What Is Oregano?
Oregano is a woody-stemmed herb with small, rounded leaves from the mint family. It’s a staple of global cuisines, featuring in Italian, Greek, Syrian, Argentinian, Mexican, and Turkish dishes. Historically used for both culinary and medicinal purposes, oregano has aided cultures from Greece to China in treating everything from coughs to wounds.
Flavor & Culinary Uses
Oregano delivers a bold, herbaceous flavor, blending the warmth of thyme, marjoram sweetness, and a hint of anise-like astringency. Its oils pack strong flavor in both fresh and dried forms. Oregano is a core ingredient in Italian seasoning and essential for pizza, pasta, salad, dressings, and roasted veggie recipes.
Origins & Ancient Tradition
First cultivated in the hilly Mediterranean and western Asia, oregano has mythological roots—ancient Greeks believed it was created by Aphrodite. Today, it’s central to Italian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Egyptian food and medicine.
Major Types of Oregano
- Mediterranean (true): Slightly bitter, sweet, and cooling; grown in Mediterranean countries for classic dishes.
- Mexican: Earthier and milder, with floral/citrus notes; key in Mexican and Latin American cuisines.
- Syrian/Lebanese: Popular in za’atar, often called biblical hyssop; grown in the Middle East and cultivated due to high demand.
Fresh vs. Dried Oregano
- Fresh: More robust, pungent, and bold—great for salad and garnish.
- Dried: Tempered but very concentrated—ideal for spice blends, seasoning, and cooked dishes.
How to Cook with Oregano
- Use fresh in salads, sauces, and dressings.
- Dried oregano enhances pizza sauce, Greek salad, chimichurri, and Mediterranean spice blends.
Buying and Storing Oregano
- Mediterranean oregano is widely available dried or fresh in shops and spice suppliers. For bulk export, always seek food-safety certified and fresh processed lots.
- Store dried oregano in airtight glass containers in cool, dry spaces. Use within 6 months for best flavor.
- Fresh oregano: Store wrapped in a damp paper towel in a sealed bag, keeps for 7–10 days.
Indian & Export Market – Joshi Foods and Spices
India is rapidly emerging as a supplier of quality oregano for bulk seasoning, retail, and foodservice. Joshi Foods and Spices offers oregano leaves and flakes with international grade certifications, shipped from Mahuva, Gujarat for global distributors and brands. Our oregano is available for food industry, retail private label, HORECA and custom ingredient applications worldwide.
Contact Your Indian Oregano Export Partner
See our Oregano Export Product Page
Email: joshifoodsnspices@gmail.com
WhatsApp/Phone: +91-9725067697
About Joshi Foods and Spices
We are a trusted herbs, spices and dehydrated ingredients exporter from Mahuva, Gujarat, India. Count on us for top quality, certified packing, competitive price, and world-class service for oregano and all major Indian spices.