Marjoram (oregano), Medicinal plants

Marjoram grass, Marjoram

The marjoram contains tannins and ascorbic acid (The Essential oil received from a plant — colourless or yellowish. Well transfers a raw materials smell, possesses acute taste. Main components of oil (% ): methyl - isopropyl phenol — 50, carvacrol, bi - and tricyclic sequiterpenes — 12,5, geranilatsetat — 2,6 — 5. Essential oils with the high content of carvacrol exceed many existing antibiotics and antihistaminic drugs on the properties.

The Greek word origanon which gave the name to a marjoram in the majority of the European languages, it is possible to translate as "delight of mountains". Really, its most fragrant version grows on hillsides of the Mediterranean. Often the marjoram is called a wild marjoram as both its leaves, and their aroma are very similar to a marjoram.

The elevated mass of a marjoram possessing pleasant grassy and spicy aroma long since in Russia was used in kvass, house beer to which it except a smell gave ability long to remain.

The marjoram is popular in all Europe and is among those food seasonings which are available to all. As food spice it is known around the world under the name of "oregano" or "pizza spice". As spice it is widespread also in Mexico, it is obvious because there grows in a wild look.

In cookery the dried - up marjoram is, as a rule, used though at a fresh plant taste is more peculiar. It also is a part of many spicy mixes. Aromatic component of a marjoram very strong, it is close to a marjoram and a thyme, supplementing a bouquet. At the same time taste of a marjoram is more gentle, than at a marjoram, strong, slightly knitting, tart, is bitter - spicy.

The grass of a marjoram is used at preparation of salads, spaghetti, tomato sauces, sausages, vegetables and eggs dishes. It is added to cheeses, soups.

It is used also when frying meat in an oven and a grill, and also when stewing meat, at preparation of kvass, canned food, when salting cucumbers. Also the marjoram combination with a basil and black pepper is applied.

France uses a marjoram in mushrooms dishes. Our marjoram is used when salting mushrooms, cucumbers, tomatoes, put in different soups, sauces, added to various forcemeats, used as tea.

Widely use a marjoram and in medicine. Broth of a grass possesses soothing action. Apply as the cure stimulating digestion for acute and chronic bronchitis, at rheumatism, at headaches as soothing. Besides, the plant is very decorative, will decorate any site, a fine melliferous herb. Broth of inflorescences can be used for coloring of wool in bright orange - red color.