Oregano.....

It's a good thing that oregano requires no gardening maintenance because we all know how much I hate to garden...

(Yes, this is one of MY oregano plants!)

...and mostly because of these:

...we have a few ponds in our neighborhood and along with the beauty come these critters!

BUT...

I love to grow herbs and enjoy using fresh herbs all year long.

I was surprised to see how large my oregano bushes were this spring:

(another one of my plants!)

Some info on Oregano:

Oregano, an herb with a robust scent and flavor, loves to grow in pots where it can spill over an edge of a pot or low wall. However, its trailing growth also makes it a good seasonal ground cover, or it can serve as a nice edging along a path. In late summer, enjoy Greek or Italian oregano’s white flowers against its bright-green leaves. Grow oregano in an herb garden or in containers.

(source)

The herb is used to treat respiratory tract disorders, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, menstrual cramps, and urinary tract disorders.  Oregano contains: high concentrations of antioxidants( Antioxidants help protect your cells against the effects of free radicals and improve your ability to fight infection), fiber, iron, manganese, vitamin E and K, iron, calcium, omega fatty acids, manganese, and typtophan.

I have used oregano for herbal vinegars...

...and of course all Italian dishes!  It adds deep flavor to Italian or Greek dishes, meat, fish, eggs, cheese, tomatoes, and vegetables such as beans and zucchini. 

 Oregano does not hold up well to prolonged cooking when used fresh, so add fresh leaves at the end of the cooking process or use dried leaves for sauces or anything that requires lengthy simmering.

Here are a few of my favorite meals using fresh oregano:

Spaghetti Pie

American Goulash

Veggies and Pasta

Light herbal dinner