Building on a lifelong passion for cooking and the memories of his dads less-than-stellar BBQ, Matthew has learned the ways of the grill through reading, practical application, and a lot of trial and error. However, we should point out that Mexican oregano is more complementary to Mexican cuisine since it has a stronger and spicier flavor. Keep in mind that Mexican oregano has an additional lemony flavor note and is more pungent, so we suggest using less of this ingredient if you have to replace the Italian variety. Usually ships within 4 to 5 days. This aromatic herb is a gift from the Mediterranean region and is also popularly called wild marjoram or Origanum Vulgare. Surprisingly, plenty of people dont know that theres a difference; which is why I posted the blog. Because of the sturdy nature of these herbs, their tastes will not fade during cooking, as can happen with delicate, leafy herbs. Youre ready to use Mexican and Mediterranean oregano in the kitchen and love the results. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our gardening obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review. Try it if you haven't! Your email address will not be published. Oregano vs Mexican Oregano Whats the Difference. Get it Mar 10 - 17. At their core, both Mediterranean and Mexican oregano are herbs that come from the same family of plants, Lamiaceae. It is a member of the Verbenaceae family, along with the fruity herb lemon verbena. Heres what you need to know to keep each thriving throughout the growing season. What are Other Differences Between Oregano and Mexican Oregano? Youve learned about the botany of the two plants as well as their use as culinary herbs, and you know how to substitute them. Alternatively, it's easy to find online. While Mediterranean oregano is a staple of many classic Italian and Greek dishes, Mexican oregano is most often used in Latin American and Tex-Mex cuisine. All rights reserved. Mediterranean oregano is made from a combination of Spanish thyme and the herb oregano Vulgare, also known as wild marjoram. 2023 Cond Nast. Matthew Eads is a former US Marine, self-taught gourmet griller, andcookbook author. For kids and their parents, its a night to dress up in fun or scary costumes, walk around town, and get candy. The best substitute for Mexican oregano is marjoram. If the two were sandpaper, Mexican oregano would be like 80 grit and oregano would be like 200 grit. While it appreciates deep watering in well-draining soil, it's also relatively drought tolerant. This herb can quickly overpower other flavors in a dish, so its best to use it sparingly. They will retain their properties if you store them properly in airtight containers and in a dark, dry place. In a large pan, add olive oil and the blended sauce. Mexican oregano can give a lovely flavor to beans, soups, stews, salsas, tacos, fish, pork, tomato-based sauces, and seasoning mixtures. The " greek oregano vs mexican oregano " is a question that has been asked many times before. Sharing similar appearances and some flavor notes, oregano and Mexican oregano actually feature differences that make each suitable for specific dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats and stews, but thats not the only thing youll find it in. So grab a jar when you see one! Mexican oregano is part of the verbena family, featuring a floral and citrusy flavor. Were committed to providing every person with informative and useful content based on experience in the kitchen. Mediterranean oregano, or origanum vulgare, is a member of the mint family. Required fields are marked *. Mexican oregano and oregano come from unrelated plants even though they share a name. Both kinds of oregano should be added at the beginning of cooking, so flavors can fully infuse throughout a dish. What's the difference between Mexican and Italian oregano? Can You Use Water Instead of Milk for Pancakes? Some may even have a slight cooling effect, though not nearly as potent as actual mint. True oregano is slightly sweet with bitter and peppery notes, likely stemming from its roots (pun unapologetically intended) in the mint family. Not all types of oregano have the same flavor. Not quite. It is excellent for sprinkling into salsa, Latin American dishes, black beans, pozole, or spicy Tex-Mex food like chili. Like thyme, oregano is available in both dried and fresh versions. Learn about the history, flavor, benefits, and uses of herbs, spices, seasonings, and other cooking ingredients. Required fields are marked *. For others, it means also dressing up in costumes and going out to parties with friends. Part of theCindermintfamily: PepperScale,SPICEography, andFiery Flavors. Of all the Mediterranean oregano varieties, Italian is the mildest and is delicious added to pasta sauce, pizzas, or used as part of a meat rub seasoning. However, if you want to cook something unique for your family like carne asada, Chiles Rellenos or burritos use Mexican oregano and give your dish a wonderful