fresh oregano
Description
The warm, balsamic and aromatic flavor of oregano makes it the perfect addition to Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines. This popular herb whose name means "mountain joy" is available throughout the year. Oregano is known botanically as Origanum vulgare. It is a small shrub with multi-branched stems covered with small grayish-green oval leaves and small white or pink flowers. Oregano seems like a straightforward enough herbs. Anyone who has tasted a tomato-sauce-topped pizza can recall its flavour, which is hearty and assertive with a peppery bite and a zing. Their flavour depends largely on where they're cultivated; in general the hotter the sun, the stronger the flavour.
Chopped fresh oregano
Wash and dry oregano sprigs. Strip whole leaves from stems and discard any leaf with pale yellow or brown colour. Using a sharp knife, on the chopping board, chop it thickly or thinly as preferred.
How to Select
Whenever possible, choose fresh oregano over the dried form of the herb since it is superior in flavor. The leaves of fresh oregano should look fresh and be a vibrant green in color, while the stems should be firm. They should be free from darks spots or yellowing.
Culinary Uses
· Next time you enjoy a slice of pizza, garnish it with some fresh oregano.
· Oregano goes great with healthy sautéed mushrooms and onions.
· Adding a few sprigs of fresh oregano to a container of olive oil will infuse the oil with the essence of the herb.
· Fresh oregano makes an aromatic addition to omelets and frittatas.
· Sprinkle some chopped oregano onto homemade garlic bread.
· Add oregano to salad dressings.
How to Store
Fresh oregano should be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. You can extend the shelf life of fresh oregano by storing whole stems with leaves in a glass of water with a plastic bag loosely tented over the glass. Fresh oregano may also be frozen. Wash and dry oregano sprigs. Strip whole leaves from stems and place in plastic bag loosely without crushing, but remove all air. Freeze and keep in a location where it will not get crushed. No need to thaw before using. You can also mix chopped leaves with a small amount of water and freeze in ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop out the cubes into a plastic bag and seal tightly. Use frozen oregano within one year.
Health Benefits
· Oregano has been used for various medicinal purposes throughout the centuries.
· The Greeks used it to make compresses from the leaves to treat sores and aching muscles while the Chinese used it to relieve fever.
· Oregano's medicinal power lies in the oil found in its leaves.
· The pure oil extract helps in the reduction of tooth pain.
· In fact, when poured into the cavity of the tooth, it acts as an analgesic.
· Oregano is also used to relieve loss of appetite, menstrual pains, nervousness, headaches and bronchitis