In the world of herbs, few offer a history as vibrant, storied, and flavorful as oregano. While today it’s widely recognized as the herb that gives pizza its iconic aroma, oregano’s roots run deep — into ancient civilizations, folklore, medicine, and culinary tradition.
This article takes you on a journey through the remarkable History of Oregano—a journey that begins on sun-soaked mountainsides of ancient Greece and winds its way through the kitchens of the Roman Empire, across the Atlantic with Italian immigrants, and into the hearts of home cooks around the world.
A Joy of the Mountains: Oregano in Ancient Greece
The very name oregano comes from the Greek "oros" (mountain) and "ganos" (joy), meaning “joy of the mountain.” In ancient Greece, oregano was far more than a culinary herb—it was a symbol of happiness, peace, and prosperity.
Oregano’s Role in Ancient Greek Life:
-
Used in wedding ceremonies to crown brides and grooms
-
Planted on graves to ensure peace in the afterlife
-
Brewed into medicinal teas to treat digestive and respiratory ailments
-
Applied in ointment form for wounds, infections, and skin conditions
Hippocrates, the famed father of Western medicine, prescribed oregano for everything from sore throats to gastrointestinal complaints. It was one of the most valued herbs in the Greek pharmacopeia.
A Roman Empire Favorite
The influence of oregano spread as the Romans adopted Greek culture — and their herbs. The Romans not only used oregano as a seasoning but also believed it could protect against poisons and purify the body. Roman texts include detailed references to oregano’s:
-
Use in meat preservation
-
Addition to wine and oils
-
Role in public health rituals and fumigations
Roman soldiers even took oregano with them as they traveled, introducing it across Europe and into the broader Mediterranean basin. Its strong, earthy, slightly bitter flavor became a defining element in the rustic, olive oil-rich cuisine of the region.
The Mediterranean Kitchen Staple
As centuries passed, oregano remained a beloved herb throughout the Mediterranean. It was essential in the traditional dishes of Italy, Spain, and North Africa, where cooks appreciated its ability to enhance the flavor of tomatoes, meats, and seafood.
Culinary Highlights:
-
Key in Italian pasta sauces, stews, and grilled meats
-
Used in Greek lamb dishes and herbed olive oil
-
Common in Middle Eastern za'atar blends and spice rubs
In every corner of the Mediterranean, oregano became a symbol of rustic, nourishing home cooking. It was also favored for its ability to preserve food, especially in pre-refrigeration times.
Oregano Crosses the Atlantic: The Pizza Revolution
Ironically, oregano was not widely known in the United States until after World War II. As American soldiers returned home from service in Italy, they brought with them a new obsession: pizza. The traditional tomato-based pizzas they enjoyed overseas featured a generous dusting of dried oregano.
This led to an explosion in oregano's popularity:
-
Sales of dried oregano in the U.S. increased 4000% between 1945 and 1955
-
Italian-American restaurants began incorporating oregano into everything from sauces to sausages
-
Oregano quickly became a pantry staple in American kitchens
Oregano’s strong compatibility with tomato, garlic, and cheese made it an irreplaceable flavor in pizza, pasta, and marinara sauces. It had officially become a global herb.
Modern Uses and Health Benefits
Today, oregano is recognized not only for its flavor but also for its powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Both fresh and dried oregano are valued for their contribution to health, and oregano oil has become a staple in natural medicine.
Notable Health Benefits:
-
Rich in carvacrol and thymol, compounds that fight bacteria
-
High in antioxidants like rosmarinic acid
-
Supports respiratory health and may aid digestion
-
Used in essential oils to treat colds, coughs, and minor skin issues
Whether brewed as a tea, added to bone broth, or consumed in capsules, oregano is experiencing a renaissance among wellness enthusiasts.
Conclusion: The Legacy in Every Leaf
From sacred Greek mountainsides to bustling New York pizza parlors, oregano has journeyed across time and geography to become one of the world’s most beloved herbs. It is a story of joy, flavor, and healing—and one that continues to evolve in kitchens around the world.
So the next time you sprinkle oregano on your pizza or stir it into your sauce, remember: you're not just adding flavor—you're adding thousands of years of tradition and a symbol of happiness itself.