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Oregano Leave

Origanum vulgare Allergen-Free
Oregano Leave

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Lamiaceae (Mint family)
  • Primary Cuisine Mediterranean, Italian, Mexican
  • Seasonality Summer (fresh), Year-Round (dried)
  • Source Oregano plant leaves

The Forktionary Angle

"The difference in flavor intensity between fresh and dried oregano."

Definition

The aromatic leaves of the oregano plant, a popular Mediterranean herb used dried or fresh to impart a pungent, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor to dishes.

Sensory Profile

TastePungent, Earthy, Slightly Bitter, Peppery, Warm
TextureSoft (fresh), Crumbly (dried)
AromaStrongly Aromatic, Piney, Minty, Grassy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Carvacrol Content (%)

Up to 85 (in essential oil)

Common Culinary Regions

Mediterranean, Mexican, Italian

Flavor Concentration (Dried vs. Fresh)

Dried is 2-3x stronger

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tsp (1g)
Calories306 kcal
Total Fat10.3 g
Saturated Fat2.8 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein11 g
Total Carbohydrate64.4 g
Dietary Fiber42.5 g
Total Sugars4.1 g
Calcium1576 mg
Iron36.8 mg
Potassium1260 mg

Chef’s Secret

For maximum flavor from dried oregano, rub it between your palms before adding to a dish. This releases its essential oils and intensifies the aroma.

Substitutions

Best Match

Marjoram

1:1

Closely related, offers a milder, sweeter, and less pungent flavor; excellent in most dishes calling for oregano.

Thyme

1:1

Earthy and savory, but lacks oregano's peppery kick; good for stews and roasted meats.

Italian Seasoning

1:1

A blend often containing oregano, marjoram, basil, thyme, etc.; offers a balanced, complementary flavor.

Basil

1:1 (fresh)

Different flavor profile (sweeter, anise notes) but can work in Italian and Mediterranean dishes for fresh herbiness.

Buying Guide

For fresh, look for vibrant green leaves without wilting. For dried, choose high-quality, fragrant oregano, preferably in whole leaf form.

Flavor Pairings

Tomatoes garlic olive oil lamb poultry pizza pasta eggplant zucchini.

Recipes Using Oregano Leave

Preparation Preparation Dietary Easy

17 Day Diet Turkey Eggplant Parmesan

Craving classic Italian comfort food without the guilt? This 17-Day Diet Turkey Eggplant Parmesan recipe is a game-changer! Skip the heavy breading and enjoy a lighter, healthier version packed with flavor. This low-carb, low-fat masterpiece is surprisingly quick to make, perfect for a weeknight meal. Dr. Mike Moreno's recipe delivers the delicious taste of eggplant parmesan you love, without the extra calories. Get ready for a satisfying and guilt-free culinary experience!

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Occasion Meat Winter Low Fat

Ann's Easy Posole

Warm up with this incredibly easy and flavorful Posole recipe, perfect for chilly evenings! Made with authentic New Mexico chile powder (or your own homemade blend!), this hearty stew is ready in under an hour. Enjoy it with or without chicken and pork – the vegetarian option is just as delicious. This recipe is easily adaptable to your spice preference and dietary needs.

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Low Sodium Course 30 Minutes Or Less High In Something

Argentinean Barbecued Steak

Savor the flavors of Argentina with this mouthwatering barbecued steak recipe! Learn to make authentic chimichurri sauce from scratch and perfectly grill your steak to juicy perfection. This recipe, inspired by Ingrid Hoffmann, is quick, easy, and delivers incredible results – a true taste of South American grilling.

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Main Dish Pasta Time To Make Comfort Food

Artichoke Pasta Casserole

This easy and tasty Artichoke Pasta Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with the flavors of artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and herbs, this comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Get ready to enjoy a delicious meal in under an hour!

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Equipment Stove Top Nut Free Time To Make

Athena's Ma Cropolis Rsc

Elevate your mac and cheese game with this Greek-inspired twist! Imagine creamy, dreamy mac and cheese infused with the bold, salty tang of blue cheese-stuffed olives. This recipe, inspired by Hidden Valley Ranch, transforms a classic comfort food into a sophisticated dish worthy of the gods. Easy to make, yet impressive to serve, it's the perfect showstopper for your next gathering. Prepare to be amazed!

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Low Cholesterol Healthy 2 Dietary 60 Minutes Or Less

Athenian Rice With Feta Cheese

Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with this authentic Athenian Rice with Feta! This creamy, cheesy rice dish is bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. A quick and easy weeknight meal, perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying side. This recipe is inspired by traditional Greek cooking, offering a delicious and healthy option.

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4 Hours Or Less Course Main Ingredient Squash

Authentic Greek Moussaka

Experience the taste of Greece with this authentic Moussaka recipe, passed down through generations! This comforting casserole features tender eggplant, rich meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping. A family favorite, this recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner. Prepare to be amazed!

