Oregano isn't manufactured in a factory; it is simply made by drying the leaves of specific herb plants.
The Plants Behind Oregano
Oregano is derived from the dried leaves of two primary types of herbaceous plants:
- Mediterranean variety: This comes from the Origanum sp plant.
- Mexican variety: This comes from the Lippia sp plant.
When you buy oregano, you are getting the dried leaves of either the Mediterranean or the Mexican variety.
Obtaining Oregano
The process of making oregano involves harvesting the leaves from these plants and then drying them. Traditionally, both the Mediterranean (Origanum sp) and Mexican (Lippia sp) varieties of oregano have been harvested directly from the wild.
Once harvested, the leaves are dried, which intensifies their flavor and allows them to be stored for use as a spice.
The Origin of the Name
Interestingly, the name Origanum gives insight into where this herb thrives. It originates from Greek words that translate to "joy of the mountain." This name reflects that the Mediterranean variety of oregano thrives particularly well in high-altitude Mediterranean climates.
In summary, oregano is made by the simple process of drying the leaves of the Origanum or Lippia plants, which have historically been gathered from their natural mountain habitats.
