Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and the milder and sweeter majoram (Origanum
majorana) are among the most common herbs used in European cooking. Oregano is commonly used in Italian herb mixes, and gives pizza and tomato sauce their typical aroma. Majoram is a common herb in sausage making and in hearty stews. Other, similar herbs are zatar (Majorana syriaca) and several Lippia species. Both, the aromatic leaves as well as the flowers can be used fresh or dried. Many wild species and varieties exist and can be bought from specilized nurseries, like here.
