T – Tank McGigglez: Oregano By: James Montoya Jordan Antrillo Tyler Younger Jeff Allen

Oregano for Dummies Oregano is a herb, not spice. Oregano is generally found in primarily the Mediterranean regions. However can also be found in Mexico. Oregano has an aromatic and slightly bitter taste. Oregano looks like this background

Oregano Etymology Oregano is the anglicized form of the Italian word origano, or possibly of the medieval Latin organum; this latter is used in at least one Old English work. Both were drawn from Classical Latin term origanum, which probably referred specifically to sweet marjoram, and was itself a derivation from the Greek origanon ὀρίγανον, which simply referred to "an acrid herb". The etymology of the Greek term is often given as the word "mountain" + the verb that means "delight in", but the Oxford English Dictionary notes that it is quite likely a loanword from an unknown North African language.

Culinary Use Oregano is an important culinary herb. It is particularly widely used in Turkish, Greek, Spanish and in Dominican Cuisine & Italian cuisine. You can cook with fresh oregano leaves. However, the dried herb is more flavorful. Oregano is often used in tomato sauces, fried vegetables, and grilled meat. Together with basil, it contributes much to the distinctive character of many Italian dishes.

Cultivation While oregano is easy to grow and will produce in many conditions, it likes fertile, well-drained soil the best. It also prefers full sun. Plant in pots or rows 12 inches apart. It does take a while to germinate (12 to 14 days in above 60 degree weather). It should be planted after danger of frost has been reduced to nil. Till often as oregano can quickly be overpowered by tall weeds.

Health Effects/Medicinal Purposes Oregano is high in antioxidant activity, due to a high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids. Additionally, oregano has demonstrated antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes. In the Philippines, oregano is not commonly used for cooking but it is considered as a primarily medicinal plant, useful for relieving headaches and coughs. Main constituents are carvacrol, thymol, limonene, pinene, ocimene, and caryophyllene. The leaves and flowering stems are strongly antiseptic. Aqueous extracts, capsules, or oil extracts of oregano are taken by mouth for the treatment of colds, influenza, mild fevers, fungal infections, indigestion, stomach upsets, enteric parasites, and painful menstruation. It is strongly sedative. Used topically, oregano is one of the best antiseptics because of its high thymol content.

Bibliography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregano http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=oregano&gbv=2