Greek oregano, which grows native to the country, differs from oregano species of neighbouring areas and is the form of oregano most widely used in the country.

Join us as we explore the character, benefits and uses of this most popular Greek herb…

What is Greek Οregano?

True Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) is considered the best in the world due to its distinctive and exceptional characteristics that occur not only in its wild state, but also when it is cultivated on Greek farmland. As a result, it is a variety of oregano that is particularly sought after. Various other types of oregano can be found in the Mediterranean region, such as Italian and Turkish, and globally there are even more varieties. All of these are species of the Labiatae family which includes other aromatic plants like mint, basil, thyme, rosemary and sage.

Greek oregano of course gets its name from its abundant presence in the Greek landscape. Compared to its Mediterranean cousins, Italian and Turkish oregano, it has a stronger flavour that is earthy, slightly spicy and aromatic, so it’s not typically interchangeable with other oregano varieties for recipes.

As you will see later in this article, its uses in cooking are virtually limitless!

Greek Oregano History

Did you know that in Greek mythology, oregano had a romantic beginning? According to myth, the Greek goddess Aphrodite – goddess of love and beauty – created and grew the herb in her garden on Mount Olympus. As the story goes, she made it a symbol of happiness and joy for the Greek people and so the ancient Greeks widely used the herb in wedding ceremonies and for good luck.

Indeed, the word oregano comes from two Greek words: “oros” meaning mountain, and “ganos” meaning joy. So oregano literally means ‘joy of the mountain’!

Oregano’s earliest known use dates back 4,000 years ago to Turkey. Some time later, the famous Greek physician Hippocrates was regularly prescribing it to his patients to relieve digestive issues and soothe respiratory illnesses. At this time, Ancient Greek and Roman culture had also embraced the use of oregano in cooking.

Later, in the middle-ages in Europe and China, the tradition of using oregano for medicinal purposes continued. People would use oregano therapeutically for conditions like rheumatism, toothache and fevers.

By the Elizabethan era, much of the superstition around oregano’s powers re-emerged. It was used to bring about happiness, health and good luck – to name just a few!

Oregano Benefits

We mentioned above how oregano has been used for therapeutic benefits throughout history, such as for digestive issues, rheumatism and bodily aches. The herb is still traditionally used for these kinds of issues today.[1]

Indeed, there are many benefits of this great herb! Here are just a few more…

1. Good for heart health and general health

We’ve seen in some other articles on chamomile tea and sage essential oil that antioxidants are abundant in many Greek herbs and flowers, and Greek oregano is no different. It contains a high level of antioxidants,[2] particularly a high level of the antioxidant thymol which has numerous health benefits.

The antioxidants in oregano are able to neutralise free radicals in our body. Free radicals can cause damage to functions of the body, including the heart. Because of oregano’s high level of antioxidants, it’s therefore a great herb for general health and wellbeing, including heart health. Here you will find our article on antioxidant properties of herbs.

So next time you’re making a heart-healthy meal, why not include some oregano? At tofillo we love to include our Dried Greek Oregano when making pasta for the whole family at the weekends!

2. Fights inflammation

We all know that inflammation is a big health concern in our modern times. It seems that a lot of our modern conveniences – fast food, transport, sedentary lifestyles – can all cause inflammation in the body.

Well did you know that oregano contains high levels of a compound called carvacrol which has been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties? In an animal study, researchers found that carvacrol reduced swelling in mice’s paws by up to 57%.[3] And in another animal study, researchers found that a mixture of oregano and thyme essential oils also reduced internal digestive inflammation in mice.[4]

So while research specific to human reactions still needs to be done, the science already shows support for the traditional practise of using oregano to fight inflammation.

3. Helps manage diabetes

Another epidemic that we face in the world today is diabetes. With the mass production of sweets and highly processed foods, increasing numbers of people around the world are developing type 2 diabetes.

Interestingly, in animal studies, oregano extract was shown to help improve insulin resistance and restore damaged liver and kidney tissue (which can cause diabetes).[5]

While we can’t say that the use of oregano alone will prevent or cure diabetes, the science shows that it can form at least part of an effective treatment plan for diabetes.

4. Antibacterial and antiviral properties

One big issue facing modern medicine today is the emergence of antibiotic-resistant diseases. Amazingly, researchers found that oregano’s antibacterial properties were able to significantly affect various bacteria that were not responding to other drugs.[6] Though more research needs to be done, this early research suggests that because of oregano’s antibacterial properties, it could be used to fight antibiotic-resistant diseases.

