Oregano Chalkidika is a small family business, specializing in the production, processing and trade of high quality oregano products, based on the well known “Greek oregano” (Origanum vulgare ssp. Hirtum) variety. Our fields are located in Chalkidiki, Northern Greece, in the plain between villages of New Triglia and Elaiochoria.
The initial experimental plantations were organized in 2013, with the clear aim at selecting the proper oregano varieties, best adapted to the specific area. After systematic monitoring of the crop, the best cultivation protocols were established and the necessary production infrastructure was developed.
The variety of oregano we cultivate in our farmland has been selected in collaboration with expert researchers in the field of aromatic plants (research institute ELGO DIMITRA), and our plantation was established only after careful experimentation. Furthermore, all the propagation plant material used has been produced by cuttings, in order to conserve the genetic characteristics of the selected variety and to ensure excellent quality control. The intensive weed control, guarantees a final product with no admixture of other plants and totally safe for the consumer.
Oregano is one of the main ingredients in many recipes of Mediterranean cuisine due to its distinct taste and aroma. Especially Greek oregano is considered to be a worldwide top quality product because the characteristics of the variety are strengthened by the Mediterranean climate that helps the development of the fine aroma and its protective properties to the human body.
Oregano essential oil is produced by natural distillation of oregano. It has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties and thanks to its powerful antimicrobial action it is used to strengthen health. Moreover it is an excellent natural food preservative and in many cases it can effectively replace harmful chemical preservatives.
Our high-quality, pure and undiluted oregano essential oil can be used externally and internally*. However, since it’s a concentrated “powerful” product it needs to be diluted before its use. Of course, although its use is approved and its benefits are backed up by numerous studies, you still need to check with your doctor before using it.
Αs with any essential oil, always do a skin patch test before use (Take a small quantity, dilute it in a carrier oil and apply it to a small area of the body like the inner wrist or inner elbow, wait for 12-24 hours to see if it causes any skin reactions – if not, go for it!)
Never use it undiluted. Oregano oil is a very potent essential oil and it can be a bit of a shock to the senses. It has a sharp, herby flavor and even one drop can make your throat burn and your ears pop. To be precise, the more an oregano essential oil burns, the more potent it is in its antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. So, you do want your oregano oil to be strong, but you have to use it with caution
Also, you should avoid continued use over long periods of time or exceed the recommended amount mainly because it will reduce the body’s response to the instant antimicrobial effect that the oil has
In search of seeking excellence and creating the best possible quality products, Oregano Chalkidika is in constant collaboration with accredited organizations and certifying companies. Therefore, the products we offer are safe and tested multiple times. With confidence, we are ready to submit any product specimen to any laboratory for examination.
The Mediterranean climate of the region forms a microclimate with extended sunshine and lack of rainfall (annual precipitation is less than 500 mm) which, combined with the high air temperature make it ideal for the production of top quality oregano oil.
Most of our farmland is not irrigated; thereby the crops grow in conditions similar to those in which the well known wild oregano of Greek mountains grows. Thus, our oregano has a distinct aroma and strong flavor. Moreover, it has a high Carvacrol content which is a very desirable characteristic. Carvacrol is the main antiseptic component of the essential oil of oregano. Another property affecting the quality of oregano essential oil is the content of Thymol. The less Thymol it contains, the better the quality. Our meticulous research and testing that helped us select the most appropriate oregano variety in parallel with our constant monitoring and care of the plantation, allow us to produce a highly desirable oil of excellent quality, with Carvacrol content consistently higher than 80% and Thymol content lower than 0.5%.
Ilias Lolidis
P. Sindika 9
546 43 Thessaloniki
Greece
www.oreganochalkidika.gr