Waterberg Organics – Dried Origanum – 50g

Organically Grown Origanum

• No fillers
• GMO Free
• Non-irradiated
• Gluten Free
• Additives Free
• No MSG’s
• No Anti-Caking Agents
• No Added Preservatives
• Sugar Free
• No “E”
• Vegan

How to Use Dried Origanum

The beauty of dried origanum lies in its robust flavour that stands up to long cooking times and high heat. Here are just a few ways to incorporate this essential herb into your daily cooking:

In Greek and Mediterranean Cooking: Essential in Greek salads, souvlaki, moussaka, and roasted lamb. Combine with lemon, garlic, and olive oil for authentic Greek marinades. Sprinkle over feta cheese and tomatoes for instant Mediterranean flavour.

Italian Dishes: Fundamental in pizza, pasta sauces, and Italian herb blends. Add to marinara sauce, lasagne, and baked pasta dishes. Combine with basil for classic Italian seasoning.

Mexican Cuisine: Essential in chilli con carne, tacos, enchiladas, and bean dishes. Pairs beautifully with cumin, paprika, and cayenne in Mexican spice blends.

Roasted Meats and Vegetables: Rub onto chicken, lamb, pork, or beef before roasting. Toss with Mediterranean vegetables like aubergines, courgettes, peppers, and tomatoes before grilling or roasting.

Soups and Stews: Add to tomato-based soups, minestrone, lentil stews, and bean dishes. The robust flavour holds up beautifully to long simmering.

Braai and Grilling: Essential in braai marinades and rubs. Mix with olive oil, lemon, and garlic for basting grilled meats and vegetables.

Breads and Focaccia: Knead into bread dough or sprinkle on focaccia with olive oil for aromatic, herb-infused breads. Perfect for Mediterranean flatbreads.

Understanding Origanum vs Oregano

Origanum and oregano are names for the same herb family, though varieties can differ slightly in flavour intensity. Mediterranean origanum (what we offer) is prized for its robust, slightly bitter, peppery flavour with hints of mint and thyme. This is the authentic herb used in traditional Greek, Italian, and Mediterranean cooking – the kind that transports you to sun-drenched hillsides with a single whiff.

Cooking Tips for Dried Origanum

Releasing Flavour: Crush dried origanum between your fingers before adding to dishes to release aromatic oils and intensify flavour. The leaves should be fragrant and still vibrant in colour.

Timing: Unlike delicate herbs, origanum can be added early in the cooking process. It stands up beautifully to long simmering and high-heat cooking, making it ideal for slow-cooked dishes, roasting, and grilling.

Quantity: Dried origanum is potent. Start with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon for most dishes and adjust to taste. A little goes a long way with this robust herb.

Pairing: Origanum pairs beautifully with tomatoes, garlic, lemon, olive oil, lamb, chicken, aubergines, courgettes, and peppers. It’s essential in Greek, Italian, and Mexican herb and spice blends.

Storage and Freshness

Store your dried origanum in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can fade colour and diminish aromatic oils. The resealable pouch helps maintain freshness, though we recommend transferring to an airtight glass jar if you live in a particularly humid climate. Always use a dry spoon when measuring to prevent moisture from entering the container.

Properly stored, dried origanum maintains its robust aromatic flavour and green colour for up to three years, though its potency is at its peak within the first 18 months.

Perfect for anyone following a clean eating lifestyle, managing dietary restrictions, or simply seeking to add authentic, bold Mediterranean flavour to their cooking without compromise.