Oregano also has strong antiviral properties, because of its high content of thymol and carvacrol compounds. In particular, carvacrol has been shown to inactivate the norovirus (a virus that causes stomach flu) within one hour of treatment![7] Additionally, both thymol and carvacrol have been shown to inactivate 90% of the herpes simplex virus, also within one hour of treatment.[8]

Those were just a few great benefits of oregano. Now, you must be wondering – how can you use oregano to both enjoy the delicious taste and get those great benefits?

Well, here are some ideas…

How to use oregano

Oregano Seasoning

Oregano is used so widely in Greek cooking that if Greece had a national herb, it would be oregano!

Greek oregano has a warm and slightly sour and spicy taste, which can vary in intensity depending on the conditions it’s grown in. The herb gives an earthy, savoury flavour to various dishes, such as grilled meats and salads.

In fact, the flavour is even more pronounced when using the dried form of the herb – unlike most other herbs, it becomes more flavourful when it’s dried.

At tofillo we love to use our Dried Greek Oregano in many dishes, from a traditional preparation of Greek lamb to homemade pasta sauce, to grilling some Greek feta cheese with tomatoes.

Here are two more of our favourite and most traditional uses of oregano:

• Oregano on Pizza

You’ll often hear people refer to oregano as the ‘pizza herb’. That’s how popular it is to use with the tasty combination of dough, tomato sauce and melted cheese! We recommend using our Dried Greek Oregano for pizzas – it gives a stronger flavour that stands up well to the tomato sauce and cheese.

• Oregano on Greek Salad

Of course, as the taste of Greece, oregano is an essential part of the Greek salad. Combined with other traditional ingredients (cucumber, tomato, feta, olives and onion), oregano elevates the flavour of a Greek salad. It makes it taste earthy and robust and we find that the oregano works well with the onion to cut through the creaminess of the feta cheese. Delicious!

Oregano Tea

Aside from seasoning, another good use of oregano is as a herb for tea.

Oregano tea is a warm, earthy, and slightly spicy tea, so it’s perfect for when you want a nourishing drink. By drinking it, you can obtain some of the health benefits of oregano we’ve explored earlier in this article. What’s more, some of the traditional benefits of oregano tea also include things like: soothing muscle cramps and menstrual pain, soothing symptoms of common colds and preventing constipation and diarrhea.

Those were just a few facts for starting. To learn more, take a look at our article on oregano tea.

Oregano Essential Oil

Finally, another great way to benefit from oregano is through oregano essential oil.

Did you know that Greek oregano has the highest concentration of essential oregano oil, compared to any other oregano variety worldwide?

As you would expect, oregano essential oil provides a lot of the great benefits that we explored above. In particular, it has very strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. Research has shown that oregano essential oil can block the growth of certain infectious bacteria,[9] and also that because of the oil’s high thymol content, it can help treat common fungal infections like nail infections, athlete’s foot and yeast infections.[10]

So that was our walk-through some of the great benefits and uses of this powerful herb! As you’ve seen, oregano has been used over thousands of years for its great taste and health benefits!

If you’ve been inspired to include more Greek oregano in your cooking or tea, then head over to our Dried Greek Oregano product page in our online shop. We hope you enjoy it!

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5874591/

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8933203/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22892022/

[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18288268/

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5242351/

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6182053/

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24779581/

[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22890541/

[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23484421/

[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4659158/

Look at it face to face

The first contact we have with an herb is its “visual” presence. It is a very important element that tells us a lot about its quality. What does it look like? Does it look like it was just cut from the field? Does it look fresh or do the leaves appear browned or faded instead of green? The dark brown to black color shows us that something went wrong while drying or storing the herb. On the other hand, the light-faded color tells us that it has been exposed to the sun for a long time. In both cases the quality of the product is undoubtedly degraded.

Smell it with your soul

Grab a leaf, rub it on your hands. The aroma should be pleasant bringing to your mind something cool, natural and fresh! An aroma that will take you to nature should come up. Aroma of “mold” and “closure” testify that the drying was done in completely unsuitable conditions or that it was not dried as it should be. In this case consumption is prohibited. On the other hand, if there is no smell, it is very likely the collection of the herb to have been done a long time ago, so the herb no longer has to offer us many of its medicinal properties!