flavor. Its flavor develops and intensifies, but best of all, it is easier using a shaker bottle without the need for preparation. The minty and savory aspect or oreganos flavor profile can stand in for the licorice notes that you get from Mexican oregano. It elevates the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and bell peppers. As promised, here are some links on where you can find Dominican Oregano online. Dried oregano has an even stronger taste than fresh oregano, and is a common ingredient found in many pantries. But when you smell and taste them side by side, the differences become more apparent. Youll find it to have a mild licorice taste in addition to a vague citrus flavor. So the next time youre cooking with oregano, consider experimenting with both types to discover all the amazing ways these herbs can enhance your cooking and take your dishes to the next level. Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. It has a strong flavor with sweet, minty, bitter, and peppery notes. For the superstitious, its a night to be wary of and to be careful not to cause disturbances between that which we see and that which we feel. Mexican Oregano vs Oregano. So if you do decide to substitute Mexican oregano for Mediterranean oregano, use a little less than whats called for. Mexican oregano has a stronger, brighter flavor with citrus and floral notes and a hint of anise, while regular oregano, has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor and peppery notes. Mediterranean oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes. Blooms appear from late spring through summer. The main difference between Mexican and Italian oregano is how they taste. In stock. It is becoming more commonly sold outside of Mexico, especially in the southeastern United States. Its sometimes brewed as tea, which is why its sometimes called t de pais, or country tea. Mediterranean oregano, on the other hand, is part of the origanum family and is more closely related to mint. Mexican oregano is more grassy, earthy, and pungent. Also, if you are in a specialty shop and theres no Mexican oregano, you can grab some epazote leaves instead if they have it there. They are also used in different cuisines. Youll notice the similarity, as Mexican oregano has citrus undertones that blend with its earthy flavor. Yes, oregano and Mexican oregano have similar base flavor profiles. Because these grass-like plants are cold hardy, you can even grow them in the fall. https://www.bonappetit.com/story/what-is-mexican-oregano, https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/mexican-oregano-substitutes-article, https://www.happysprout.com/indoor-plants/mexican-oregano-vs-oregano/, https://www.masterclass.com/articles/mexican-oregano-vs-oregano, https://spicesinc.com/blogs/spices-new-blogs/oregano-throwdown-mediterranean-vs-mexican, https://tastylicious.com/mexican-oregano-vs-italian-oregano/, Filed Under: Herb Gardening Tagged With: Gardening, Growing Herbs, growing oregano, herb gardening. Please let me know if you have any questions. Restaurant recommendations you trust. Marjoram is another substitute you can use for either oregano or Mexican oregano. First, in Mexico, its just called oregano, and what Americans refer to as oregano is called Mediterranean oregano. Italian oregano is with milder spicy flavor than Greek oregano while Turkish oregano has a sweet, slightly spicy, and mellow flavor. Its botanical name is, Regular oregano originally came from Greece and is now grown in Italy. It pairs well with chile peppers, ground meat, onions, garlic, cumin, and paprika; use this in your favorite pot of chili whenever possible. 4 Good Mexican Oregano Substitutes. You'll be surprised at just how tasty it leaves your food. Mexican oregano is a bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, which comes in a finer form. You wont get Mexican oreganos sweet citrus notes, but you may be able to replace that with other ingredients. So whats the difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? Mexican oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes., You might want to correct that second sentence it probably should say Mediterranean instead of Mexican., Your email address will not be published. Oregano belongs to the mint and sage family, Lamiaceae, while Mexican oregano (Lippia Graveolens) belongs to the family Verbenaceae. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. The oregano used in Mediterranean cuisine, and what I would call true oregano, is part of the mint family and is closely related to marjoram, whereas Mexican oregano is actually part of the verbena family. It is also called "wild marjoram." If youre wondering what makes them distinct and why the nuances matter, keep reading ahead. It matches perfectly with dishes from that region. Your email address will not be published. Outdoors grow it in dappled shade with fertile well-drained soil. