No, oregano is generally classified as an herb, not a spice.
While both herbs and spices are used for flavoring food, the primary difference lies in the part of the plant from which they originate. Herbs are typically the fresh or dried leaves of a plant. In contrast, spices come from other parts of the plant, such as the roots, bark, seeds, or fruits.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Herbs | Spices |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Part | Leaves (fresh or dried) | Roots, bark, seeds, fruits |
| Typical Form | Fresh or dried leaves | Dried form (whole or ground) |
| Example | Oregano, basil, thyme | Cinnamon, cloves, cumin |
Oregano fits the definition of an herb because it's the leaves of the oregano plant that are used for culinary purposes. These leaves can be used fresh, dried, or infused in oil to add flavor to various dishes. As the reference material confirms, oregano leaves are "green" and can have a "slight sweetness." It can be incorporated either fresh or dried into "most savory cooking, including marinades and spice mixes." The latter does not make it a spice, though, it means that oregano as an herb, can be used within a "spice mix."
