Uses of dittany of Crete (origanum dictamnus)

Question

Last summer I went to Crete for a short vacation, and came back with fond memories of the local cuisine.

Before leaving I bought some spices, among them a small bag of diktamo (dittany, or dictamnus).

While the smell is quite nice, I found that it doesn't impart any discernible flavour to dishes.

I tried it in some recipes that call for oregano (homemade pizza, some pasta sauces), but I'm curious as to its use in Greek cuisine; maybe I'm just using it the wrong way.

BreeZeR · Accepted Answer

In Greece we use diktamo mostly for tea, as beverage.
You can try it by boiling water in a jar and put 5-10gr diktamo for 5-10 minutes.
Other uses as any other tea leaves. For example you can boil milk or 35% milk cream  and put diktamo and then use the milk or cream to make pastry cream or ganache or any other similar.

LSchoon · Answer

Looking at Wikipedia, I found that apart from oregano, this plant has several flavour compounds in common with thyme and cumin. You could try combining it with those flavours, or using it in a context where thyme or cumin would make sense. Wikipedia (both the English as well as the Greek page) also suggests brewing a herbal tea from this with some supposed medicinal benefits.

Answered by LSchoon on June 25, 2021

Simona · Answer

is often use as an aromatic component in the production of vermout, liquors and parfumes. due to his antiseptic propertie it can alsobe brewed and consumed as a natural remedy for cold, mouth infection and improve digestion

Answered by Simona on June 25, 2021

Uses of dittany of Crete (origanum dictamnus)

3 Answers

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question