Chopped oregano

How to Use Oregano in Cooking?

Terre Exotique's chopped dried oregano is a culinary treasure that can elevate any dish.

Some Suggestions for Using Chopped Oregano

Here are some recipe ideas for using this spice in your cooking:

• - Pizza: generously sprinkle oregano on your freshly baked pizza for an authentic Mediterranean touch;
• - Tomato Sauce: while making your tomato sauce, add 1 tablespoon of chopped oregano and let it simmer;
• - Oregano Chicken: add 1 tablespoon to your chicken and let it marinate for a few hours;
• - Provençal Tomatoes: sprinkle a pinch of chopped oregano on each half of the tomato before baking them.

The Aromas of Oregano

Chopped dried oregano is more than just an herb; it's an explosion of aromas. Its intense and spicy flavor evokes the warm Mediterranean breezes. Its dominant notes of lemon and thyme bring a unique freshness to your dishes, while its subtle spiciness adds unmatched depth to your recipes. Oregano is the Mediterranean secret to turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Oregano and its Botany

What is Oregano?

Oregano, scientifically known as Origanum vulgare, is an aromatic herb with distinctive botanical charm. This perennial herb belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is characterized by its oval opposite leaves, square stem, and small white to pink flowers clustered in spikes. Native to Mediterranean regions, oregano thrives in warm sun and well-drained soils, although it has naturalized in various parts of the world.

As a perennial plant, oregano persists for several seasons, producing stems each year from the base of the existing plant. It typically blooms in the summer, attracting pollinators such as bees with its hermaphroditic flowers.

One of the most remarkable features of oregano lies in its aromatic properties. This herb is rich in essential oils, notably carvacrol and thymol, which give oregano its unique fragrance, associated with hints of citrus, mint, and thyme. These olfactory qualities make oregano a valuable ingredient in cooking.

Oregano is commonly used to flavor a variety of dishes, especially in Mediterranean cuisines. It is a staple in the preparation of pizzas, pasta, tomato sauces, and marinades, where its robust flavor enhances the tastes of iconic dishes. Growing oregano in your own garden is a viable option, requiring well-drained soil, sunlight exposure, and moderate care.

The History of Oregano

Oregano is an herb that dates back to antiquity. The Greeks and Romans used it to season their dishes and attributed medicinal properties to it. Its very name, "origanum," means "joy of the mountain," illustrating its fame in Mediterranean mountainous regions. Today, Terre Exotique continues this tradition by offering you exceptional-quality chopped dried oregano, a condiment that will bring a touch of history and authenticity to your culinary creations.

In summary, chopped dried oregano is more than just an herb. It's a gustatory journey to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean, a dive into the rich history of this aromatic herb, and an invitation to culinary exploration. Explore new flavors, awaken your senses, and let Terre Exotique guide you in the art of cooking with chopped dried oregano. A simple pinch can transform an ordinary dish into an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy it now to add a Mediterranean touch to your cuisine.