Thyme vs. Oregano – What’s The Difference?

Do you know who mainstays the world of culinary? Well, it’s oregano and thyme definitely. These herbs add new exciting tastes to the dishes, and it is difficult to differentiate which one is better than the other. The freshness and aromatic taste make every dish worth eating.

The main difference between thyme vs. oregano includes as the flavor of thyme is a mix combination of peppery and sweet while the oregano flavor is bold and aromatic. The taste of oregano is strong and intense compared to that of thyme. The oregano leaves are vibrant and spade-shaped, while the thyme leaves are thin and greyish green.

We have mentioned in detail further information related to thyme and oregano.

Thyme

Thyme is surely a popular herb utilized in cooking in almost every cuisine. The two main types of thyme are common and lemon. As the name indicates, common thyme is utilized on a daily basis, while lemon thyme is unique and has a sour taste.

Talking about the taste of thyme, which is quite distinctive along with offering a fresh floral taste. Thyme is a perennial herb that belongs to the thymus genus (herb family). Thyme is utilized in fresh and fried forms, and one can also grow them in their backyard.

History

As already mentioned, thyme, scientifically known as thymus Vulgaris, belongs to the family of Lamiaceae. The plants of this family are categorized as subshrubs and grow in temperate regions lie, Asia, Europe and Africa. In the previous era, thyme was used to release pain and cure detoxifying poison.

Appearance

Thyme is greyish-green and is a tiny shrub of about 2 mm, which grows in a cluster. The thyme plant is soft from the top (the place where young shoots grow) and is stiff and woody from the bottom. The thyme plant is either white or lilac and blooms in midsummer.

Taste & Odor

Thyme taste is gentle, minty, subtle and with the touch of lemony taste that would be sour as pinpoint. Similarly, thyme’s odor is aromatic, and it smells like rosemary. Thyme leaves a robust aroma, and the odor stays for about some seconds.

Nutritional Facts

One gram of dried thyme contains the following nutritional facts:

• Total Calories 2.8 Kcal
• Fats 0.1 grams
• Sodium 0.5 mg
• Proteins 0.1 grams
• Total Carbs 0.6 grams
• Vitamin D 0 grams
• Calcium 18.9 grams
• Iron 1.24 mg
• Potassium 8.1 mg

Thyme and oregano contain almost similar nutritional facts, but for the record, you should know that thyme has more nutritional values in some aspects, such as it contains a higher content of calcium.

Essential Oils

Some of the essential oil present in thyme includes thymol, a phenolic compound that helps improve the overall health of an individual. Thymol has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Thyme and oregano both contain the same essential oil present.

Health Benefits

Well, whenever the health benefits of any plant are popped up, all we can think about is vitamins, antioxidants and immunity. The same goes for thyme; it is a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C and helps in boosting immunity. An interesting fact would be that thyme is good for the skin and helps overcome acne.

Speaking of good skin, this must-have made you excited, no? well, for further information, you should know that thyme act as a tincture that prevents pimple and heals acne. Some studies have shown that it acts as a disinfectant for the home and human body.

Thyme Isanti-fungal so it keeps humid spaces free from molds and insects. Thyme repels pests, bacteria and viruses. The smell of thyme is great, and it helps make you feel better.

Oregano

Like thyme, oregano belongs to the Lamiaceae family, particularly from Origanum Genus (a flowering plant mainly found in the Mediterranean area).   Oregano is an important component added to Mediterranean cooking or Italian dishes. Talking about Italian food, oregano is a special ingredient added to Italian pasta.

The oregano herb is familiar to another herb known as Marjoram. Oregano is fresh and intense, and it smells like a mixture of grass and hay. It is available in fresh, dried and powdered forms. Taste-wise, dried oregano has a stronger taste and odor.

History

Oregano, scientifically called Origanum Vulgare, belongs to the family of Lamiaceae. It grows in temperate regions and is found mainly in the Mediterranean and Eurasia. It was used to treat stomach aches and colds in the previous era.

Oregano has an interesting history of getting famous worldwide. Oregano reached the US from the Italian people. It became famous after World War 2, especially when American troops returned its herb home while returning from the Italian campaign.

Appearance

The leaves of oregano are vibrant green and spade-shaped. Oregano herb grows in a cluster, and they grow about one to three feet tall and two to four feet wide. The oregano stems are hairy in the early stages and woody in later stages. The flower of oregano is of pink and white color.

Taste & Odor

The taste of oregano is spicy, pungent, bitter, peppery and sharp. That’s a whole bunch of taste to get in a single item. At the same time, the odor of oregano is peppery and spicy. Oregano odor is not as strong as that of thyme. 

Nutritional Facts

One gram of dried thyme contains the following nutritional facts:

• Total Calories 2.7 Kcal
• Fats 0 grams
• Sodium 0.3 mg
• Proteins 0.1 grams
• Total Carbs 0.7 grams
• Vitamin D 0 grams
• Calcium 15.9 grams
• Iron 0.24 mg
• Potassium 13 mg

Thyme and oregano have almost identical nutritional value, but as we told about thyme, which has higher calcium content similarly, oregano is an enriched source of potassium. So, people with higher blood pressure are recommended to consume oregano.

Health Benefits

Oregano was previously used for medical purposes, especially for wound healing. It has antibacterial and antiviral functions, and, in some cases, it is shown to have antioxidant properties. Studies have even shown that oregano oil is low caloric and is beneficial to utilize daily.

So, What’s The Difference Between Oregano and Thyme?

Let’s conclude the above mentioned-article with key points and summarize the differences between Oregano vs. Thyme:

1. The thyme flavor is a mixed combination of peppery and sweet, while the oregano flavor is bold and pungent.
2. The taste of oregano is strong and pungent compared to that of thyme.
3. The oregano leaves are vibrant and spade-shaped, while the thyme leaves are thin and greyish green.
4. Oregano is an enriched source of calcium, while thyme is an enriched source of potassium.

Sources:

• Foodsguy
• Thekitchencommunity
• Spiceography