The Joy of the Moutains

Saying “Kenya exports joy” sounds like a far cry from reality. Perhaps this is because joy is an emotional state, rather than a commodity as the statement would imply. But it may not be far from the truth.

Going back in time to the era of the Greek gods and goddesses, the goddess Aphrodite created a herb and planted it in her garden. Her intention for the herb was that it embody a symbol of joy to both her and the passers-by that would catch a glimpse of it. The herb grew, propagated and was adopted by the Greeks in the centuries that followed. It was given the name ‘Oros Ganos’ – the joy of the mountains.

Today we know it as oregano. ‘Oros’ translates to mountain and ‘ganos’ means joy. This joy-spreading herb has acquired several other names too: Spanish Thyme, Wild Marjoram, European Oregano or its Latin name, Origanum Vulgare.

Its popularity spread beyond the Greek borders when the Romans adopted it for its enjoyable taste in food as well as its low-maintenance cultivation. Their descendants, Italians, fell in love with it – crowning it the spice that added just the right taste to the perfect dish. The joy to their food we’d say. After the Second World War, American soldiers returned home with a few to cultivate for their own food.

Oregano has small, green, round-shaped leaves that make it easily identifiable. An array of oregano can be found in Kiambu county, notably in Thika, in case you’re looking for a little joy to uplift your mood. The best and possibly most significant benefit of this herb is that when chewed raw, it stops toothaches and indigestion. Additionally, when rubbed against the skin it treats irritations and infections. Whatever your discomfort, this is the herb that restores your joy. Imagine that!

Online platforms have benefited growers of Oregano for export, meaning that Kenya exports joy to literally anyone anywhere in need of it. Some of the largest markets for our oregano include Germany, France and the Netherlands.