Taste it

As in all our senses, so in taste the concept of ‘’nice’’ is subjective. However, each herb has a “characteristic” taste based on the ingredients it contains. Consider for example the “oregano” aroma of oregano and dittany of Crete and the “lemonade” of Lemon verbena. Like the aroma, the taste should in any case be clean and pleasant, maintaining the character of each herb. You do not need to be an expert in order to be able to understand this characteristic taste of each herb and to judge if what you taste is pleasant for you or not.

Pay attention to packaging and storage of herbs

Undoubtedly, the protection of the herb from the sun and moisture are key factors so that it can retain its aromas and properties until its final consumption. We choose loose herbal teas, so that we can see and judge the quality based on all the above. Chopped and powdered leaves do not help us in this evaluation. Herbs in packages that prevent direct contact with the sun help to better preserve the contents on the shelf of each store, while in any case immediately after purchase we must protect them by storing them in suitable places without humidity, high temperature and light.

Find out its origin of herbs

The quality of an herb in terms of freshness and content in essential oils can therefore be evaluated based on our senses (visual, smell, taste). However, what cannot be evaluated with this process is the possible presence of pesticides or heavy metals for example which have to do with factors such as: Producer’s cultivation methods, field’s location and how ‘’polluted’’ the surrounding environment is. In the case of caterers, such as chefs and F&B, it is possible to find the producer through receipts/invoices, although this is often very difficult. In the case of the consumer, however, he will have to look for the producer, in order to find out what is hidden right behind the offered product. Of course, this can now be done not only with our physical presence, but also with an internet search or other ways of communication that modern technology offers us.

All of the above are basic and very useful tips for helping to supply your business or home with the right raw materials. Through this process you will understand that the price is really relevant and it makes no sense to try to give flavors and aromas with products that are economical but of poor quality.

Choosing an herb of high quality can be an easy task as long as you know the ways to distinguish it! It is its color, its aroma and its taste that will make it stand out, it is the one that will look like as it has just been cut from the field, that will scent the room, that will travel you to nature, giving you well-being, relaxation or energy depending on its beneficial properties.

Product exhibition, Tasty tastings of herbal beverages tofillo, MADARA Greek Seasoning Blends & MADARA cooking herbs but also a demonstration of cooking traditional Cretan recipes, was the “menu” that presented to the Polish public, which is passionate about Cretan products.

Rosemary is a shrub with great endurance

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) belongs to a family of plants (Lamiaceae) that includes herbs such as basil, lavender, mint, sage and thyme, culinary, ornamental herbs, with many medicinal properties due to the essential oils they contain. Rosemary is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to one meter in height. Its characteristic thin, leathery and very fragrant leaves are characteristic while depending on the variety, more ortho-branched or side-branched plants can adorn it. Rosemary flowers are cyan-violet and can be found almost all year round. However, general flowering takes place in early spring.
Rosemary is a plant that can withstand both the high temperatures of summer and the low of winter, while it can thrive at altitudes up to 600 meters. It is a plant that loves the sun and if we help it a little at the beginning with frequent watering, it soon develops a rich root system that helps it cope even in dry fields (watered only by rainwater). It is a plant that is easily propagated by cuttings, small parts of the tops that can be collected either in Autumn or early Spring.

Proper management of rosemary

Rosemary can be productive for over 15 years. We choose to collect its leaves just before the beginning of flowering as then the essential oils of the leaves are at the highest levels. Immediately after collection, we take them to a dark and well-ventilated area to be dried. Once the leaves break when we bend them (and they are not elastic), it means that the leaves are ready for storage. We place them in a container well protected from the sun and the wind. During the drying process, the plant loses a significant part of its weight, so the ingredients of the dried herbs are more concentrated so that smaller quantities are required during our preparations than if we would use fresh. And here we will share with you a secret for choosing quality rosemary. Color is a key element that reveals its quality. The green color tells us that its leaves have dried properly. And if stored in the above conditions to offer us their properties and aromas for the coming years at any time.

A plant with a rich tradition

Such a fragrant and beautiful shrub has been known since antiquity so the traditions associated with rosemary are many. In ancient times, rosemary was a symbol of remembrance and an emblem of faith. According to tradition, the Roman soldiers shortly before the battle gave a sprig of rosemary to their best friend – comrade, who would keep it with him as a sign of trust, friendship, and memory.
The ancient Greeks considered it a godsend, a gift of Aphrodite and the students wore rosemary wreaths when they had exams because it helped concentration and memory. Dioskourides mentions it as the “fourth incense burner”, it was used a lot as a perfume and cosmetic, while it was burned as incense. Along with myrtle and laurel, they made bouquets for coronations, while they also used it in funeral processions.

