Surprising health benefits of oregano
Surprising health benefits of oregano
Overview of oregano.
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Transcript
If there's one herb synonymous with Italian cooking, it's oregano. Its pungent taste immediately reminds one of Mediterranean flair and delicacies from Southern Europe. What most people don't know, oregano has untold abilities and is one of the most potent herbal remedies.
This intensely aromatic herb is known all over the world as a pizza spice, but also gives casseroles, fish, meat and grilled vegetables a bitter, peppery flavor. Salads such as a refreshing tomato salad on bruschetta can be pepped up by a few oregano leaves. The herb is also an absolute must in chili con carne. To prepare an authentic version of the hot bean stew, use Mexican oregano as it will provide an even fuller flavor. Contrary to most herbs, oregano reaches its most intense flavor not in fresh, but in dried form. Actually, the drying process can make its aroma up to 10 times stronger.
Oregano didn't achieve worldwide success until after the Second World War, when GIs brought the spice back home to America. Today, it's one of the most commonly cultivated herbs. Because of its close relationship to marjoram, oregano is sometimes called wild marjoram. Unfortunately, in terms of taste the siblings don't get on too well. Instead, oregano harmonizes more with rosemary, basil and thyme in many Mediterranean spice blends.
The medicinal powers of oregano were known early on. Medieval wise woman Hildegard von Bingen used the herb and long before that the Greek physician Hippocrates recommended it for toothache, colds and stomach problems. This ancient wisdom has now been confirmed by modern science. Unbelievable, but true, oregano is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics. Its essential oils can fight fungal diseases and will even kill bacteria that are resistant to conventional antibiotics. To make a tasty, wholesome oregano vinegar, simply place some fresh or dried leaves in white wine vinegar and allow it to infuse. Like other oregano remedies, the vinegar will stop inflammation and promote digestion.
The intensity of flavor and active ingredients contained in the herb depends on the location and climate. The drier and more barren the soil and the hotter the weather, the more of its characteristic bitter flavor the oregano will exude. Its aromatic fragrance has been used since ancient times to produce soaps, which also happen to eliminate germs and bacteria. After such effective body care, how does relaxing with a glass of oregano wine sound? Just add a few dried leaves to some white wine. For a constant supply of fresh oregano, it can be grown in the garden or a pot without difficulty. As an undemanding perennial, it will most likely survive the winter.
As if its exquisite taste and antibacterial properties weren't enough, oregano also contains large number of antioxidants that eliminate free radicals in the body and thus contribute to our health. Amazing that such a small herb can pack so much punch.
This intensely aromatic herb is known all over the world as a pizza spice, but also gives casseroles, fish, meat and grilled vegetables a bitter, peppery flavor. Salads such as a refreshing tomato salad on bruschetta can be pepped up by a few oregano leaves. The herb is also an absolute must in chili con carne. To prepare an authentic version of the hot bean stew, use Mexican oregano as it will provide an even fuller flavor. Contrary to most herbs, oregano reaches its most intense flavor not in fresh, but in dried form. Actually, the drying process can make its aroma up to 10 times stronger.
Oregano didn't achieve worldwide success until after the Second World War, when GIs brought the spice back home to America. Today, it's one of the most commonly cultivated herbs. Because of its close relationship to marjoram, oregano is sometimes called wild marjoram. Unfortunately, in terms of taste the siblings don't get on too well. Instead, oregano harmonizes more with rosemary, basil and thyme in many Mediterranean spice blends.
The medicinal powers of oregano were known early on. Medieval wise woman Hildegard von Bingen used the herb and long before that the Greek physician Hippocrates recommended it for toothache, colds and stomach problems. This ancient wisdom has now been confirmed by modern science. Unbelievable, but true, oregano is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics. Its essential oils can fight fungal diseases and will even kill bacteria that are resistant to conventional antibiotics. To make a tasty, wholesome oregano vinegar, simply place some fresh or dried leaves in white wine vinegar and allow it to infuse. Like other oregano remedies, the vinegar will stop inflammation and promote digestion.
The intensity of flavor and active ingredients contained in the herb depends on the location and climate. The drier and more barren the soil and the hotter the weather, the more of its characteristic bitter flavor the oregano will exude. Its aromatic fragrance has been used since ancient times to produce soaps, which also happen to eliminate germs and bacteria. After such effective body care, how does relaxing with a glass of oregano wine sound? Just add a few dried leaves to some white wine. For a constant supply of fresh oregano, it can be grown in the garden or a pot without difficulty. As an undemanding perennial, it will most likely survive the winter.
As if its exquisite taste and antibacterial properties weren't enough, oregano also contains large number of antioxidants that eliminate free radicals in the body and thus contribute to our health. Amazing that such a small herb can pack so much punch.