When buying oregano, we are often driven by price, not realising that cheap options can be misleading. Low prices often hide a secret, which is adulteration of the product. There are herbal blends on the market that are marketed as oregano, but actually contain only a small amount of it.
Oregano is the most commonly adulterated spice in the European Union (source: European Commission Report on Adulteration in the Spices and Herbs Market 2021). According to the cited source, up to 48% of oregano samples taken from the market were adulterated. Bulk spice wholesalers can be found offering oregano under the name Oregano MIX. Under this innocent-sounding term are blends where oregano makes up only 15-30% and the rest is filled with cheap olive and myrtle leaves. Dishonest vendors either use names such as 'oregano MIX' or 'oregano Blend' or, in extreme cases, label the lichen product as oregano. These products may look attractive because of the lower price, but by reading the product description or specifications carefully, we may discover that they contain olive leaves and myrtle leaves in addition to oregano. However, scammers do not always make this known on the label.
Why is this a problem? Because it's just plain cheating! Real oregano, known for its intense aromas and flavours, is also more voluminous - it has a higher bulk density. This means that more space in the package is taken up by the oregano itself and not by other additives. Oregano that is full of flavour and aroma, without unnecessary additives, should be a priority for anyone who values real, unadulterated ingredients in their cooking.
When buying oregano, always check labels and avoid products that do not guarantee 100% oregano content. Also consider buying spice herbs from suppliers who have certification (such as BRC, IFS or FSSC 22000), who declare full transparency about the composition of their products, provide product specifications and approvals. Only by buying real oregano can we be sure that our dishes will benefit from the full natural flavour and aroma of real oregano, without any unpleasant surprises.
A simple way is the bulk density. In the case of Mr Cook oregano, we have 200g of oregano in a 1.7 litre PET jar. It follows that we have approximately 11.7g of oregano per 100ml. If there is 16g oregano and more in 100ml you should be vigilant and verify your supplier. The picture provided in this article may also be helpful. In real oregano, you should find a hint of the herb's characteristic "cones", which you can hardly find in the adulterated version.
Remember, by investing in quality, you are not only reaping the taste benefits, but you are also supporting fair trade practices. Don't be fooled by the low prices that adulterated products can hide. Let's fight together against unfair practices in the spice market!
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