Oregano tea is a lesser common herbal tea, but in the tea-drinking community, most people know what it is and why people mainly drink the beverage. This unique herbal tea is pretty easy to make, has a unique flavor, and can alleviate inflammation in the human body.
We know the name oregano tea probably doesn’t sound too appetizing, but we promise it’s worth a try at least once. As long as you know how to make the tea and what you can do to improve the taste to your liking, we think you’ll enjoy the drink.
Where Does Oregano Tea Come From?
Herbal teas have been a part of various cultures since the beginning of history. Since oregano was initially grown in Greece, they were some of the first people to consume oregano tea. Many people believe that various Greek Gods used the herb before the Romans adopted the herb and started using it for cooking.
Many people believe that drinking oregano tea has several health benefits. While there’s no evidence to back up these claims, you’ll still see people consuming the drink regularly.
The best part about oregano tea is that you don’t need any unique tea bags to create the beverage. You can use fresh oregano from your garden or dried spices from your local grocery store. They sell tea bags with oregano, but a classic oregano tea is best made with real oregano and not with a tea bag.
What Does It Taste Like?
The thing about oregano tea is that it tastes very similar to the herb you sprinkle on your pasta or other delicious dishes. The difference is that you’re drinking it, and it’s in a much more concentrated flavor thanks to not being paired with food.
The best way to describe the taste of oregano tea is that it’s got a peppery flavor. Some people would go as far as to say that it has a bitter taste too. The more oregano you use to make the tea, the stronger the bitter sensation will be.
How To Make Oregano Tea Taste Better
It’s no secret that oregano tea isn’t the most delicious herbal tea out there. It’s pretty bitter, and even if you’re drinking it for the potential health benefits, that doesn’t mean you can’t spruce up the flavor to make it more enjoyable.
If you want to make your oregano tea taste better, here are a few things you can give a try. Something to think about is combining a few of the below options to create an oregano tea you really love.
Honey
Arguably the best way to make your oregano tea taste better is to use honey. The texture and flavor add something that’s missing from the tea. You can add sweetness to the tea without being overpowering. Since it has a bitter taste, the honey subdues it well. To make it more authentic, you can use Greek honey.
Sugar
Adding sugar or another sweetener is typical with herbal teas. While it’s not nearly as common as the other ways to make it taste better on this list, it’s still worth considering if you want to cut the bitterness.
Salt
Adding salt might seem odd, but salt is good in bitter and savory teas. Be careful not to add too much, or you’ll be cringing as you try to drink the tea.
Lemon Juice/Slices/Zest
Acidity is another excellent way to spruce up your oregano tea. Adding a hint of lemon juice and lemon zest or slices for a garnish is worth a shot.
How To Brew Oregano Tea
If you want to try your hand at brewing oregano tea, you don’t need any special skills. It’s very easy to make, and you don’t need any unique ingredients, just oregano. Of course, if you plan on adding anything else to your tea, you’ll also need that. Here’s how you can make oregano tea quickly.
1. Gather the Ingredients
All you’ll need to make oregano tea is water and oregano. Be sure to grab honey or anything else you want to add to the beverage. You’ll need the following:
- A sprig of oregano
- Two cups of water
2. Clean Your Oregano
You’ll want to wash your oregano off before steeping to clear off any dirt.
3. Bring Water To a Boil
Place your pot or tea kettle on the stove over high heat until the water is boiling.
4. Remove the Water From the Heat and Steep
Take the pot off the stove and add your oregano.
5. Leave the Oregano to Steep
You’ll want to let it steep for three minutes or as long as it takes until you get the flavor you want.
6. Remove the Oregano and Serve
Once you’ve reached the flavor you want, add your additives, pour, and serve!
Caffeine Content in Oregano Tea
Naturally, oregano doesn’t have any caffeine. This means that there is zero caffeine in oregano tea. Feel free to drink this warm beverage whenever you want without worrying about caffeine negatively affecting your body.
How Many Carbs Does It Contain?
To begin with, there are barely any carbs in oregano, so the number of carbs will be minimal in oregano tea. The carb content can increase depending on what you add to your oregano tea. If you drink it without adding anything but water, your oregano tea will have less than a gram of carbs.
How Many Calories Does It Contain?
The number of calories in oregano tea varies from brand to brand and how you make the tea. There are roughly six calories in one teaspoon of oregano, so how many calories there are in your cup of oregano tea depends on how much oregano you use to make the beverage.
How Long Does Oregano Tea Last?
Much like other brewed tea, you’ll want to drink all the oregano tea you make within 72 hours of brewing it. Keeping it in the fridge can prolong the freshness, but most people enjoy drinking oregano tea warm or hot.
Final Thoughts
Oregano tea is a savory herbal tea that isn’t typically people’s go-to when it comes to tea. While it’s not the most common, this herbal tea can be great for soothing sore throats, warming the body, and when you’re craving something savory. It’s easy to brew, and with different additions, you’ll end up with a tea you’re more than thrilled with in no time.
