In many kitchens, spices are an abundance, but if you took a look at your pantry or spice rack right now, how old are your spices?
According to a report by Taste of Home, ground spices lose flavour quicker than whole spices. The site added whole spices can last four years, ground spice three years, dried herbs three years, spice blends two years and fresh spices (not surprisingly) one week.
Medical News Today published an interesting article on the benefits of oregano. It was written by Joseph Nordqvist and reviewed by Natalie Butler.
Joseph mentioned that this herb was used as herbal medicine as far back as the ancient greeks. They used it for everything from an antiseptic to gastrointestinal disorders.
The name of the herb comes from the Greek words “oros,” meaning mountain, and “ganos,” meaning joy. Oregano typically grows around 50 cm tall and has purple leaves around 2 to 3 centimeters in length.
Fast facts on oregano:
Here are some key points about oregano. More detail is in the main article.
Oregano is a Mediterranean herb that is used for cooking and medicinal purposes, ranging from treating infections to repelling insects.
Use it to flavor sauces, make herby bread rolls, and in marinades for meat.
People with an allergy to mint should take care when consuming oregano.
Benefits
Oregano is available fresh, or dried for cooking, and oregano oil can be used to treat infections.
Oregano was used in herbal medicine as long ago as the Ancient Greeks.
Hippocrates used it as an antiseptic.
Possible medicinal uses of oregano include treating respiratory tract disorders, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, menstrual cramps, and urinary tract disorders.
Applied topically, it may help treat a number of skin conditions, such as acne and dandruff.
He goes on to mention more about the health benefits of oregano.
1) Antibacterial properties
Oregano oil contains an essential compound called carvacrol, which has antimicrobial properties.
The herb has shown antimicrobial activity in a number of studies. One group of researchers found that Origanum vulgare essential oils were effective against 41 strains of the food pathogen Listeria monocytogenes.
Another team from India and the United Kingdom (U.K.) reported that the essential oil of Himalayan oregano has strong antibacterial properties that may protect against the hospital superbug, MRSA.
“We have done a few preliminary tests and have found that the essential oil from the oregano kills MRSA at a dilution 1 to 1,000. The tests show that the oil kills MRSA both as a liquid and as a vapor and its antimicrobial activity is not diminished by heating in boiling water.”
Prof. Vyv Salisbury, the University of the West of England, Bristol
The project won an award from the United Nations in 2008.
2) Anti-inflammatory properties
Scientists from Germany and Switzerland identified an active ingredient in oregano, known as beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP), which may help treat disorders such as osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis. E-BCP is a dietary cannabinoid.
3) Protecting against cancer
Research published in the journal PLoS ONE in 2013 suggested that oregano exhibits anticancer activity. The scientists concluded that Origanum majorana could help prevent and treat breast cancer by slowing or preventing its progression.
In 2014, food scientists discovered that the popular culinary herbs oregano, rosemary, and marjoram contain compounds that may have the potential to manage type 2 diabetes in a similar way to some currently prescribed drugs.
Other possible health benefits
According to The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, oregano can be used for the following illnesses and conditions:
Oregano essential oil, made from Origanum vulgare or Thymus capitatus, may help with the following problems:
Foot or nail fungus: Put a few drops in water and soak the feet in it, or apply diluted oil topically to the affected area.
Sinus infections and colds: Use a few drops in a steam bath and inhale.
Any essential oil should be diluted before use, either with a carrier oil, such as olive oil, or in water, as for a steam bath.
More research is needed to confirm oregano’s effectiveness as a treatment.
Risks
Eating oregano can cause stomach upsets in some people.
In addition, those who are allergic to plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, which include oregano, basil, lavender, mint, and sage, should be cautious, as they may also develop an allergic reaction to oregano.
Vitamin K is important for bone growth, maintaining bone density, and the production of blood clotting proteins. Calcium is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth.
Oregano is also a rich source of dietary antioxidants, which help protect cells against the effects of free radicals and improve the body’s ability to fight infection.
Cooking tips
Oregano is a Mediterranean herb that goes well with pizzas and pasta sauces.
Other ideas include:
sprinkling meat or chicken with oregano for flavor
using it in marinades or stuffings
chopping and mixing it in bread dough to make herby rolls
Add it toward the end of the cooking process for maximum flavor
The smaller you chop or grind it, the more flavor will be released
Start with a small amount, as too much can make the food bitter
One teaspoon of dried oregano is equivalent to one tablespoon of fresh oregano
It is available dried or fresh in grocery stores, or you can grow it in a pot on a windowsill or balcony or in the garden. It is a perennial, which means it can grow all year.
Various different forms of oregano are available to purchase online, including dried oregano and oregano seeds to grow the herb with.
A dried herb with a distinctive, pungent, earthy flavour. Use it in Italian-inspired dishes like pasta, pizza, and tomato sauces, or to flavor vegetables and meats for grilling.
Our salt free Mexican Blend is a perfect combination of flavor without the sodium. Use it in any of your favorite Mexican soups, sauces, marinades, brines, or roasts. (For example, instead of adding a combination of spices according to a recipe, simply add the Mexican Blend and your dish is set!) Add a tablespoon to 2 cups of rice or sprinkle over any steamed vegetable for a flavor from south-of-the-border.
Entertaining this weekend? Try making a dill cream cheese dip using our Dill-icious Dip Mix.
This recipe is such an easy one to make and the list of ingredients are simple to find. You can even tweak it with other ingredients you may love. For example, shredded spinach to make a yummy dill spinach dip!
Simply soften 1 block of cream cheese. Add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 1/2 cup of plain greek yogurt or sour cream works too, and blend until smooth. Hand stir in 1/4 cup of crumbled feta. Add a dash salt and pepper to taste. Finally, flavour with our Dill-icious Dip Mix!
Soften and mash of cream cheese until all of the clumps are gone. Mix in your mayonnaise and greek yogurt so it’s evenly blended and smooth. Stir in the feta cheese. Add a little salt and pepper for flavour. Pour the entire package of the Dill-icious Dip Mix in to the cream cheese mixture and stir until evenly blended. For best results, store in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours before serving. Serve with veggies, crackers, pita chips or even pretzels.
This Garlic Herb Seasoning is #saltfree, making it a great all-around seasoning. Sprinkle some on your chicken, vegetables, roasted potatoes or even use it as a salad topper!
This seasoning will take you back to familiar flavours. Use this to make Grandma’s traditional fried chicken. It’s also great on chicken breasts and chicken wings!
This garlic pepper blend is the perfect combination of garlic and coarse black pepper with the zest of lemon and a touch of onion. It can be used on almost any dish. Whether you sprinkle it on your meat, potatoes, or vegetables…this is a pantry must-have!
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