Rosemary has great medicinal properties

Rosemary is traditionally used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. According to folk medicine the leaves of the plant (fresh or dried) are used against inflammation, abdominal and stomach pain, convulsions, arthritis, gout attacks, rheumatism. At the same time, studies report the traditional use of rosemary for disorders of the nervous system, especially against headaches, depression, as well as as a memory enhancer, sedative, and relaxant.
The properties of rosemary are due to the essential oil contained in the leaves of the plant, which contains, among other things, phenolic compounds with the main representative’s flavonoids and phenolic acids. Among the biologically active ingredients contained in the leaves are rosmarinic acid, carnosol, and carnosic acid.
Today it is one of the most popular sources of natural bioactive compounds, and according to studies, the plant exerts various pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. It is worth noting that the European Union has approved rosemary extract as a safe and effective natural antioxidant for food preservation. In addition, according to modern studies, the carnosic acid contained in rosemary can protect the brain from various diseases related to aging and neurodegenerative conditions.

Ways to use rosemary

The characteristic aroma of rosemary in combination with its unique properties makes it very popular among aromatic herbs and can be used both in cooking and as an herbal tea, alone or as part of a mixture. In cooking it combines perfectly with fish, however, it can wonderfully give its beautiful aromas to culinary creations with meat. As a herbal tea use, one gram of dried rosemary leaves per 250 ml of water. In a closed container, keep the rosemary leaves in hot water (just before boiling) for about five minutes, strain, and serve.

In addition to the properties offered to us by drinking a cup of rosemary as a beverage, according to traditional practices of our ancestors, it can help stimulate and grow our hair, acting beneficially on our skin, if we take baths or washes with its infusion. If we want to enjoy its beneficial properties on skin, hair wound healing, we increase the dose (grams per ml of water) and allow more time to “stand” in hot water.

Side effects – Precautions

As is the case with most aromatic – medicinal plants, daily and excessive use of rosemary can cause various health problems (poisoning, vertigo). Rosemary essential oil can cause eye and skin irritation and should not be consumed by people with epilepsy or high blood pressure. Its consumption during pregnancy should be avoided. In any case, the appropriate information from our doctor, if we have a health problem is considered necessary.

A favorite herb, rosemary

The global interest in the use of aromatic-medicinal plants due to their beneficial properties is constantly increasing. Certification of traditional uses and discovery of new properties concerning plants that have been used since ancient times, find the light of publicity more and more often in recent years, through modern scientific research.
Rosemary is undoubtedly a typical example of an herb with a rich tradition and long-term use, which is the subject of ongoing research. It is considered a symbol of memory and is indeed a beautiful shrub holding a special place in the world of herbs. Its properties have aroused human interest since antiquity and we can easily enjoy its benefits either fresh or dried by incorporating it into our culinary creations and herbal drinks.

Cretan rosemary became a short film!

In Crete, rosemary can also be found wild, just like the other Cretan herbs. A short film that presents in an excellent way the properties of herbs and especially rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).

Watch the trailer:

The Greek thyme

Greek thyme, also known as thymos, grows in the mountainous areas of our country. In fact, there are over 120 species of thyme, twenty-three of which grow in Greece. Wild thyme thrives in the Mediterranean climate, and its abundance in the region has given it a prominent role in Greek cuisine.

thyme

With its small green leaves, woody stem, and refreshing scent, it is an herb that easily stands out in nature!

Take a look at our thyme!

Thyme in your garden

An evergreen shrub with soft purple flowers, it is a treasure for the kitchen and organized growing. The best time to harvest is during the flowering season, with the best yield being achieved between the second and sixth year of growth. In the case of organized crops, plantings are renewed every six years to maintain quality, but the plant can live much longer in the garden with minimal care, offering its leaves for use throughout the year.

Thyme, a woody plant with taste and healing benefits, offers flexibility in its use. Leaves and flowers enhance the flavour of dishes, while whole sprigs can be added for flavour and easily removed. Separating the leaves from the branches is simple using a sieve, and pure leaves are also available for even greater convenience. Thyme’s widespread use and benefits make this herb indispensable in cooking and beyond.

