The History of Oregano

There are two main types of oregano — Origanum sp (the Mediterranean variety) and Lippia sp (the Mexican variety). Both have a long history of use by humans and have been harvested in the wild since ancient times. The Mediterranean variety is native to western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region, while the Mexican type is native to the Americas. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians used oregano to flavor vegetables, fish, meats, and even wines. Oregano was also used during Greek marriage ceremonies and funeral services. The Greek physician Hippocrates used oregano to address several ailments and, later, Medieval Europeans also used oregano for various medicinal purposes. Mediterranean oregano, which has a long history in Italian cooking, became popular in the United States after World War II troops returned home with a taste for the spice. It is worth noting that oregano also has a long history of use in Greek and Turkish cuisines. Mexican oregano became popular in the United States as Mexican, Latin American, and Southwestern American cuisines mixed. Today, both of these varieties of oregano, as well as several others, such as Origanum onites (the Turkish variety), are used regularly in a variety of culinary traditions around the world.