Oregano

When mentioning oregano, many Thais might first think of pizza sprinkled with aromatic oregano powder. In Thailand, oregano is often associated with pizza. However, those who have tried other Western dishes will know that oregano isn't just available dried, but also as fresh oregano, which is often included in meals.

Born from the Mountains: A Greek Symbol of Joy

Long ago, oregano grew wild on mountainsides with warm sunshine and perfect conditions for growth in the Mediterranean region. The Greeks were the first to discover oregano and utilize it for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

They believed this herb was created by the goddess Aphrodite (or Venus) to help them maintain good health and be free from various diseases. They named this herb in Greek as Orosganos, where Oros means mountain and ganos means joy. Thus, Orosganos translates to joy of the mountains because it thrived on fertile mountains.

For the Greeks, oregano symbolized joy and happiness. Ancient Greek tradition often involved crowning brides and grooms with wreaths made of oregano on their wedding day, believing the herb would bring blessings of happiness to the couple.

A Global Journey: From Orosganos to Oregano

Later, oregano began to spread to the Romans, who loved this herb for its fragrant aroma and diverse medicinal properties. It was cultivated in many areas until it eventually spread throughout Europe and North Africa during the Middle Ages. It was during this time that Orosganos began to be pronounced as Oregano. Subsequently, in the 20th century, Americans first encountered oregano when soldiers returning from World War I brought it back from Italy. Later, oregano gained increasing popularity in America.

Medicinal Properties and Culinary Uses

Regarding its medicinal properties, ancient Greeks commonly used oregano to relieve pain, muscle spasms, colic, and to detoxify the body. Today, oregano has been scientifically proven to possess antioxidant and antibacterial properties due to its high concentration of phenols. It is often used in treating infections such as colds, flu, and urinary tract infections.

Additionally, oregano oil is used to alleviate toothaches and as a natural remedy for acne and psoriasis.

The key difference between fresh oregano and dried oregano is the concentration of flavor and aroma. Fresh oregano has a milder taste and scent compared to dried oregano, which is more concentrated. In terms of flavor, fresh oregano has a slightly sweet taste and is often used in Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, commonly added to salads, soups, stews, and meat dishes.

On the other hand, dried oregano has a stronger, more pungent taste and aroma. It is frequently used in Italian cuisine, serving as a main ingredient in pizza and pasta sauces, or sprinkled on grilled meats and steaks to enhance their aroma. However, when using dried oregano, it is important to use it sparingly, as its intense aroma can overpower the food, disrupting the balance of flavors.