Thyme tea

• The health benefits of thyme tea

Thyme, this aromatic gift of nature, is known for its healing properties, especially when consumed as a tea. Rich in natural antioxidants, thyme helps fight free radicals, providing a natural respiratory tonic. Particularly beneficial to the respiratory system, thyme helps to relieve coughs and ease cold symptoms. Its antimicrobial action helps fight microorganisms that cause respiratory infections, making it an ideal beverage for boosting respiratory health. Enjoy a cup of thyme tea for an easy and natural way to protect your respiratory system

• Sage and Thyme Tea

Sage and thyme may seem like similar herbs at first. This is because both have a slight minty taste. However, both offer different flavor profiles – thyme is more lemony, while sage is more musky. Because of these similarities and differences, they make a nice tea combination!

Plus, by combining sage and thyme in tea, you get both the benefits of sage and thyme. So, we’re a double winner! Like thyme, sage has anti-inflammatory properties and also helps improve mood! Sage has many other benefits. Some of them are improving blood sugar control and promoting brain health.

• Rosemary and Thyme Tea

The slightly woody, piney flavor of rosemary makes it a nice complement to thyme in a cup of tea. In addition, it enhances some of the health benefits of thyme tea. It also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and tonic properties! In addition, rosemary helps to improve blood sugar control and improve memory, so here’s a very healthy herbal combination for your tea!

Thyme seasoning in our kitchen

As we have discussed in this article, thyme has an earthy and slightly lemony taste. It is widely used in soups, roasted vegetables, pasta, sauces, pizzas – and the list doesn’t stop there! Thyme can be used fresh, as a “sprig” where the stem and leaves are kept together. It can also be used dried and sprinkled in a variety of dishes.

Dried thyme is very tasty and can usually be used as a substitute for fresh thyme if needed. Make sure that the amount of dried thyme you use is about one-third the amount of fresh thyme. The flavor of dried thyme is much stronger than fresh thyme!

• Cooking with Thyme

Thyme is a very popular seasoning and pairs well with meat, tomatoes and beans. It goes well with Mediterranean cooking, especially for lamb dishes. It is also an essential element of the French ‘Bouquet Garnis’ and ‘Herbs de Provence’. There they are regularly used to flavour meats, stews and soups.

• Oregano and Thyme

Although oregano and thyme have different flavor profiles, they combine wonderfully! You can often mix the two herbs together in a recipe. Oregano gives the dish an earthy, warm and robust taste. On the other hand, thyme gives the dish a lemony, minty and slightly peppery flavor. So, their flavours complement each other perfectly!

Essential Oil of Thyme

Because thyme essential oil has a highly concentrated form of thyme, it has all its benefits and more ! So among the properties are included: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal.

In addition, thyme essential oil is regularly included in commercial mouthwashes because of its benefits for oral hygiene. While it has also been shown to help in hair loss treatments^.12

Thyme storage

Finally, we would like to share some tips for storing thyme.

Fresh thyme should be completely dry before storing and wrapped lightly in paper towels. You can then store it in the refrigerator. Dried thyme should be stored in an airtight container away from heat and light.

If we have inspired you and you want to include more thyme in your diet, you can visit our product page. Here you will find Dried Greek Thyme! We hope you enjoy its delicious taste in your next meal!

FAQs:

• What is the dosage for making thyme tea?

1. Put about 1 tablespoon of dried thyme in a cup and add hot water (about 240 ml of water at a temperature of ^90oC).
2. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes with the lid closed to retain the essential oils.
3. Strain the tea to remove the herbal residues.
4. You can add honey or lemon for flavor if you like.

• Does thyme tea have side effects?

Thyme tea is generally safe for the majority of people, but there is a possibility of allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It can also interact with certain medications and is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice.

• Is thyme tea suitable for cough and lungs?

Thyme tea is a popular beverage made from the leaves of the thyme plant, which is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial and bronchodilator properties. It is often used in traditional medicine to relieve symptoms of colds, coughs and respiratory inflammation.

[12] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9828867/

Gold Medal and a very special review made us happy and proud!

“Chopped oregano, with a beautiful green color, a sign of proper drying. Very good natural taste, which releases the essential oil and gives aroma to all dishes with success and delicacy “…

Check our Greek Dried Oregano!

As for the comments…

“Beautiful packing in this new range, that reveals beautiful herbs, spices, and fruits more or less crushed.
This cooking blend is intended for chicken and poultry. We try it on a chicken leg. During cooking, a pleasant fragrance emerges. The Thyme expresses itself fully. On the palate, it is oregano and lemon that develop there.
Is a nice help for a healthy kitchen”.