Herbs Used in Greek Cooking

Greek cuisine relies on several different herbs to lend its signature flavors. From arugula to wild celery, they season salads, soups, meat or seafood dishes, and more.

Note on pronunciations:

• Accented syllables are shown in capital letters.
• The "hard th" is the th sound in the word "the." The "soft th" is the th sound in the word "thanks."

Name: Arugula
Greek Name: Roka
Pronounced: ROE-kah
Name in Greek: ρόκα

Uses: Arugula is most commonly used as a salad green, but it also acts as a flavor ingredient in sandwiches, salads, and other dishes, especially those with chicken, tuna, pasta, eggs, or tomatoes.

Name: Bay Leaf
Greek Name: Daphni
Pronounced: THAHF-nee (hard th)
Name in Greek: δάφνη

Uses: As in many other cuisines, bay leaves are used to flavor soups, stews, and broths and then discarded before serving.

Name: Dill
Greek Name: Anithos
Pronounced: AH-nee-thohs (soft th, end rhymes with "dose")

Name in Greek: άνηθος

Uses: Dill is used in fish recipes, various types of salads, and the classic cucumber and yogurt dip tzatziki.

Name: Fennel Leaves
Greek Name: Maratho
Pronounced: MAH-rah-thoh (soft th sound)
Name in Greek: μάραθο

Uses: Fennel leaves are used in generous amounts in stews and fritters. They also season vegetables, seafood, meats, and savory pies.

Name: Marjoram
Greek Name: Mantzourana
Pronounced: mahn-dzoo-RAH-nah
Name in Greek: μαντζουράνα

Uses: Oregano's sweeter cousin, marjoram is primarily used to give flavor to lamb and chicken.

Name: Spearmint
Greek Name: Dyosmos
Pronounced: thee-OHZ-mohs (hard th, end rhymes with "dose")

Uses: Cool, cheerful spearmint is widely used in cheese-based dishes, tomato sauces, and rice dishes and to flavor meats. It's also used to make a refreshing herbal tea.
Name in Greek: δυόσμος

Name: Oregano
Greek Name: Rigani
Pronounced: REE-gah-nee
Name in Greek: ρίγανη

Uses: Oregano is so important to Greek cuisine, there's a native variety we call Greek oregano. It's paired with most everything Greeks cook, including meat, fish, cheese, and egg dishes; salads; and such vegetables as tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans. 

Name: Parsley
Greek Name: Maïdanos
Pronounced: mah-ee-dah-NOHS (rhymes with "dose")
Name in Greek: μαϊντανός

Uses: Mild but bright parsley is used as a garnish, just like in so many U.S. restaurants, and also in soups and salads.

Name: Purslane
Greek Name: Glistritha
Pronounced: ghlee-STREE-thath (hard th)
Name in Greek: γλιστρίδα

• also known as antrakla, αντράκλα, say: ahn-DRAK-lah

Uses: Purslane grows like a weed in the Greek sun and is made into salads or cooked in vegetable dishes.

Name: Rosemary
Greek Name: Thentrolivano
Pronounced: then-droh-LEE-vah-no (hard th)
Name in Greek: δεντρολίβανο

Uses: Rosemary shines in meat dishes, especially lamb-based ones.

Name: Sage
Greek Name: Faskomilo
Pronounced: fahs-KOH-mee-lo
Name in Greek: φασκόμηλο

Uses: Sage is also primarily used to enhance the flavor of meats, including duck, chicken, and pork.

Name: Savory
Greek Name: Throubi
Pronounced: throo-BEE (soft th)
Name in Greek: θρουμπί

Uses: Beans and savory are a classic combination. Savory is also used in a variety of soups and stews and with fish and eggs.

Name: Tarragon
Greek name: Estragon
Pronounced: es-trah-GON
Name in Greek: εστραγκόν

Uses: Tarragon and chicken are a match made in heaven. This herb is also used in egg and mushroom dishes.

Name: Thyme
Greek Name: Thymari
Pronounced: thee-MAH-ree (soft th)

Uses: Thyme is a constant companion to other herbs, especially oregano, in meat dishes, soups, and stews.
Name in Greek: θυμάρι

Name: Wild Celery
Greek Name: Selino
Pronounced: SEH-lee-noh
Name in Greek: σέλινο

Uses: Wild celery turns up in Greek cooking as a vegetable or herb in soups and stews.