In this video, Mahalo natural food expert Kristina Jackson shows you how to pick the best oregano.
Step 1: Feel It
Fresh oregano isn't generally something you find in the supermarket, but it's a great farmer's market find. When you pick it up and handle it, the leaves should feel velvety.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibGgauzRuZg
Step 2: Check the Smell
Grab a bunch of oregano and smell it. It should be fresh and aromatic. If it doesn't have any smell to it, pick out a different bunch.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibGgauzRuZg
Step 3: Cooking with Oregano
Unlike with some herbs, you don't have to worry about being too generous with oregano because it's not as strong as some of the others. Try chopping it up and putting it in a tomato sauce or salad.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibGgauzRuZg
References
Meet Our Experts
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Kristina Jackson
A graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition at Columbia University, natural food chef Kristina Jackson is a certified holistic health and lifestyle consultant. She is also the editor of the blog "The Whole Idea" which, according to Jackson, "takes us on a journey to experience all that life has to offer…naturally. Clean food, good fun and healthy, conscious living."
Fast Facts
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Family:
Herb -
Origin:
Southwest Eurasia and the Mediterranean region -
Season:
Available year-round -
Matches well with:
Artichokes, beans, chicken, eggplant, fish, lamb, potatoes and vealhttp://www.food.com/library/oregano-334 -
Nutritional information:
Storing Oregano
When you get your oregano home, fill a glass with some water and stick the stems in it. Cover the top part with a plastic bag to ensure freshness. Otherwise, you can dry it out and use it whenever.