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Time To Make Equipment Main Ingredient One Dish Meal

Baked Chicken And Garlic Orzo

This irresistible one-pan Baked Chicken and Garlic Orzo is a delicious and easy weeknight meal! A flavorful twist on classic chicken and rice, this recipe features tender chicken breasts baked alongside fluffy orzo pasta in a rich garlic and herb sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this complete meal requires minimal cleanup – just one pan! Impress your family with this simple yet elegant dish.

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Preparation European Preparation Taste Mood

Baked Manicotti With Cheese Filling

Experience the authentic taste of Italy with this incredible Baked Manicotti recipe! For 25 years, this time-honored recipe has been a family favorite, featuring delicate homemade crepe-style manicotti shells filled with a rich and creamy cheese mixture, then baked in a luscious tomato sauce. Skip the store-bought shells and elevate your manicotti game to a whole new level – it's worth the effort! This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a truly unforgettable weeknight dinner.

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Meat Vegetables Main Dish Dietary

Baked Pizza Sandwich

This recipe transforms your favorite pizza flavors into a comforting and surprisingly easy baked casserole! Layers of savory meat sauce, melty cheese, and fluffy pizza dough create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or a fun weeknight treat. Get ready for a taste explosion in every bite!

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Occasion Mushrooms Course Holiday Event

Baked Stuffed Mushrooms Caps

Elevate your next party or holiday gathering with these irresistible Baked Stuffed Mushroom Caps! This family recipe, perfected over years by a certified chef, delivers a savory and decadent experience. Juicy mushroom caps are brimming with a flavorful blend of sautéed stems, bacon, herbs, and melted cheese. Easy to follow instructions ensure a show-stopping appetizer that your guests will rave about.

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60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Main Dish Seafood

Baked Whitefish

This elegant and flavorful baked whitefish recipe is a winner! Inspired by a newspaper clipping, this dish features flaky whitefish (cod or halibut work great too!) baked in a creamy garlic sauce, topped with melted cheddar and parmesan cheese, and finished with succulent shrimp. Easy to make, yet impressive enough for a dinner party, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to impress!

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60 Minutes Or Less Oven 60 Minutes Or Less Preparation

Baked Ziti With Fire Roasted Tomatoes

This irresistible Baked Ziti recipe features the rich flavor of fire-roasted tomatoes for a dish your family will crave! Made with hearty beef, zucchini, and melty cheese, this comforting casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Easily adaptable to your favorite fire-roasted tomatoes (Muir Glen or Hunt's work great!). Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Shellfish Stove Top Spicy Time To Make

Barbecued Shrimp

Dive into a taste of Louisiana with this incredible Barbecued Shrimp recipe, straight from the legendary Chef Paul Prudhomme! This messy-but-amazing dish features succulent shrimp swimming in a rich, buttery sauce. Perfect for a romantic dinner for two (easily doubled!), it's best enjoyed peeling the shrimp at the table and dipping crusty French bread into the irresistible sauce. Warning: prepare for a flavor explosion!

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Seafood Mardi Gras Carnival Preparation Cuisine

Barbecued Shrimp Cajun Style

Ignite your taste buds with this spicy Cajun-style barbecued shrimp recipe! Inspired by the unforgettable dish from "Exit to Eden," these succulent shrimp are marinated in a fiery blend of Cajun spices, then seared to perfection in a rich, buttery sauce. Prepare for a flavor explosion that's both easy and incredibly delicious. Serve with crusty French bread for dipping!

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Seasonal Spring Main Ingredient Presentation

Bbq D Beef Ribs

Get ready to impress! This BBQ D Beef Ribs recipe is a family favorite, and for good reason. Tender, juicy ribs slathered in a homemade BBQ sauce so good, it'll become your new go-to. This recipe makes enough marinade for up to 3 pounds of beef ribs, perfect for summer cookouts or a weekend feast. The marinade can be made ahead and freezes well, saving you time later. Prepare for melt-in-your-mouth perfection! Prep time includes marinating (4-24 hours).

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Time To Make Preparation Free Of Something Occasion

Beef Pepper Mushroom Kabobs

Sizzle into summer with these irresistible Beef Pepper Mushroom Kabobs! Tender beef cubes marinated in a savory blend of herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection alongside juicy bell peppers and earthy mushrooms. This 30-minute recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful backyard barbecue.

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Oven Main Dish Meat Time To Make

Overnight Egg Sausage Bake

This incredibly easy Overnight Egg & Sausage Bake is a nostalgic recipe passed down from 1986! Imagine a comforting breakfast casserole brimming with savory sausage and fluffy eggs, ready to bake when you wake up. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a make-ahead weekday breakfast. This recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor – a true crowd-pleaser!

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