Greek name and pronunciation: Rigani, ρίγανη, pronounced REE-gah-nee At the market: Oregano is sold fresh and dried as cuttings of flower tops and leaves packaged in disposable containers or as dried, ground leaves packaged in sprinkle-pour bottles.Caution: Not all oreganos are equal. Greek oregano (rigani) is a subspecies with the latin name Origanum vulgare (previously Origanum […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Moschokaritho, μοσχοκάρυδο, pronounced mos-ho-KAH-ree-thoh (hard th, rhymes with “dough”) At the market: Both “whole nut” and ground powdered nutmeg are readily available commercially. Physical characteristics: The nut is a shiny dark brown in color, oval in shape, and about an inch long by 1/2-inch diameter. The nut’s interior is a lighter […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Dyosmos, δυόσμος, pronounced thee-OHZ-mohs (hard th sound) At the market: Spearmint is the most common mint found in markets, and the most commonly used in Greek cooking. It is sold in both dried and fresh form, and if fresh is available, it is preferred. It is also a good choice for […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Mantzourana, μαντζουράνα, pronounced mahnd-zoo-RAH-nah, also spelled matzourana (ματζουράνα), and pronounced mahd-zoo-RAH-nah At the market: Marjoram is usually available as whole dried leaves and floral parts, and in powdered form. Fresh marjoram is sometimes available at green grocers. If you have space in your kitchen, in your garden, on a window sill, […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Maratho, μάραθο, pronounced MAH-rah-thoh (soft th sound)Wild fennel is also known as malathro (μάλαθρο, say: MAH-lah-throh) At the market: The most commonly used fennel leaves in Greek cooking are fresh, sold in bunches or attached to the root. It is sometimes sold under the name “anise” because of the similarity in tastes, but […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Anithos, άνιθος, pronounced AH-nee-thohs (soft th sound, rhymes with “dose”) At the market: Dill is sold as fresh cuttings (sprigs) bundled into convenient amounts, in sprinkle-pour bottles of dill weed (dried leaves), and in sprinkle-pour bottles of dill seeds. Physical characteristics: The dill plant grows to a height of 8-30 inches. […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Daphni, δάφνη, pronounced THAHF-nee (hard th sound) At the market: Dried bay leaves, either crushed or whole, are readily available in disposable containers. It is also sold at herb farms for a kitchen herb garden. Physical characterisitcs: Usually encountered in dried form, bay leaves are 1 1/2 – 3 inches long […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Vasilikos, βασιλικός, pronounced vah-see-lee-KOHS (rhymes with “dose”) At the market: Expect to find at least one variety of basil at your green grocer or supermarket. Green basil is the most comonly used variety for cooking. Fresh basil leaves are packaged in 2- to 4-ounce disposable containers. Dried basil is available in […]

Greek name and pronunciation Roka, ρόκα, pronounced RO-kah At the market: Arugula, also known as rocket, is sold either loose-leaf or banded in bunches, in the green grocer section. Physical description: Arugula leaves are a rich, dark green color. It has a peppery, mustard-like flavor,is a rich source of iron, and is high in vitamins […]

They enhance taste, and are responsible for the most delicious smells that come from a traditional Greek kitchen. Learn about the individual herbs that are perennial favorites of the best Greek cooks. Arugula – Roka Basil – Vasilikos Bay Leaf – Dafni Dill – Anithos Fennel – Marathos Marjoram – Mantzourana Mint – Dyosmos Nutmeg – Moschokarido Oregano – Rigani Parsley – Maidanos Purslane – Glistrida Rosemary – Dentrolivano Sage – Faskomilo […]