Oregano , also known as the common marjoram, is a commonly used herb with very aromatic leaves. Marigold leaves are refreshing and spicy in taste. Fresh or dried, they can be used as a seasoning for sauces, soups and meat dishes. Oregano is a must-have for pizza and classic Italian spaghetti! And what does oregano taste from your own garden and can you plant it in pots at home? See how oregano is grown at home and in the garden, and what interesting uses this herb can have.
Oregano, common marjoram - Origanum vulgare
Fig. pixabay.com
Oreganois a commonly used name for a plant whose full botanical name iscommon marjoram(Origanum vulgare). This plant is a perennial and belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Oregano grows wild in Europe and Central Asia. Likes dry, sunny habitats, preferably between rocks or in bright brush.
Oregano has raised or rising stems that are very branched. The length of the stems reaches 20-50 cm.The leaves of the marjoramare arranged opposite on the stems, they are oval, about 2 cm long. Oregano flowers are small, purple-pink, in dense clusters.
Oregano, common marjoram - cultivation
The cultivation of oreganois best done in well-drained soils and in sunny positions. Oregano loves poor, dry and stony soil, which makes this herb suitable for growing, for example, in a rockery. Oregano is also grown in small containers on balconies, terraces and window sills, so everyone can have this fresh herb in the kitchen.Currently,oregano in a potis one of the basic elements in any kitchen where the hostess appreciates the taste of fresh herbs.
Sowing oregano seeds
The cultivation of oregano can be started with sowing seedsThe seeds of the common honeybee should be sown in warm soil in late spring or even at the beginning of summer, in boxes in a greenhouse or in a pot at home. Oregano in a pot sprouts very well placed on a sunny windowsill. It is worth remembering that oregano is a perennial, so if we grow it in the ground, the above-ground part should be trimmed strongly in spring.
Oregano during flowering
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Oregano's frost resistance is quite high.It can withstand -20 ° C and even below. However, it is worth paying attention to the requirements of a specific variety of oregano, because some of them are much less resistant, can only withstand -5 ° C and such in the garden will not survive for many years.Oregano after two years of cultivation grows to 20-45 cm high by 20-30 cm wide.
As previously mentionedoregano likes dry, rocky and sunny positionswhich makes this plant almost perfect because you don't need to water it often. The exception is oregano in a pot, which, however, requires a little more watering. When growing oregano, the most important thing to remember is to provide enough sun for this herb.
Harvesting and storage of oregano
We start harvesting this herb when oregano is just starting to bloom. We tear off small twigs of fresh leaves and avoid larger, thicker stems. When oregano is in full bloom, it makes sense to collect the stems and leaves to dry them, as the flavor of the herb is the most aromatic then. Tie the broken stems into bunches and hang them to dry in a warm, dry and shaded place (do not dry them in the sun), and place the dried leaves in a tightly closed container.Interestingly, dried oregano leaves have an even stronger aroma than fresh ones.
Oregano grown in the garden
Fig. pixabay.com
Oregano, common marjoram - use
Probably everyone knows oregano as a spice, which proves the extremely wide use of oregano in the kitchen and not only. The fresh herb is perfect for a variety of salads, soups, sauces, pates and poultry dishes. Anddried oreganogoes well with tomatoes, beans, eggplant, zucchini and rice. It is also worth adding thatoregano is a basic pizza spice !
However,the use of oregano in the kitchenis not the only option. The common guelder rose is also a medicinal herb. First of all, it increases the appetite and helps digestion. Oregano can be used medicinally for colic and indigestion.The medicinal use of oreganois also used to treat coughs and chest infections.Oregano oil is extremely essential - it is an excellent antiseptic, which is why it is widely used in the production of soaps and therapeutic bath oils. It is also worth knowing thatCommon marjoram repels mothsThe dried herb of this herb can therefore be put in wardrobes, just like lavender.
Oregano, common marjoram - species and varieties
Lebiodka - Origanum dictamnus
This species of oregano comes from Crete, it is grown mainly in the Mediterranean Basin, it is a small shrub with lying stems and white hairy. It grows up to 10-30 cm in height. The leaves are ovate, round, also white hairy. The flowers are pinkish-purple with very long stamens.This species of oregano is also used in medicine. It helps digestion, stimulates the appetite, has a relaxing and toning effect. It is also sometimes used as an aphrodisiac. The use of this oregano in the kitchen is also wide, and fragrant inflorescences are also often used.
European Lebanese 'Aureum'
The yellow tinged leaves of this oregano variety make it much nicer, but it has a more delicate flavor, so it is not as essential as the pure species. It is often used in rebates as a contrast to regular oregano.
Lebiodka 'Gold Tip'
This variety of oregano has motley leaves and is also more decorative than useful in the kitchen.
European Lebanese 'Compacta'
The habit of this origanum is compact, cushion-shaped, with darker leaves.
Lebiodka 'Album'
It has white flowers.
Marjoram - Origanum majorana
A herb, popularly referred to as marjoram. It has a completely different smell and taste than the common marjoram. So don't confuse marjoram with real oregano.
Katarzyna Matuszak
