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More quality produce and ingredients from our Lebanese pantry
oregano 50g
£7.50
In stock
add a little Lebanese sunshine
A key ingredient in the za’atar mix, Bassatin Baanoub have picked the flowering tips from the oregano plant (Origanum syriacum) grown on their farm in the south of Lebanon. The leaves are kept coarsely ground, to maintain their powerful aroma.to serve
Scatter the oregano over fish, add to tomatoes for a sauce, put some in the cavity of a chicken before roasting to fill your kitchen and your dishes with a little bit of Lebanese sunshine. A perfect addition to feta and olives as a filling for ravioli.Products details
About oregano 50g
Origanum syriacum
Bassatin Baanoub grow their oregano on land rented from a monastery, tucked away at the end of a dirt track, in the south of Lebanon. Oregano was mentioned in writing for the first time on stone tablets dating from the Hittite dynasty (1600-1200BC). It is still used in much the same way today as it has been for centuries. A native species, it is loaded with significance for the Lebanese. So much so that farmers are required to obtain an export licence to be able to sell their crop.
photo of the flowering tips of Origanum syriacum by Yasmina Zahar
how is it used in Lebanon?
It’s hard to overstate the importance of Origanum syriacum for those from this part of the eastern Mediterranean. Native to Lebanon, Syria and Palestine, this variety of oregano has been used for thousands of years for culinary and therapeutic uses. Fresh leaves are eaten in salads, mixed with onion, sumac and olive oil. Dried, it’s a key ingredient in a za’atar mix. Regulations state it can be picked between August and December, and the roots must be left. Bassatin Baanoub select the flowering tips of the plant, being the most tender and fragrant.
photo of oregano drying on sheets in the sun by Yasmina Zahar
health benefits
In Lebanon, since Origanum syriacum is said to have antibacterial effects, it is often made into an infusion to soothe a cough or sore throat. The essential oils obtained from the oregano, by using an alembic in rural communities, can be made into a distillate. This is used to help gastrointestinal problems. These, along with other bounty made by rural communities, can be bought throughout Lebanon.
jars and bottles of “mouneh” – preserved foods found in the souk el tayeb in Beirut
the aroma of Lebanon in your kitchen
The aroma released from oregano as it cooks will quickly summon hungry souls to the kitchen! Butter bean absorb the fragrance of oregano as they’re gently fried in extra virgin olive oil. A tablespoon added to tomatoes as they roast makes an easy tomato sauce. If you’d like to experiment with some home made pasta, we’ve added a recipe for oregano, feta and olive ravioli.
easy to import?
The Israeli strikes on Lebanon in September 2024 have increased the complications for importing food products to the UK.
We’ve added a shorkk story to tell you about oregano’s journey to the UK.
About Shorkk
From Lebanon to Bristol with a hint of Scotland
Shorkk is a small, socially-minded business based in Bristol, with roots in Scotland and Lebanon, run by Miranda and Philippe el Khazen.
