Oregano

Botanical Name: Origanum vulgare
Common Name: Wild Marjoram, Joy of the Mountain, Thyme
Origin: Native to Mediterranean Region
Cultivation: Full sun with well-drained soil
Colors: Pink
Uses: A beautiful dried flower
Regions: Warm regions of India, Europe, Greek,

Cultivation of Oregano
Oregano can be propagated by root divisions in spring or by seed. It requires full sun with well-drained soil to grow. Seeds germinate in about 4 days. Don't cover the seeds with soil. It is susceptible to root rot and fungal disease.

Drying of Oregano
Oregano can be collected when the plant is 6 to 8 inches high or snip the tops. Cut the stems 4 to 5 inches from the ground. Harvest the flowers in summer or early autumn, just before full flowering. Tie the washed branches into small bundles and hang them upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Just make sure that there is good air circulation so the heabs dont get moldy. They can be air dried outdoors but better color and flavor retention usually results from drying indoors.

Uses of Oregano
Dried oregano is a beautiful dried flower with beautiful natural colors. Dried oregano is also sprinkled on top of a tomato and onion salad drizzled with some olive oil for a quick side dish. The dried herb contains several constituents, including volatile oil, such as carvacrol, thymol, and borneol. The thymol and carvacrol contents are responsible for its antimicrobial and antifungal effects.

Dried leaf of oregano can be made into a tea by steeping 1 to 2 tablespoons in hot water for ten minutes.