What Is Oregano, Exactly?

Discover What Oregano Is

Oregano is a robust, woody herb with small, oval leaves that belong to the mint family. It’s commonly used in a variety of cuisines including Italian, Greek, Syrian, Argentinian, Mexican, and Turkish, and is beloved worldwide. Beyond its culinary uses, oregano has long been valued for its medicinal properties, treating ailments from coughs to stomach issues to wounds.

Explore everything you need to know about this versatile herb, including top recipes that highlight its flavor and the best ways to store it for longevity.

What Does Oregano Taste Like?

Oregano is most commonly linked to Italian-American and Greek cuisines, offering a bold, herbaceous taste. It combines the earthy warmth of thyme with the sweet, slightly medicinal notes of marjoram, and a touch of anise-like sharpness. Packed with aromatic oils, it releases intense flavor from just a few leaves. As a key component of Italian seasoning, oregano is often associated with dishes that incorporate this signature blend.

History and Origins

Oregano originally thrived in the rugged hills of the Mediterranean and parts of western Asia. Greece has long been a major producer of the herb, and ancient Greeks believed it was a gift from the goddess Aphrodite. Over centuries, oregano spread throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa, becoming an essential ingredient in Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as a medicinal herb in ancient China and Egypt.

Discover the recipe: Tomato Shrimp Pasta with Fresh Ingredients

Varieties of Oregano

Mediterranean Oregano

This is the classic oregano most people recognize; sometimes referred to as 'true oregano.' It has a slightly bitter yet sweet flavor, with a subtle cooling sensation that highlights its mint family origins. Widely adored and cultivated in many Mediterranean nations, it’s a global favorite.

Mexican Oregano

Softer and more earthy than its Mediterranean counterpart, Mexican oregano belongs to the verbena family. Despite some differences, it shares similar aromatic and flavor profiles with Mediterranean oregano, but has a more floral character with a hint of citrus.

This variety is commonly used in Mexican cuisine and other Latin American dishes, particularly in Guatemala, where it grows in abundance.

Syrian Oregano

Predominantly found in the Middle East, this oregano variety is often featured in the spice blend za'atar. Known also as Lebanese oregano or Biblical hyssop, it was once wild-harvested but is now cultivated commercially due to environmental challenges and rising demand.

Fresh vs. Dried Oregano

As with most herbs, fresh oregano offers a more intense flavor than its dried counterpart. When fresh and uncooked, oregano can be bold to the point of overpowering. In contrast, dried oregano is more subdued but can be somewhat bitter, and the texture of dried herbs might not be as pleasant. Nonetheless, dried oregano remains potent, often stronger than other dried herbs.

Cooking with Oregano

If you’re a fan of oregano’s distinct flavor, Greek, Italian, and Turkish cuisines are a great place to start. Fresh oregano can be used in salads, sauces, dressings, and as a garnish on just about anything. Dried oregano is perfect for seasoning Italian dishes, spicing up blackening rubs, or flavoring roasted vegetables. Try it in classic recipes like Greek salad, pizza sauce, and Chimichurri.

Where to Find Oregano

Mediterranean oregano is widely available in dried form at most grocery stores in the spice aisle. Fresh oregano can also be found in the fresh herb section of many supermarkets. For Mexican oregano, check local Latin American markets, or browse online retailers such as Spice House and Spicewalla for a variety of options.

Storing Oregano

Like most dried herbs, oregano should be kept in a glass container stored in a cool, dry location, such as a spice cabinet. Over time, all dried herbs lose their flavor and potency, so be sure to replace it every six months.

To maximize the shelf life of fresh oregano, wrap it in a paper towel and place it inside a sealed zip-top bag. Stored this way, it can last for up to a week to ten days.