Oregano, which is also often called oregano, is one of the most famous spices and is popular all over the world.
This fragrant herb is used as a seasoning in cooking, used in traditional medicine, perfumery and cosmetology.
In addition, the plant is an excellent honey plant. Lovers of traditional medicine and chefs know firsthand about its beneficial properties. This article presents the characteristics of the seasoning and its application, as well as a photo of the plant.
What is this spice?
What does oregano look like?
Oregano is a herbaceous plant from the family of yasnotkovyh. Its small leaves have an oblong shape, resembling an egg. Flowers are small, white and pink, collected in spikelets, which form a kind of panicle.
A photo
The photo shows what this seasoning looks like.
Aroma
The smell of oregano is very strong, balsamic, very pleasant.. The taste of this seasoning is bitter, tart, slightly astringent. Taste and smell are perfectly preserved after drying.
History of discovery and application
Translated from the Greek Oregano means "mountain joy." The plant came to us from the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It was widely used in cooking in ancient Greece, and the very first references to fragrant spices date back to the first century of our era and are found in the writings of Aristotle, the Greek military physician Dioscoride and the famous Roman gourmet Celius Apicius.
The plant does not impose special requirements on the quality of the soil, preferring to inhabit the hillsides, forest edges and similar places with open grassy soil. Widely cultivated throughout the world.
Benefit
- Oregano is a valuable source of antioxidants due to its high content of rosmarinic acid.
- Also, due to the large amount of essential oils, it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Oregano oil stimulates the flow of bile, which has a beneficial effect on the digestive processes.
- Fatty acids have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.
We offer to watch a video about the benefits of oregano:
Chemical composition
The plant is just a storehouse of vitamins, essential acids, micro and macronutrients:
Calorie content - 265 kcal.- Fat - 4.28 g
- Protein - 9.00 g.
- Carbohydrates - 68.92 g.
- Vitamin C - 10 mg.
- Vitamin PP (niacin) - 0.7 mg.
- Vitamin A (ER) - 100 µg.
- Potassium - 260 mg.
- Calcium - 40 mg.
- Magnesium - 30 mg.
- Sodium - 70 mg.
- Phosphorus - 50 mg.
- Iron - 0.5 mg.
- Iodine - 9 micrograms.
Calorie content - 265 kcal.Oregano essential oil, being applied to clothing and exposed areas of the body, repels mosquitoes and ticks.
Harm and contraindications
When used in minimal quantities, when the spice is used as a seasoning, the likelihood of side effects from its use is minimal. However, an overdose can trigger an upset stomach.
You can not use oregano in the following cases:
- in case of identified allergies to the plants of the yasnotk family, to which, besides oregano, also include basil, lavender, marjoram, mint and sage;
- during pregnancy, the probability of miscarriage increases, the plant should be used with care by nursing mothers, as its effect on the body of a young mother and newborn is not well understood;
- for violations of blood clotting, you should also abandon the spice for two weeks before the scheduled operations in order to avoid a bleeding claim;
- diabetics can be seasoned with caution, the spice can reduce blood sugar levels.
How to use in traditional medicine?
For medicinal purposes, flowers and the upper leaves of the plant are used, containing a maximum of useful substances. Oregano decoction is applied:
- for the treatment of cough, inflammations of the throat and mucous membranes of the mouth;
- with ARVI, flu, bronchitis and pneumonia, as an expectorant;
- in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, to relieve intestinal spasms, excretion of gases, stimulate the flow of bile, improve the pancreas;
- for the treatment of skin diseases, diaper rash, boils, fungus, Staphylococcus aureus;
- with nervous disorders as a sedative.
Broths and infusions of oregano provoke menstruation with a delay, but in no case can they be used without prior consultation with the doctor and an appropriate examination.
Why use this herb in cooking and where to add it?
Oregano is widely used by cooks all over the world as an independent seasoning, and as a component of the mixtures "Italian herbs" or "herbs of Provence". Great for meat dishes, chicken, potatoes, is an indispensable ingredient in the preparation of pasta and pizza.
How to prepare and dry?
Harvested oregano at the time of its flowering, which falls on July-early August. Harvesting is best done in clear weather, before noon, when the plants are dry from morning dew.
Oregano bushes can be tall, but it is recommended to collect only the upper third of the stem of a plant with flowers and leaves. Branches are cut with a knife or sickle, if possible without damaging the roots. Cut the twigs dried in the attic or reduce the air under a canopy, protected from direct sunlight. Willingness comes when the stalks become brittle and the leaves crumble easily.
Dried oregano has a light green color.. Then the leaves and flowers are separated from the coarse branches and poured for storage in tightly closed glass jars.
We offer to watch a video on how to prepare the oregano seasoning at home:
What can be replaced?
If the success of the whole dish depends on the availability of oregano, and the necessary spice was not at hand, spices with a similar taste and smell will come to the rescue:
- marjoram;
- basil mixed in equal proportions with mint;
- mix of Provencal herbs, in which oregano is included by definition;
- thyme or thyme.
Fragrant and healthy spice deservedly takes pride of place in the culinary arts of the Mediterranean countries, conquering the whole world with its unique aroma and excellent taste.
