Donna, over at Whole Food Bellies, has the lowdown on making oregano pesto, and she’s even got substitutions to make it vegan and allergen friendly. 3. Oregano Infused Vinegar I might have a slight obsession with putting things in vinegar. The general rule of thumb is to use 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for every 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano required. While oregano itself is not an antioxidant, it does have antioxidant properties. Lab studies conducted in 2016 and 2017 quantified significant antioxidant activity in oregano whose active ingredients were extracted into ethanol. And a 2017 study out of China found that oils taken from oregano leaves and flowers were more potent antioxidants than those from the stems or roots. Oregano and Cancer Compounds in oregano may help manage type 2 diabetes. Authors of a 2016 rodent study concluded that Origanum extract may help: Why not try some of these substitution combinations below to get cooking dishes you love? Basil and marjoram

Oregano oil has been used in folk medicine over centuries. [11] Oregano essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the oregano plant. Although oregano or its oil may be used as a dietary supplement, there is no clinical evidence to indicate that either has any effect on human health. [11] [15] Dried Italian seasoning also tends to include basil, marjoram, rosemary, and thyme. So you’ll have more than enough flavor to bring your dishes to life! The flavor of oregano stands up to heat well too. This means you can add it at the start of your cooking, and the flavor won’t get lost throughout the cooking process. So, what can I put it in? It’s important to remember that because mixed herbs aren’t just oregano, it will slightly alter the taste of your dish. It will make a great substitute if you don’t have any oregano left in the house though! Yeah, I know, I say that about all the culinary herbs. But it’s so good. I love butter. I think it’s why I love toast so much – it’s a butter delivery mechanism. Adding a flavorful herb to butter – yes, please.

How to Use Oregano in Recipes

Dried herbs are more concentrated and potent, and so will provide a more intense flavor to dishes. A chef’s rule of thumb is that if you need to substitute fresh herbs or spices for dried, triple the amount. So if your recipe calls for one teaspoon of dried oregano, you can substitute one tablespoon of fresh oregano leaves. Basically, anything with tomatoes deserves to have oregano added, even chili, which is anything but Mediterranean food. Coleus amboinicus, known as Cuban oregano, orégano poleo (' pennyroyal oregano'), orégano francés ('French oregano'), Mexican mint, Mexican thyme, and many other names, is also of the mint family (Lamiaceae). It has large and somewhat succulent leaves. Common throughout the tropics, including Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, it is probably of eastern-hemisphere origin. Oregano and Italian seasoning aren’t exactly the same thing, no. That’s because Italian seasoning is a combination of several different herbs to help add some more Italian flavor to your dishes. Italian seasoning does have some oregano in it, however, so this makes it the perfect substitute for oregano if you’ve run out of your favorite herb. If you have some Italian seasoning in your cupboard, it will make a great replacement for oregano until you can get some more. Tair, Asma; Weiss, Erika-Krisztina; Palade, Laurentiu Mihai; Loupassaki, Sofia; Makris, Dimitris P.; Ioannou, Efstathia; Roussis, Vassilios; Kefalas, Panagiotis (2014). "Origanum species native to the island of Crete: in vitro antioxidant characteristics and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry identification of major polyphenolic components". Natural Product Research. 28 (16): 1284–7. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2014.896011. PMID 24635145. S2CID 42500633.

You might do this with other herbs where the herb’s flavor is subtle and easily broken down. But oregano is pungent enough to last over a long cooking time, so you can add it at a relatively early point in the cooking process. Of course, you may want to approach this in moderation, as oregano is rather intense. Must-read related posts Sip a hot cup of oregano tea to help settle an upset stomach or soothe sore throats and help fight a cold. You can use either fresh or dried oregano to make tea. The flavor is peppery and a little astringent, but not too bad. Healthline recommends drinking no more than 4 cups a day. 7. Make an Oregano Tincture This should be ready in time for cold season. Decant the tincture into another clean mason jar or an amber bottle with a dropper. Use a coffee filter to filter the tincture. Always label your tinctures with the date, herb, and alcohol.I garden, even when the only space available is the rooftop of my apartment. I’ve been a knitter since age seven, and I spin and dye my own wool as well. And if you can ferment it, it’s probably in my pantry or on my kitchen counter. I can’t go more than a few days without a trip deep into the Pennsylvania State Game Lands looking for mushrooms, edible plants, or the sound of the wind in the trees. Bay leaf is a fragrant leaf usually utilized in cooking. You can utilize this herb in whole, ground, or dried form. You can add this leaf to slow-cooked recipes such as stews, sauces, and soups. When eaten raw, it can be super butter. However, when cooked and mixed with other spices and ingredients, it transforms and transforms your whole dish in a good way. 12. Ajwain leaves (carom)

And in the herb garden, it does well among its fellow culinary herbs – marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and basil, to name a few. Firstly, In a Mortar & Pestle or blender, mix all ingredients mentioned in the ingredients section. Oregano is a must-have in every home cook’s cabinet, but if you don’t have time to buy it, you can use basil, thyme, parsley, rosemary, or some other substitute.

Get to Know Oregano!

It also contains compounds like carvacrol that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. In one animal study, carvacrol reduced swelling in the paws of mice by up to 57% ( 16). This fascinating white fibrous bulb is another great substitute for oregano. What really makes this an exciting choice is that the entirety of the fennel is edible.

Making Italian seasoning could not be easier! Simply gather all the ingredients and mix them together in a small bowl. I like using either a fork or a little whisk to really get everything mixed well. Oregano, which was largely absent from American cooking before the war, is now one of the most popular herbs in the US (and globally). As Italian food conquered the palates of chefs and their patrons, oregano became a staple of home kitchens, with Americans now consuming over 14 million pounds of the herb annually. It actually wasn’t a herb that was often used over here in America until soldiers returning from World War II made it a popular choice on pizza. Rosemary is another herb that may have anti-inflammatory properties. Find out more. Protecting against cancer The leaves and seeds of this plant are common ingredients in different recipes from the Indian subcontinent where it’s called methi.It is one of the most popular herbs around the world because of its strong, punchy flavor. What makes it a truly versatile herb is that you can use it both fresh and dried. Oregano’s intensity can result in it overwhelming the other flavors in a dish, which means that you will need to use an especially light touch when adding it to your food. Do pair it with the right herbs and spices. While oregano grows naturally in a Mediterranean climate, you may find on hot summer days that it benefits from a good drink. Marjoram and thyme both have such similar flavors to oregano that they make the perfect combination as a substitute. Try using these herbs together for the ultimate oregano substitution. Parsley is another fantastic Mediterranean vegetable that has made its way onto our culinary palate.