This flavorful herb was practically unknown in the United States before World War II when soldiers returned from Italy began raving about it. A member of the mint family, it is also sometimes referred to as wild marjoram. Mediterranean oregano is generally milder than the Mexican variety, which is known for its pungent odor and flavor. Despite the heavy association of oregano with Italy, it is thought to have originated in Greece. Ancient Greeks used to let their cattle graze on fields of oregano in the belief that it produced tastier meat.
Oregano is a hardy perennial herb that grows well in home gardens throughout the country.
It can be grown from seed or cuttings or plant division in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Oregano has a woody stem and can grow as tall as a foot or more. The leaves can range from green to gray-green in color, smooth or hairy in texture, and the flowers produced vary from white to purplish in color. Harvest the leaves and stem tips just as flowering begins, when the plants are 4 or 5 inches high. This will keep them from getting rangy and going to seed.