Oregano and thyme are very common spices that are often used in cooking and folk medicine. They have certain characteristics. However, not everyone knows the differences between oregano (oregano) and thyme (thyme). They relate to appearance, taste, aroma and chemical composition. There is also a difference in the scope of use.
What kind of spices are these?
Thyme is also called thyme. It is a spicy spice that is widely used throughout the world. The spice is mainly added to Mediterranean dishes.In appearance, the plant resembles a small shrub, which has hard leaves and pink-lilac flowers. Thyme contains thymol and a large amount of essential oils. Therefore, the plant is considered very useful.
Oregano, or oregano, is a perennial shrub characterized by elongated leaves and pink-purple flowers. The herb is widely used in cooking and gives dishes a spicy taste and aroma. Both cultures belong to the Yasnotkov family.
What is the difference
The differences between the spices in question affect a number of features. They relate to appearance, taste, content of useful components.
Appearance
Oregano has a straight, not too branched stem, which is covered with fluff. It has medium-sized leaves, which are arranged in pairs and have pointed tips. The height of the plant is 50-80 centimeters. The paniculate inflorescences have tubular buds of a purple-pink hue.
Thyme has a creeping stem. It has a small height - approximately 35 centimeters. The stem contains many small leaves, which are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. They are hard and pointed. The flowers form clusters and can be pinkish, white or pale purple.
Taste sensations
Dry herbs have a similar taste. It is tart, slightly sweet and quite rich. Woody notes are also clearly felt. Thyme has a subtle camphor flavor, while oregano has a more tart flavor.
Abundance of vitamins
Oregano is a valuable source of phytoestrogens, tannins, and coumarins. It also contains many different vitamins.The stems and leaves contain fatty acids and trace elements.
Thyme has approximately the same vitamin composition. However, it additionally contains hepatoprotectors, flavonoids and ursolic acid.
Origin and range
The crops belong to the same family and therefore require similar growing conditions. Thyme is found in steppes with sandy areas. It grows in Siberia and Transbaikalia. At the same time, the south of France and Spain is considered the birthplace of the culture. Oregano has similar preferences, which is why the plants are often confused. Moreover, their flowering dates occur at the same time - in July or early August.
By application
It is believed that thyme is, first of all, a medicinal crop. However, it is often used in cooking. This spice is added to fatty pork and lamb dishes. Thyme goes well with black pepper. In Mediterranean cuisine, chopped herbs are added to vegetable and fish dishes.
Oregano is often used as a spice in European and Asian countries. In France, this spice is added to mushroom dishes and sausages. The spice is also often used to make sauces.
What is better to choose
When choosing a specific spice, you should focus on taste and health benefits. Each spice has its own set of characteristics and is used in different areas.
Thyme has high biological activity. It can be used as an antibacterial, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agent. The spice is often used to combat respiratory diseases and destroy germs. Thyme decoction can be used to thin sputum and rinse the mouth in case of dental pathologies.
Gastroenterologists advise using decoctions and infusions of thyme for flatulence and disorders of the intestinal microflora. Thyme also successfully copes with dermatological disorders, eliminates inflammation, and stimulates regenerative processes. The herb is often added to sedative preparations. In addition, it increases endurance and strengthens the immune system.
Oregano has its own scope of application. This herb also helps relieve inflammation and improves the functions of the digestive system. However, it is mostly used to normalize hormonal levels and metabolic processes. Oregano decoction allows you to remove excess fluid from the body and stimulates the breakdown of fats.
Oregano and thyme are unique spices that have a pleasant taste and aroma. At the same time, herbs differ in appearance, smell and effect on the body.
