Origanum spp.: Oregano, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is one of the most characteristic aromatic plants of the Mediterranean climate, and Anatolia is among the world's leading oregano-producing regions. Growing as a perennial shrub on dry, rocky, sun-exposed slopes, oregano reaches its highest essential oil content when harvested during the flowering period.

What is oregano?

Oregano is a perennial plant whose small aromatic leaves are dried for use as a spice and as a herbal tea. The dried leaf gives a more concentrated and more stable aroma than the fresh leaf, which is why the dried form is the one traded commercially.

Are oregano and thyme the same plant?

No. In international trade, oregano refers to species of the genus Origanum and thyme to species of the genus Thymus. The Turkish word "kekik" is a common name covering both genera, which is a frequent source of confusion. The species that dominates Türkiye's dried oregano exports is Origanum onites, also known as Turkish or Izmir oregano. Stating the botanical name in purchasing specifications avoids species mix-ups.

How is dried oregano processed?

Harvested oregano leaf is dried in the shade at a controlled temperature so that its colour, aroma and essential oil content are preserved. After drying, stems and foreign matter are separated; the resulting dried oregano leaf is sieved, graded and baled. Properly dried oregano keeps its vivid green-grey colour and its sharp scent for a long time.

What is oregano used for?

• Culinary and spice industry: meat and poultry dishes, tomato-based sauces, pizza and pasta seasoning, salads and marinades
• Herbal tea industry: oregano tea prepared by infusion, and blends
• Food manufacturing: spice blends, seasoning and sauce formulations
• Essential oil: oregano oil produced by distillation

How is high-quality dried oregano identified?

The main criteria sought in commercial-grade dried oregano leaf are a low stem ratio, uniform particle size, a structure free of foreign matter, an unblackened green-grey colour, a distinct essential oil scent and a high carvacrol content. Keeping moisture content under control prevents mould and colour loss during storage.

Traditional use of oregano

Oregano has been among the spices used in Anatolian and Mediterranean cuisine since antiquity and has also been consumed as an infusion. The information given here refers to traditional use and makes no claim of therapeutic effect.

Bulk oregano supply and export

Organicure supplies and exports dried oregano leaf in baled form, sourced by wild collection in the mountains of Anatolia. Please contact us regarding bulk oregano supply, contract harvesting and regular shipment programmes for the spice industry, herbal tea producers and food manufacturers.