Guest guest Posted April 22, 2005 Report Share Posted April 22, 2005 About oregano and growing it, from Garden Guides. They also sell a booklet called " Growing and Using Oregano " which talks about growing Oregano from seeds or plants, in hanging baskets or window boxes, in rock gardens, indoors or outdoors and it includes dozens of recipes They've got a fun web site to visit *Smile* Chris (list mom) One Week Only Pre-Buy Specials: Unrefined Hawaiian 'Alaea Red Sea Salt Organic Corsica Helichrysum Essential Oil <http://www.alittleolfactory.com> http://www.alittleolfactory.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hardy in Zones 5 -9 Oregano is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Lamiales, family Labiatae. A plant of the family Labiatae (mint family), Origanum vulgare, also called Spanish thyme and wild marjoram, is the usual source for the spice sold as oregano in the Mediterranean countries and in the United States. In Spain and Italy many other Origanum species are also grown as oregano. A related herb (Coleus amboinicius) of the same family, called suganda in its native Indomalaysia, is known as oregano in the Philippines and Mexico, where it is a popular flavoring. Several other herbs also provide spices called oregano, e.g., species of Lippia and Lantana of the verbena family. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ http://www.gardenguides.com/herbs/oregano.htm Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Oregano originates from the Mediterranean and is closely related to marjoram. Its pungency is in direct proportion to the amount of sun it receives. It grows to a height of about 8 inches with woody stems and dark green leaves around 3/4 inch long. Small, white flowers are borne on long spikes. Cultivation The plant demands a well-drained soil in full sun. Plant seeds in warm soil in late spring or in pots or seed trays under glass in mid-spring. Plants can be moved outdoors when the temperatures are expected to remain above 45 degrees. Oregano is best treated as an annual in cold climates where it will not overwinter well. When grown as a perennial, roots should be divided every 3 years for best growth and flavor. Older plants It will do well as a potted plant as long as it receives lots of sun. As with most herbs, remove dead wood and flowers as necessary. Harvesting Begin harvesting the leaves and stem tips when plants are 4 to 5 inches high. The flavor will improve after the flower buds form, just before flowering. To harvest, cut the stem tops down to the first two sets of leaves. New stems and shoots will grow, producing second and sometimes third crops. Dry the leaves in a warm, dry, shaded place, and store them in an airtight container. Uses For the best flavor, add oregano in the last few minutes of cooking. The flavor can become bitter if cooked more than 30 minutes. Add it to salads, casseroles, soups, sauces, pates and poultry dishes. Dried oregano is especially good with tomatoes, beans, eggplant, zucchini and rice dishes such as pilaf and risotto. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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