The origin of the name Oregano comes from ancient Greece. It is a compound from the Greek words oros (mountain) and ganos (joy), i.e. 'joy of the mountain', probably due to the fact that the oregano roots prohibit the washing of the mountain slopes by rain or just by its fantastic smell. In any case, those who have visited Greece, where oregano covers the hillsides and scents the summer air, would probably agree with this name.
Origanum vulgaris grows exclusively to the zone containing the whole Mediterranean Basin and reaching to Central Asia. 'Origanum vulgaris', often known as 'Wild Marjoram', is an extremely invasive plant with a pink flower. Its most important subdivision is the so-called 'Greek Oregano' (Origanum heracleoticum).
Greek Oregano is one very spicy herb and is by far the best oregano in the world. Greek Oregano has a flavour so intense it numbs the end of the tongue when fresh. Like all culinary oreganos, its flower is white. It has coarse, ovate, fuzzy leaves and grows up to 40cm high in bloom. It is grown in light, fairly rich, well-drained soil with pH 7.0-8.0. Use to season fish, meats, salads, sauces, and stews it has medicinal properties as well.
Attention: The parent of Greek Oregano, 'Origanum vulgaris', often known as 'Wild Marjoram', a culinary zero, is often commercially grown and offered as Greek Oregano. In addition, is available to the International market the so-called 'American type', which is actually Mexican sage and not oregano while it is sell as oregano!
In order to avoid these types, either trust your taste or take some time to learn the assorted Latin names.
0 σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου