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Oregano originally came from warm climates in western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. Oregano is a perennial plant that has the characteristics of an herb, green and leaflike, with round shaped leaves.
The English word "oregano" is a borrowing of the Spanish orégano, which derives from the Latin orīganum, which itself comes from Classical Greek ὀρίγανον (orī́ganon). [4]
Oregano, aromatic perennial herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae) known for its flavorful dried leaves and flowering tops. Oregano is native to the hills of the Mediterranean countries and western Asia and has naturalized in parts of Mexico and the United States.
According to mythology, origanon was created by the goddess Aphrodite on Mount Olympus, as a symbol of well-being and joy, and also of perennity through reproduction. The etymology of the very name origanon might reinforce this symbol of reproduction: there is a Greek verb orignao -, meaning to stretch toward.
The answer to the question, “Where did oregano originate?” lies in the Mediterranean region, specifically in the countries of Greece and Turkey. Oregano is native to these areas and has a rich history deeply rooted in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.
Where did oregano come from? Oregano, scientifically known as Origanum vulgare, is native to the Mediterranean region and is closely associated with Greek and Italian cuisine. Oregano is derived from the Greek words “oros,” meaning mountain, and “ganos,” meaning joy or delight.
Like a lot of herbs and spices, the history of oregano dates back thousands of years. In Greek and Roman times, it was widely regarded as the main herb in the health and medicinal fraternity. Though it's unclear what species of oregano the ancient Greeks and Romans grew. Read more about the plant.
This image of Oregano comes from the first edition of De historia stirpium commentarii insignes, by Leonhart Fuchs in 1542. This book is available in the John R. Martin Rare Book Room in Hardin Library for the Health Sciences.
Oregano, a popular herb in kitchens around the world, has a fascinating history that spans thousands of years. In historical societies, oregano was grown in gardens and used for cooking and medicine. Ancient Greeks and Romans valued it for flavor and health benefits.
Oregano’s name means “joy of the mountain” derived from two Greek words, oros (mountain) and ganos (joy), because of the pleasure derived from several varieties of this plant that cover the hillsides in their natural habitat. There can sometimes be great confusion over the term “oregano