Oregano, an aromatic plant to discover

Does oregano produce flowers?

1 - Harvesting oregano. Oregano can be harvested 2 to 3 times a year, from June to October, as soon as this small aromatic plant begins to bloom: It is preferable to harvest in the morning and at the beginning of the flowering period, when the fragrance of oregano is strongest.

Is oregano a perennial plant?

It is particularly sought after by butterflies. No less than 28 species visit oregano flowers! An aromatic perennial with oval, pointed leaves, it is... Aromatic perennial with a compact habit and oval, pointed leaves.....

How to water oregano?

Watering frequency for oregano

• Oregano needs a well-drained soil, a warm and sunny position, well sheltered from draughts.....
• Rainfall is sufficient to cover its needs; it does not require watering throughout the growing season, except during transplanting or planting.

When to harvest oregano for drying?

To harvest oregano, wait for the plant to flower, which happens in early summer. This way, its aroma and flavor will be more intense. It is important to know that some people harvest only the leaves of oregano, while others also harvest the flowers. The choice is yours.

How to recognize oregano?

Oregano is a Mediterranean plant that grows mainly at high altitudes and can be recognized by its reddish stems and purple flowers. The leaves of marjoram are slightly more pointed and of a stronger green than those of marjoram.

How to use oregano?

Dried oregano will spice up your soups, sauces (with lemon and olive oil), simmered dishes, stuffings, and it also goes very well with cold cuts! Try it in soups (black bean soup) and soups. Raw, you can use it in salads, dressings, raw vegetables or vinegars.

When and how to plant oregano?

Planting oregano: Oregano is planted in spring from April or in autumn from September to late October. In a mixture of potting soil, garden soil and sand to lighten the soil. To help the plant take root, you can add a handful of well-decomposed compost just before planting oregano.

How to replant oregano?

Taking cuttings Cut stems 5-8 cm long with scissors. Remove the lower leaves, taking care not to damage the very thin stems. Make a hole in the soil. Put about ten cuttings in a 12 cm diameter pot.

How to recognize wild oregano?

How to recognize it ? Oregano has a reddish, straight, fairly rigid, upright stem. The leaves are whole, very slightly toothed and are opposite each other, so they are always opposite on the stem. At the top of the stem are inflorescences with many small pink flowers.

How to recognize marjoram?

How to recognize it ? Marjoram is a perennial plant. Its square stems bear small oval leaves. Its flowers are small, white or pink and grow in clusters.

What is another name for oregano?

Oregano goes by many names, such as wild marjoram, perennial marjoram, common oregano, or wild balsam. To call oregano, a powerful aromatic herb, a pizza seasoning, as it is commonly called in Italian cuisine, does not do it justice.

Where can I find wild oregano?

It is found naturally in the wild on wastelands, sunny slopes and garrigues of Provence. Unlike its cousin of the same genus, marjoram (Origanum majorana), oregano is resistant to frost (at least -17°C) as well as to drought and poor soil.

Where does oregano grow?

Oregano grows spontaneously in Mediterranean regions. Known for flavouring pizzas, stews, meat and fish dishes, it also has antiseptic and antioxidant properties, which makes it a recognized remedy in phytotherapy.

What is oregano called in Arabic?

In the Maghreb, zaatar is a variety of oregano (Origanum syriacum and Origanum vulgare).

What is the difference between oregano and thyme?

What is the difference between thyme and oregano? Taste and smell are the most distinctive characteristics, with thyme being a complex combination of sweet and peppery, as well as minty and citrus flavours, while oregano has a very strong, pungent and earthy taste.

Oregano is an aromatic perennial plant that can grow up to 60 cm high. It produces white or pink flowers depending on the variety. To grow your oregano well, it is important to choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. This plant does not require a lot of water but it is preferable to avoid too dry soils. You can sow your seeds directly in the ground in spring or fall, or replant already developed plants. As for the harvest, you can pick the leaves as soon as the plant begins to bloom to obtain a maximum of aromas. Then let your leaves dry in a dry and ventilated place before using them in cooking.