Herb | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Carb Keto Paleo

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

Time To Make Preparation Easy 60 Minutes Or Less

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Number Of Servings Chicken Easy Chicken Breasts

Addictive Chicken

This ridiculously easy and flavorful chicken recipe is so good, it's addictive! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is adaptable to your liking. Use chicken breasts, thighs, or even wings! Serve with your favorite sides like green beans, rice, or roasted potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal the whole family will crave. Get ready for requests to make this again and again!

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Dietary Dietary Curries Main Ingredient

African Style Braised Chicken In Peanut Sauce Crock Pot

Indulge in this incredibly flavorful African-inspired braised chicken, simmered to perfection in a creamy peanut sauce. This slow cooker recipe from Judith Finlayson's "Delicious and Dependable Slow Cooker Recipes" is a weeknight winner, boasting a delightful blend of warming spices, tender chicken, and a rich, nutty peanut sauce. Serve over fluffy white rice for a complete and satisfying meal. A touch of cayenne pepper adds a delicious kick! Even better the next day cold!

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Poultry Preparation Vegetarian Low Cholesterol

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 Carb Equipment Grilling Preparation

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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Presentation Presentation Comfort Food Course

Artichoke Pasta Casserole

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Medium Grain Rice Healthy Brown Rice Low Cholesterol

Athenian Rice With Feta Cheese

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Main Dish 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make Equipment

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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North American Easy 30 Minutes Or Less American

Baked Grouper Creole Parmesan

Escape to the Bahamas with this delicious Baked Grouper Creole Parmesan! Inspired by Emeril's classic flavors, this recipe features flaky grouper baked to perfection in a creamy Parmesan sauce with zesty Creole spices. A quick and easy weeknight meal that tastes like a gourmet restaurant experience. Perfect for seafood lovers seeking a vibrant and flavorful dish.

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Main Ingredient To Go Pasta Rice And Grains Low In Something

Baked Manicotti With Cheese Filling

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Pizza 60 Minutes Or Less Sandwiches Beef

Baked Pizza Sandwich

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60 Minutes Or Less Dietary Thanksgiving Low Carb

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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Seafood Whitefish Main Dish Preparation

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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Preparation Dietary Healthy High In Something

Baked Up Fried Chicken Low Fat

Say goodbye to greasy takeout and hello to unbelievably crispy, juicy fried chicken – without the guilt! This oven-baked recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor of traditional fried chicken with half the calories. Skinless, boneless chicken breasts stay incredibly moist and tender under a perfectly seasoned, golden-brown coating. Easy to make and even easier to devour!

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Dietary Main Dish Low In Something Pasta Rice And Grains

Barley Prairie Stew

Satisfy your soul with this hearty Barley Prairie Stew! Pearl barley, tender vegetables, and savory herbs combine in a warming and healthy stew perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe is easy to follow and packed with flavor, making it a delicious and nutritious weeknight meal.

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Beef Ribs Summer Equipment Tomatoes

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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Occasion Gluten Free Dietary Free Of Something

Beef Pepper Mushroom Kabobs

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Low Carb Low Carb Dietary Main Dish

Shredded Chili Beef Filling

This irresistible shredded chili beef recipe, adapted from a renowned chef's cookbook, is perfect for taco and burrito fillings! Impress your guests at your next party with this build-your-own taco bar sensation. The slow-cooked beef is incredibly tender and flavorful, and keeping it warm in a crockpot ensures everyone gets a delicious serving. Get ready for a fiesta of flavor!

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