Origanum vulgare Hot and Spicy Plug bio - Oregano

The Organic 'Hot and Spicy' Oregano is a variety whose leaves give off a strong fragrance with peppery and spicy notes. Sometimes called Wild Marjoram, it is a perennial herbaceous and honey-bearing plant, 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 come from an organic production method. They are 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 Mediterranean basin regions. This perennial herbaceous plant belongs to the family of Lamiaceae, 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 particularly interesting honey-bearing plant to install 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 cooking, 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 strongest.

Preservation: fresh leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. They can also be preserved by drying or freezing. For drying, hang the stems of Wild Marjoram in a bouquet, upside down, in the shade, then store the leaves in airtight containers.

Gardener's Tip: To keep freshness in summer and protect from cold in winter, we recommend mulching the soil with thin successive layers of clippings, preferably mixed with dead leaves. This protection, which keeps the soil moist, also reduces weeding.