Oregano
Oregano's earthy flavor is key in Mediterranean cooking.
Flavor profile
Aroma: minty, earthy
Good to know
Origin: Mediterranean
Forms: fresh, dried
Storage: Store dried oregano in an airtight container in a cool, dry place; fresh can be refrigerated.
How to use oregano
Finishing Sauces
Add oregano at the end; heat breaks down thymol and carvacrol, dulling aroma.
Flavoring Meats
Sprinkle after cooking; volatile oils stand out on meat.
What goes with oregano
- Feta. Oregano’s bitter notes emphasize feta’s tangy brine.
- Lamb Shoulder. Oregano's pungent oils stand up to lamb in Greek roasts.
- Tomato. The herby and slightly bitter taste of oregano cuts through tomato’s sweetness.
- Olive oil. Oregano's aroma shares a terpene with olive oil, creating harmony.
- Garlic. Oregano's herbal notes and garlic's pungency create a pizza base.
- Lemon. Lemon's acidity amplifies oregano's brightness in salads.
- Mozzarella. Oregano shares a green aroma family with mozzarella, making it less bland.
- Tomato Paste. Oregano's volatile oils add herbal complexity to tomato paste.
- Chicken thigh. Oregano's earthy, peppery oils flavor rich chicken thigh in Mediterranean cooking.
- Chili Flake. Oregano's earthy, peppery notes suit chili's heat in pizza and pasta.
Mistakes to avoid
- Adding early changes flavor profile due to heat.
- Too much can overpower masking other ingredients.
Ideas for tonight
- Stir into pasta sauces.
- Sprinkle on roasted chicken.
- Use in salad dressings for Mediterranean touch.
Oregano: questions
What does oregano taste like?
Oregano's earthy flavor is key in Mediterranean cooking. Its strongest notes are earthy, pungent, with an aroma that is minty, earthy.
What goes well with oregano?
Oregano pairs best with feta, lamb shoulder, tomato, olive oil, garlic. Oregano’s bitter notes emphasize feta’s tangy brine.
How do you use oregano in cooking?
Finishing Sauces: add oregano at the end; heat breaks down thymol and carvacrol, dulling aroma.
How should you store oregano?
Store dried oregano in an airtight container in a cool, dry place; fresh can be refrigerated.
What is the most common mistake with oregano?
Adding early changes flavor profile due to heat.
