Oregano
(Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum)
'Hot & Spicy'

Almost tongue-numbing in its raw state - this potent selection of Greek Oregano is an essential part of the strong and bright flavors of Greek and Southern Italian cooking. Also enhances salsa and other fiery Mexican dishes. Snippets of the peppery fresh herb are used in Greek salads with feta cheese. In cooked dishes, add the herb at the last moment to retain its full flavor. Forms pleasantly rounded 2’ tall by 3’ wide herb patch - great for edging beds, short garden walls and in containers. The flavor of the felted leaves is strongest just before flowering in late Summer – harvest throughout the season to delay flowering and encourage bushiness. When allowed to flower, the white to pinkish flower clusters are very attractive to bees and butterflies. Performs best in well-drained soil. Evergreen in mild winter areas, it will go dormant in climates USDA 7 and below, but the leaves dry well (great on pizza and in bread) and they can also be frozen with olive oil or water in ice cube trays.