herb can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, including pasta sauce, chicken recipes, pizzas, vinaigrettes, and more.
Oregano is also a key ingredient in many traditional Italian and Greek recipes. If you want to get closer to the culinary masterpieces of the Italian and Greek grandmothers, it’s time to start using more oregano!
If you are choosing a quality Italian oregano for your spice rack, it’s great to get one that is directly from Italy like this one for the most authentic Italian flavor:
Imported Sicilian Oregano
Why we love Krinos imported Italian Oregano:
- Hand selected
- Large pack, 50 grams, nothing bigger on Amazon
- From Sicily
- Ground leaves and flowers
- Authentic Italian flavor
- Highly rated on Amazon
Can I use Italian seasoning instead of oregano?
You can, but the flavor profile in Italian seasoning is more of a blend of flavors that include oregano than just oregano.
Italian seasoning is a blend of different spices and herbs that are used to flavor many dishes. Many people think that the ingredients in Italian seasoning are secret, but there is actually no mystery here—just a variety of flavors that work well together. Here’s a list of all the main ingredients in Italian seasoning, along with their corresponding uses:
Basil: imparts an herbal flavor and aroma to food; has anti-inflammatory properties.
Black pepper: a stimulant that enhances the flavors and smells of other ingredients and also helps minimize stomach acid production.
Oregano has antiseptic qualities, so it can help prevent bacterial growth during cooking or eating.
Garlic cloves: in addition to adding flavor and aroma to food, garlic provides some health benefits too: it helps reduce inflammation, assists with digestion, supports cardiovascular health, and more.
How to grow Italian oregano
5 Tips on how to grow the most abundant oregano is taught by Self Sufficient Me
How to prune Italian oregano
The best time to prune Italian oregano is after it flowers. Snip off the flowering stem at its base, and then use sharp scissors to cut back any remaining stems by about a third. You can also trim away any dead or damaged leaves.
How do you dry Italian oregano?
There are a couple ways to dry Italian oregano. One is to hang the herbs upside down from a branch or wire mesh in a dark, well-ventilated area, shaking them occasionally. Another method is to place the herbs on an oven rack at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about two hours, until they’re crisp.
Concluding Thoughts
We hope you found the information on Italian oregano helpful. Whether you are cooking with it or healing yourself with its powerful nutrients, growing Italian oregano indoors is a great decision. Having Italian oregano on hand in abundance is a beneficial thing for you and your family. We wish you the best on your continuing journey to optimum health.
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