The Joy of the Mountain

A symbol of dry, sunlit slopes, its name derives from the Greek òros (mountain) + gános (splendor): “joy of the mountain”. In Greek and Roman traditions it was considered a plant of happiness: oregano crowns were woven for newlyweds and it was believed to ward off evil spirits. A legend tells of the youth Amaracus, who died of grief after breaking a fragrant ointment and was transformed by the gods into this intensely aromatic plant. Widely used in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in southern Italy, it is one of the few herbs that retains its aroma even when dried, becoming essential for pizza, preserves and meats.