Oregano

Native to the Mediterranean region, oregano is a popular culinary herb used for the flavour of its leaves, which can be more intense when dried than fresh.

Oregano is a staple herb of Italian cuisine and is frequently used with roasted, fried or grilled vegetables, meat and fish and combines well with spicy foods. Well-known in pizzas and tomato based sauces.

Its popularity in the U.S. began when soldiers returning from World War II brought back with them a taste for the “pizza herb”.

A spreading plant good for ground cover, it is a perennial but often grown as an annual in cold climates, as it often does not survive the winter.

Prefers fairly dry soils and full sun but is generally tolerant of most growing conditions.

Also known as common marjoram or wild marjoram.