OREGANO

 OREGANO   [Fam: Lamiaceae- Thulasi family]

Tamil: Oma valli /Karpoora valli, Kannada: Dhodda Pathre soppu, Malayalam : Kattumaruvaa Hindi: Patharchur .

Origano is a short perennial herb with succulent leaves. The plant is green growing to less than 3 feet from the ground. Leaves are thick fleshy and aromatic. The plant is widely known for its aromatic leaves. Though well-known, the plant has very little value –either as vegetable or as a nutrition supplement. 

Though highly aromatic, the plant or its parts are not commonly used in culinary schedules. Still it enjoys value as home remedy in many parts of India. But, there are reports of oregano being used as powder in flavouring dishes. The leaves are thoroughly dried and after drying, pulverized to a powder state and used as a flavouring agent,

Monoterpenes, Polyphenols  and flavones are integral to oregano leaves.

Monoterpenes and monoterpenoids are found in essential oils of oregano. The aroma of dried leaves is a major attraction for Oregano.

The aromatic oil content is influenced by climate and also soil minerals in the area.

Thus this herb is well- known in most part of the world.  

A well-known pant but not as spice or condiment