Oregano

herb · mint family · Mediterranean · cooking

Part of the mint family. Oregano is a flowering plant that belongs to the same plant family as mint, basil, and thyme. All these plants have similar square stems and aromatic leaves that smell wonderful.

Native to the Mediterranean. Oregano originally grew wild in the Mediterranean region, which includes countries around the Mediterranean Sea like Greece, Italy, and Turkey. People there have been using it for cooking for thousands of years.

Spread across the world. Even though oregano started in the Mediterranean, it now grows naturally in many places, especially across the United States and Mexico. It has become one of the most popular herbs in kitchens everywhere.

Pretty flowering plant. Oregano produces small colorful flowers that can be pink, purple, or white. These flowers appear in summer and are actually edible, just like the leaves.

Flavor powerhouse. Oregano has a strong, warm, slightly peppery taste that pairs perfectly with tomatoes, cheese, and olive oil. It's a key ingredient in Italian and Mexican cooking.