Origanum vulgare Hot and Spicy - Oregano

The Organic 'Hot and Spicy' Oregano is a variety whose leaves emit a pronounced fragrance, with peppery and spicy notes. Sometimes called wild marjoram, it is a perennial herbaceous plant and a source of nectar, to be grown in open ground or in a pot. Its leaves flavour sauces, pizzas, olive oil, or can be consumed as an infusion. The plug plants of Organic 'Hot and Spicy' Oregano are produced organically. They can be planted in spring or at the end of summer, for a harvest from May to September.

Wild marjoram or Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is sometimes confused with garden marjoram (Origanum majorana), but they are two distinct species.

Oregano grows spontaneously in the regions of the Mediterranean basin. This perennial herbaceous plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family, like thyme. Its habit forms a clump reaching 40cm (16in) in height and 30cm (12in) in width. Wild marjoram produces small pinkish-white flowers during the summer. It is a nectar-rich plant that is particularly interesting to grow in the vegetable garden. Hardy and perennial, it can be planted in open ground or in a pot. It tolerates both drought and cold.

In terms of cuisine, oregano leaves are frequently used in tomato sauces and pizzas. They also enhance salads, flavour vinegar and olive oil, or can be consumed as an infusion. Wild marjoram is renowned for its antiseptic, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties.

Harvesting: It is done as needed, from May to September. Preferably pick the stems in the morning, when the aroma is most pronounced.

Storage: Fresh leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. They can also be dried or frozen. For drying, hang the stems of wild marjoram in a bundle, upside down, in the shade, and then store the leaves in airtight containers.

Gardener's tip: To keep the freshness in summer and protect from the cold in winter, we recommend mulching the soil with thin successive layers of grass clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves. This protection, which helps the soil retain moisture, also reduces the need for weeding.