Oregano - How To Use
Profile
Italian cuisine gets much of its considerable zest from oregano. It is aromatic and slightly bitter. The spice ajwain has notes of oregano amongst anise and black pepper in its profile. Oregano is part of the mint family, native to Eurasia and the East Mediterranean region.
Can you use fresh and dry oregano interchangeably?
Oregano is considered more flavourful when dried than fresh. The fresh version is sharper, whereas the dried is more aromatic and milder. Due to their differences, they are best used separately, but if substituting, remember they have very differing ratios.
What flavours go with Oregano?
- Aubergine
- Potatoes
- Marjoram
- Thyme
- Tomato
Both Oregano and Thyme share the same compound called thymol. Our 13th-century mixed herb blend Baqa and 14th-century all-purpose Sofrito both have examples of oregano with thyme amongst other alchemy.
Health Benefits
Oregano has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, often used to treat respiratory tract infections.
Interesting Facts
- The ancient Greeks believed that Aphrodite invented oregano to give to your man to make him happier. Perhaps we all need a little bit of oregano.
- After the Second World War, it arrived in America by soldiers who came across it during the Italian campaign.
- Folklore myths suggest oregano mixed with olive oil would cure baldness by rubbing it on your head. People would also grow it near their homes to protect them from evil. In the Greek translation, it means "joy of the mountains".
- Oregano is another herb placed under your pillow to bring on psychic dreams.
Chief flavour profile
Thymol: (thyme, penetrating and cooling) is a flavour compound found in Oregano. Individuals often detect a similarity between oregano and nigella because of a medicinal-tasting compound they both share. Bay, nutmeg and nigella all complement the oregano profile.
Blends to try with Oregano
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Baqa $12.00
Introducing Baqa - A captivating herbaceous and zesty blend, from the Islamic Golden Age. Discover the allure of Baqa. Derived from a 13th-century medieval Arabian cookbook. Meaning 'bouquet' or 'bunch' of herbs, this beautiful blend pays homage to the ancient herb trade. All natural, salt-free and vegan-friendly. The combination of several herbs with garlic and onion powder means a little goes a long way for this all-purpose seasoning.
Endless culinary adventures – A mere sprinkle brings a fresh zing to savoury dishes like pasta, soups, cheese toasties, roast potatoes, and that 70’s classic chicken vol-au-vents. At Camelēr Spice Co, we like to call it, “all things eggs”. One of our customers delighted in pairing Baqa with speckled mushrooms, cream cheese, and sourdough for a mouth-watering lunch. Fans of Za’atar will be captivated by unique flavour alchemy that Baqa brings.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Sofrito $12.00
Introducing Sofrito - Catalan in origin, Sofrito is a 14th Century blend of balanced and versatile Mediterranean ingredients. All-natural, salt-free and vegan. This spice mix has highlights of lemon peel, thyme and tomato powder, with citrusy and herbal notes.
Endless culinary adventures - Sofrito is the perfect all-purpose seasoning for adding depth to chicken pie, pan-fried salmon, meatballs, tomato/ragu sauces or as a natural gravy/stock. Our bread baking customers tell us that adding a teaspoon to your dough creates a delicious new flavour profile!
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.