The species at a glance

Oregano: Mediterranean herbs for tomato dishes and meat

Oregano, with its decorative foliage and attractive flowers, is an ornament for every herb garden. Bees and insects swarm around the delicately scented butterfly blossoms, which can be eaten. Here is an overview of the common types available in stores:

• Dost (oregano vulgare): Robust, native oregano that can be planted outdoors.
• Real marjoram (Origanum majorana): Annual oregano species native to our latitudes. Marjoram is used in German cuisine as a condiment for fried potatoes, liver sausage, mushroom dishes and stews.
• Kretamajoran (Origanum dictamus): Differs from other species by its woolly leaves, which give the herb a white sheen. Although it thrives in its home in the Diktys Mountains on Crete up to heights of over 1,600 meters, it is not hardy for the forest. Cultivate this very aromatic tasting oregano in the bucket and overwinter the plant in the house.
• Greek oregano (Origanum heracleoticum): Plant this winter hardy herb in a sunny spot in the herb garden and give it good winter protection. The blossoms and leaves of this oregano taste exceptionally intense and give pizza and minced meat dishes an interesting note.
• Flower oregano (Origanum laevigatum aromaticum): Can be grown in the herb garden. Not completely frost hardy, so ensure adequate protection from the cold. The flower oregano is characterized by its flower pile. It is stronger and more aromatic than other types of oregano and is an excellent one Bee pasture. As with all types of oregano, the flowers are edible.
• Peppery oregano (Origanum samothrake): A very popular spice in star cuisine due to its intense aroma. Keep relatively dry and overwinter indoors.
• Zaatar (Origanum syriacum): Typical herb for many oriental dishes. Since this oregano is not frost-proof, it has to be cultivated in a tub and wintered indoors.
• Spicy oregano (Origanum hybrid "hot & spicy): A spicy, spicy style that goes well with fiery dishes such as chilli con carne. Not completely hardy, so ensure adequate winter protection.

Tips & Tricks

In addition to these types, there are many other oregano varieties on the market, all of which differ slightly in their taste. Experiment with the different types and discover the variety of flavors of this aromatic herb.