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Greek oregano is a spicy herb commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. It has a strong, slightly bitter flavour and a pungent aroma that adds depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes. Whether you are preparing a classic Greek salad, a hearty stew or a simple roast chicken, fresh Greek oregano can be a great way to add flavour and depth to your cooking.
In this article we will look at what Greek oregano is, how to buy and store it, and how to cook with it to enhance your dishes. We will also provide some delicious recipes that feature fresh Greek oregano as the main ingredient. Whether you are an experienced cook or just starting out, this guide will give you all the information you need to use fresh Greek oregano in your cooking and take your dishes to the next level.
What is Greek oregano?
Greek oregano, also known as wild marjoram, is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the mint family and is closely related to other herbs such as thyme, basil and sage. Greek oregano has small, oval, grey-green leaves that grow on woody stems. It produces small white or pink flowers in the summer months.
Greek oregano has a strong flavour and aroma due to the presence of essential oils such as thymol and carvacrol. These oils give the herb its distinctive taste and smell and also have antimicrobial properties that can help preserve food.
Greek oregano is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly Greek and Italian dishes. It goes well with a wide range of ingredients, including meats, vegetables and cheeses. Whether you use it fresh or dried, Greek oregano can add depth and complexity to your dishes and take your cooking to the next level.
Purchase and storage of fresh Greek oregano
When buying fresh Greek oregano, look for bright green leaves that are firm and fragrant. Avoid herbs with yellow or brown spots or wilted leaves, as these are signs of age and poor quality. If possible, choose herbs that still have their stems attached, as this can help to keep them fresh for longer.
To store fresh Greek oregano, rinse the leaves in cold water and pat them dry with a clean towel. If you have bought a whole bunch of oregano, you can wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and store them in a plastic bag in the fridge. Properly stored, the oregano will stay fresh for up to a week.
Alternatively, you can remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep the leaves fresh for longer and prevent them from wilting or going mouldy.
If you have plenty of fresh Greek oregano, you can also dry it for later use. Simply tie the stems together and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight. When the leaves are dry and brittle, remove them from the stems and store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
By following these tips for buying and storing fresh Greek oregano, you can ensure that your herbs stay fresh and flavourful, ready to use whenever you need them.
Cooking with Fresh Greek Oregano
Fresh Greek oregano can be used in a variety of dishes to add flavour and depth. Here are some ways to cook with fresh Greek oregano:
- Sprinkle on roasted meats: Fresh Greek oregano goes well with roasted meats such as chicken, lamb and pork. Sprinkle over the meat before roasting or use as a garnish after cooking to add a burst of flavour.
- Use it in marinades: Fresh Greek oregano can add flavour to your marinades for meat, vegetables or tofu. Mix it with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and other herbs to create a delicious and fragrant marinade.
- Add to salads: Fresh Greek oregano can be used to add a fresh and herbaceous flavour to salads. Toss it with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese for a classic Greek salad.
- Use it in sauces: Fresh Greek oregano can be added to tomato-based sauces for pasta dishes or used as a topping for pizza. It can also be used to add flavour to homemade salad dressings.
- Infuse in oil: Infusing fresh Greek oregano in olive oil is a great way to add depth and flavour to your cooking. Simply add a few sprigs of fresh oregano to a bottle of olive oil and leave for a few days before using.
By incorporating fresh Greek oregano into your cooking, you can take your dishes to the next level with its unique and delicious flavour. Experiment with different recipes and techniques to discover all the ways you can use this versatile herb in your cooking.
Recipes with Fresh Greek Oregano
Fresh Greek oregano can be used in a variety of dishes, from roasted meats to salads and sauces. Here are some delicious recipes using fresh Greek oregano as the star ingredient:
- Greek Lemon Chicken: In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, fresh Greek oregano, salt and pepper. Add the bone-in chicken pieces and toss to coat. Roast in oven at 400°F for 45-50 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Greek salad: Toss chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese and fresh Greek oregano. Dress with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Roasted vegetables: Toss chopped vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, red onion and bell peppers with olive oil, fresh Greek oregano, salt and pepper. Roast in oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes or until vegetables are tender and caramelised.
- Grilled lamb chops: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, fresh Greek oregano, garlic, salt and pepper. Rub the mixture over the lamb chops and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Grill over high heat for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked to your liking.
- Greek style potato wedges: Cut potatoes into wedges and toss with olive oil, fresh Greek oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Roast in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.
By incorporating fresh Greek oregano into your cooking and trying out these recipes, you can add delicious flavour to your dishes and explore the versatility of this fragrant herb. Whether you are preparing a classic Greek dish or experimenting with new flavours, fresh Greek oregano is a great ingredient to have in your kitchen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fresh Greek oregano is a versatile and flavourful herb that can be used in a wide variety of dishes to add depth and complexity. Whether you are roasting meats, making salads or sauces, or simply adding flavour to vegetables, fresh Greek oregano can take your cooking to the next level.
When buying and storing fresh Greek oregano, it is important to choose herbs that are bright green, firm and fragrant. To keep the herb fresh, store it in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel or in an airtight container. You can also dry fresh Greek oregano for later use by hanging the stems upside down in a warm, dry place.
By experimenting with different ways of cooking with fresh Greek oregano and trying out new recipes, you can discover all the delicious flavours and aromas that this herb has to offer. So next time you want to add some depth and complexity to your dishes, reach for some fresh Greek oregano and get creative in the kitchen.
FAQs
What is the flavor profile of fresh Greek oregano?
Fresh Greek oregano has a strong, slightly bitter taste and a pungent aroma. It pairs well with a wide range of ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and cheeses.
What are some ways to cook with fresh Greek oregano?
Fresh Greek oregano can be used in a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, salads, sauces, and grilled vegetables. It can also be infused in oil or dried for later use.
How do you store fresh Greek oregano?
To store fresh Greek oregano, rinse the leaves in cold water and pat them dry with a clean towel. If you have purchased a whole bunch of oregano, you can wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can you substitute dried Greek oregano for fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried Greek oregano for fresh in most recipes. However, keep in mind that the flavor of dried oregano is more concentrated than fresh, so you may need to use less of it. Additionally, dried oregano should be added earlier in the cooking process to allow itsflavors to fully infuse into the dish.
What are some recipes that feature fresh Greek oregano?
Fresh Greek oregano can be used in a variety of recipes, such as Greek Lemon Chicken, Greek Salad, Roasted Vegetables, Grilled Lamb Chops, and Greek Style Potato Wedges. These recipes all showcase the versatility and delicious flavor of fresh Greek oregano in different ways.