Rigani (Oregano)

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an aromatic herbaceous perennial, and bushy plant native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia. It a common species of Origanum, a genus of the mint family.

Oregano is indigenous to Greece and and can be found in mountainous and rocky areas. After oregano is harvested, the flowers are dried in special sheds or barns, and then rubbed and sieved.

Oregano is an important culinary herb, used for the flavor of its leaves, which can be more flavourful when dried than fresh. It has an aromatic, warm and slightly bitter taste, which can vary in intensity. The leaves are most often used in Greece to add flavor to Greek salad, and is usually added to the lemon-olive oil sauce that accompanies many fish or meat barbecues and some casseroles.

Hippocrates used oregano as an antiseptic, as well as a cure for stomach and respiratory ailments. A Cretan oregano is still used today in Greece as a palliative for sore throat.

Greeks often make an infusion out of dried oregano, much the same as they do with marjoram and sage. It is prepared in the same way -infused, not boiled.

More Infusions

Marjoram is a somewhat cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavours. Marjoram is indigenous to the Mediterranean area, and was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness.

Greeks believe that the sweet, gentle aroma of chamomile calms the nerves, soothes the stomach and helps against constipation.

The plant has a strong aromatic odor, a long history of medicinal and culinary use, and is even used in modern times as an ornamental garden plant. The common name "sage" is also used for a number of related and unrelated species.

In antiquity it was used in the manufacture of myrrh and for medicinal purposes. Dioscorides, Hippocrates and Pliny have mentioned often diosmos as a plant with great medicinal value and lovely fragrance.

Greek Mountain Tea is made using the dried leaves and flowers of Sideritis plants (ironwort). The tea is aptly named: the plant is found on rocky slopes at elevations over 3,200 feet (1000 meters).