1. Oregano is an aromatic, perennial herb from the mint family (Lamiaceae), widely renowned as a culinary staple in Mediterranean, Italian, and Mexican cuisines.
2. Small, olive-green, oval leaves, often sold as dried, crushed, or ground flakes.
3. Known as "the pizza herb," it is highly valued for its strong, pungent, and earthy flavor, which often becomes more intense when dried.
4. A pungent, warm, and slightly bitter taste with minty, hay-like, and camphoraceous notes.
5. Rich in essential oils, primarily carvacrol and thymol, which give it its strong aroma and antimicrobial properties.
6. Pairs well with roasted lamb, chicken, fish, and vegetables like eggplant and zucchini.