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. And for the powers that be the witches, the warlocks, and the gardeners its a time to head out to our Halloween herb gardens and celebrate the bountiful harvest that awaits us. In terms of origin, Mexican oregano comes from Mexico and parts of South America, while true oregano, or European or Mediterranean oregano, is native to parts of southwestern Europe and Asia. Because of this fundamental resemblance, it was given the Spanish name oregano even though it was used long before the Spanish came to Mexico. However, your dish will have a different flavor not very similar to the flavor like when you are using Mexican oregano. Mexican oregano is a flowering plant that belongs to the verbena family. Despite their similar names, Greek Oregano and Mexican Oregano are the products of entirely different plants. Pair regular oregano with other Italian favorites like onion, garlic, basil, flat-leaf parsley, or thyme. Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. There are over 40 types of oregano. Hopefully, in this blog, we can fill in the gaps a little for you. Oregano is widely available in the US, but Mexican oregano is usually available only in specialty shops. As with other dried herbs, oregano's volatile compounds will eventually dissipate. It tastes of hay and smells of camphor. Retrieved September 27, 2022. Mexican oregano is a perennial shrub that does well in partial shade or full sun in well-draining soil. Although there hasn't been too much research about its benefits, many experienced gardeners swear by Epsom salt for plants. Mexican oregano is well paired with Mexican dishes whereas oregano is mainly used in American foods such as grilled meat and stews, pasta sauces and Italian cuisine. Although all of these dishes are very different, Mexican oregano pairs beautifully with all of them. It pairs well with other spicy and earthy flavors, and can help to create a complex and nuanced blend of spices that will take your dishes to the next level. Mexican oregano is a bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, which comes in a finer form. Mexican oregano is a different type of oregano, with a different flavor and look,native to Mexico, Southwest America, and Central America. Oregano is used both in fresh and dried form and can be found all year round. Oregano is a widely used spice in many cuisines over the world. Discover 750+ spicy recipes and hundreds of pepper profiles, comparisons, cooking tips + more. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. This can cause the herbs to absorb moisture from the steam, which leads to mold when the airtight container holding the herbs is re-sealed. At that time, Hector Boiardilater of Chef Boyardees famewas commissioned to cook rations for soldiers overseas. Chives are easy-going herbs that pack a delicious onion flavor while growing with little fuss. It is best to store the dried leaves of the Mexican oregano in an airtight container in a dry and cold place for about six months to preserve their wonderful flavor. I want to join 30,000 home cooks and food professionals who receive inspiration and recipes featuring the freshest spices, dried chiles, herbs, and seasoning blends. All products featured on Bon Apptit are independently selected by our editors. You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano, but the taste may be different from what youre looking for. Oregano (sometimes called Mediterranean oregano) is widely available in supermarkets, but Mexican oregano is mostly found in specialty shops, spice stores, and Latin markets. Using it in place of oregano means that it wont necessarily ruin the meal but you wont get the classic oregano flavor either. I often use my spice grinder with Mexican oregano when I use it in things like my homemade enchilada sauce, etc. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Nate Teague is a food writer who has been working in the food industry for the past decade. Despite its earthy flavor and savory profile, oregano is actually a type of mint. Hello, I am Saurabh and I love cooking. Required fields are marked *. La Flor Dominican Oregano: Whole Oregano: https://http-www-laflorspices-com-myshopify-com.myshopify.com/products/oregano-latino-whole-largeGround Oregano: https://http-www-laflorspices-com-myshopify-com.myshopify.com/products/oregano-molido-largeCari-Dom Oregano: https://www.amazon.com/Caridom-Oregano-Natural-Dominican-Republic/dp/B01JB0M18S/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8\u0026qid=1497446488\u0026sr=8-1\u0026keywords=dominican+oreganoDon't forget to subscribe and join the Made to Order family :) Buen provecho. You can buy oregano fresh or dried, but you can only buy dried Mexican oregano in the US. They might, on the surface, look similar, however, and they actually share flavor and aroma compounds called terpenes. Both can also be grown as either container-bound herbs indoors or groundcover herbs outdoors. The Mediterranean oregano was milder and faintly sweeter, while the Mexican type was stronger, with a hint of menthol. It goes wonderfully with garlic, eggplant, peppers, cumin, cilantro, tomatoes, capers, vinegar, and cheese. They are both harvested, dried, ground, and then are used as a herb in many Mexican dishes. But Mexican oregano is mostly available only in dried form in the US. