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Identification of biblical hyssop and origin of the traditional use of oregano-group herbs in the Mediterranean region

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Abstract

A comparative study of the traditional use of oregano-like herbs in the Mediterranean region provides convincing evidence that the hyssop of the Bible is the carvacrol chemotype of the plantMajorana syriaca. The ancient tradition of ritual use of this plant gave rise to two cultures of condiments: za’atar in the Middle East and oregano in Europe.

The flavor of the original hyssop was the determining factor in this development and remained unchanged in oregano and za’atar throughout the centuries.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Florasynth, Inc., 410 East 62nd Street, 10021, New York, NY

    Alexander Fleisher

  2. Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel

    Zhenia Fleisher (Faculty of Agricultural Engineering)

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  1. Alexander Fleisher
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  2. Zhenia Fleisher
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Fleisher, A., Fleisher, Z. Identification of biblical hyssop and origin of the traditional use of oregano-group herbs in the Mediterranean region. Econ Bot 42, 232–241 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02858924

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02858924

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