Description
Greek Oregano
Botanical Name: Origanum vulgare var. hirtum
Greek Oregano is a hardy perennial herb and grows to approximately 60cm when in flower. It has a spreading growth habit. The dark green leaves are oval shaped with a light fuzz and coarse texture. The flowers are small and white, like many of the culinary oreganos.
Greek Oregano was first discovered growing on the slopes of Greek mountains and is the traditional wild oregano. Often called Rigani, O. vulgare ‘hirtum’ is a subspecies of Origanum vulgare and was previously called O. heracleoticum or O. Heraclites. This oregano is considered to be native to Greece and Turkey, other parts of the Mediterranean and central Asia.
There are many different varieties of oregano, each with different characteristics and culinary uses. Oregano also has powerful healing properties including use as a painkiller, anti-septic and anti-inflammatory.
Please see our description of Common Oregano and our other Oregano Varieties for more information.
Growing Conditions
Greek Oregano prefers a well drained soil and can grow in most average soil types with a pH of around 6.8. Full sun is ideal but some shade may be tolerated. It grows well in pots and this may be preferred if the available soil tends to water logging. Generally, this is a hardy and vigorous grower. Its trailing habit lends it to use as a ground cover. Once the plant is 12-15cm tall it is recommended to cut back the sprigs or branches in order to promote compact and bushy growth. Cuttings may be taken in summer for propagation or the plant may be divided in spring. Alternatively, the plants grow readily from seed, which should be sown thinly on the soil surface because they require light for germination.
It is useful as a companion plant for cucumbers, pumpkins, squash and melons.
Culinary Uses
Greek Oregano is commonly used in tomato based dishes including tomato sauces, with fish, meat, cheeses, eggs, salads and vegetable dishes. This variety of oregano is said to be the most savoury and earthy flavoured of the Mediterranean oreganos. To harvest the leaves wait until the plant just begins to flower and then cut sprigs to hand and dry in a cool dark place. Once dry the leaves can be stripped and stored in an airtight jar.
Medicinal Uses
Greek Oregano was originally used extensively as a medicinal herb. Oregano tea is still frequently used to ease symptoms of indigestion, coughs and to stimulate menstruation. However, the main use for Greek Oregano is now as a culinary herb.