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag. Although different in flavor, Mexican oregano and oregano share relatively similar care requirements. Mexican oregano comes from the plant Lippia graveolens, while Mediterranean oregano comes from the plant Origanum vulgare. 1. Cooking With Sea Salt: The Dos And Donts, Cooking With Turmeric: The Dos And Donts. When using Mediterranean oregano, its important to remember that a little goes a long way. Mexican oregano is more grassy, earthy, and pungent. Only 2 left in stock - order soon. Low Sodium, No Sugar, No-MSG, Non-GMO, No Preservatives, No Artificial Coloring, No Artificial Flavors, 2.9oz, Pack of 1 (Adobo) 2. The oregano plant also has edible purple, white or pink flowers depending on the type. Mexican oregano is harvested from a flowering plant that is highly drought tolerant. Oregano emerged in southern Europes temperate regions and is a traditional Mediterranean herb. Your email address will not be published. Mexican Oregano: part of the verbena family, along with lemon verbena. Its also found in pasta sauces and strongly flavored Italian cuisine. For those who didnt grow up eating Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, seeing Mexican oregano included in a recipe may raise a question or two. If youre wondering which plants make the best chive companion plants, weve rounded up some below to help you plan your garden plot! Summary Comparison - Mexican & Italian Oregano, Marjoram Substitutes 5 Recommended Options, Basil Companion Plants: Top 25 Plants To Grow Near Basil, Pungent, citrus flavors with a subtle licorice undertone, Robust flavor with sweet, minty, bitter, and peppery notes, Mexican staples like cumin, chili, paprika, beans, beef, chicken, avocado, and tomatoes, Italian favorites like onion, garlic, basil, flat-leaf parsley, thyme, lamb, beef, chicken, Found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores, Use marjoram, thyme, basil, or sage as your best, Mexican oregano is native to Mexico, Southwest United States, and Central America. Add it to dry rubs for roasted or smoked meat as well as to soups and stews that require long cooking times. This herb is native to Central America and thrives in its dry climate. This content contains affiliate links. It can mean haunted houses and scary movie marathons. Grow it in containers, as a groundcover or in the herb or flower garden. Both types of oregano also have a long history of use in traditional medicine, with various cultures using them to treat everything from respiratory ailments to digestive issues. (Complete Guide). Besides their flavor and low-maintenance care, chives also pair well with other plants in the garden, encouraging them to grow and benefiting their health by way of deterring pests. Marjoram. They should be stored along with other herbs, spices, and dried chiles in a relatively stable temperature and low humidity storage area. All Rights Reserved. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. It has a subtle sweet taste to it. Each herb prefers certain foods; you can use Greek Oregano with tomatoes, sweet peppers, and eggplant. Just after weeks of sowing your seeds, youll have a fresh flavor enhancer and garnish at the ready. It has a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor. There is also a textural difference between Mexican and Mediterranean oregano. Some parts of Mexico use Mexican oregano in salsa. This item: 2 Cuban Oregano Plants Live Mexican Mint Spanish Thyme Rooted 5 to 7 Inches Vegetables Planting Ornaments Perennial Garden Ready to Grow Pot. Luckily, Mexican oregano is easy to find. GIs helped bring freedom to Europe, and a taste for oregano to America. Mexican oregano, on the other hand, is from a different plant family altogether, Verbenaceae. If your recipe calls for Mexican oregano specifically, try not to substitute another variety. Or cook a leisurely pot of Adovada, a braised pork dish from New Mexico made with spicy chiles and onions. It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isn't difficult. Oregano and Mexican oregano are two different types of plants that only have similar flavor and smell, and nothing more. 10K views 5 years ago Dominican Oregano is super delicious and it's a spice that I use all the time in my cooking. Mexican oregano is related to lemon verbena, while Mediterranean oregano is a part of the mint family, related to marjoram. They are not even in the same familythey are totally different. Its scientific name is. Mediterranean oregano comes from the Mediterranean, as you may have suspected, as well as western and southwestern Europe and Asia. Regular Oregano | Cooking Tips | Made To Order | Chef Zee Cooks