Oregano

Origan

What it is

Greek for “joy of the mountain”, it perfumed hillsides long before pizza existed. American soldiers came home from Italy in 1945 asking for “the pizza herb” — and oregano sales rose five-thousand percent in a decade.

In the kitchen

One of the rare herbs that is stronger dried than fresh. Bloom it in warm oil to release its perfume before it touches the dish.

Goes with

Tomato Olive oil Lemon Chicken Eggplant Olive Mozzarella

Same species

Marjoram

Also used with

Ají panca Annatto Black Krim tomato Calabrian chilli paste Caper leaves Chile cascabel

In season alongside

Savory Basil Curry plant Hoja santa Hojiso (shiso flower spikes) Holy basil

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