And who decided one was the regular oregano and one was Mexican oregano. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. Because of their flavor differences, you shouldnt really substitute Mexican and Mediterranean oregano for one another in recipes. In America, its referred to simply as oregano with no country specification because its more commonly used on foods that are considered American.. Outdoors grow it in dappled shade with fertile well-drained soil. Grow it in containers, as a groundcover or in the herb or flower garden. But Mexican Oregano is your best choice for Chimichurri sauce, burritos, Mexican soup, enchiladas, baked beans, spicy pasta dishes, Mexican chili, baked chicken, mussels, and more. 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. Cooking advice that works. That said, it is a savory herb and will work with the same kinds of ingredients that get used along with oregano. For others, it means also dressing up in costumes and going out to parties with friends. It can be used anytime, during any season, and in two forms: fresh or dry. It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isnt difficult. You should use oregano for grilled meats and burgers, fish and seafood, vegetables, Greek salads, or other salads. They are also known as Mediterranean oregano. Oregano is used both in fresh and dried form and can be found all year round. As promised, here are some links on where you can find Dominican Oregano online. It has coarse oval leaves and white flowers and can be found both in fresh and dry form. 403 sales | 3.5 out of 5 stars. It tastes of hay and smells of camphor. Oregano is a kind of mint and has a distinct taste based on where it is grown. It is considered a native plant as far north as southern Texas; it edges into Nicaragua on the south. Substitute Cooking is packed with mouth-watering recipes that work, cooking substitutes for meals, and actional tips from passionate and experienced home cooks. Mexican oregano is a bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, which comes in a finer form. While it appreciates deep watering in well-draining soil, its also relatively drought tolerant. Its flavor develops and intensifies, but best of all, it is easier using a shaker bottle without the need for preparation. Mediterranean oregano is native to the Mediterranean and it is commonly found in France, Italy, Turkey, Morocco, and Israel. Blooms appear from late spring through summer. It has a licorice taste to it. The difference between the two types of oreganos is the type of plant they are made from. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories, To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. Mexican Oregano vs. Oregano Despite their similar names, Greek Oregano and Mexican Oregano are the products of entirely different plants. In fact, if you crush dried oregano even further you will find that it releases even more flavor. Yes, oregano and Mexican oregano have similar base flavor profiles. It has a grassy and peppery flavor with hints of citrus and anise. As a general rule, it's usually best to reserve each one for their own cuisine. Your email address will not be published. Hello, I am Saurabh and I love cooking. This is due to the high presence of thymol in the essential oils of each plant. You can use marjoram instead of Mexican oregano in sauces, soups, poultry, vegetables, and many other dishes. Mexican oregano is a different type of oregano, with a different flavor and look,native to Mexico, Southwest America, and Central America. It has an aromatic, warm, and slightly bitter taste, which can vary in intensity. The result is a potent and distinctive profile that can easily dominate the other aromas and tastes in your recipe if youre not careful. And if you cant grow them in time for your recipe, youll often be able to find them at your grocery store or online in a pinch! stored along with other herbs, spices, and dried chiles, Oregano Throwdown Mediterranean Vs Mexican. Marjoram is another substitute you can use for either oregano or Mexican oregano. Mexican oregano is harvested from a flowering plant that is highly drought tolerant. Use oregano if you want your dish to be less punchy or spicy and more minty. It is a hardy, flowering plant that is drought resistant making it perfect for growing in the drier terrain. First, in Mexico, its just called oregano, and what Americans refer to as oregano is called Mediterranean oregano. You can grind or toast the dried leaves to get a stronger flavor and use them in different dishes. Personally, I dont use Mexican and Mediterranean oregano interchangeably for the same reason I dont swap thyme for oregano: Theyre just not the same, even if they do taste a little similar. Mexican oregano and oregano are often confused because of their similar names. A Mexican oregano plant can grow to reach a height of six feet tall, while Mediterranean oregano maxes out around two feet tall. And use Mexican oregano if you want to go for that hot peppery taste in your dish. Mediterranean oregano is made from a combination of Spanish thyme and the herb oregano Vulgare, also known as wild marjoram. Its flavor is described as being stronger and more earthy than that of Mediterranean oregano, and some say it has a citrusy flavor. It has a taste that is very similar to Mediterranean oregano, but has a bit more bite to it. Oregano and Mexican oregano are two different types of plants that only have similar flavor and smell, and nothing more. Common oregano (sometimes called Greek oregano) is widely available in fresh and dried form. 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. Mexican oregano can give a lovely flavor to beans, soups, stews, salsas, tacos, fish, pork, tomato-based sauces, and seasoning mixtures. 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. 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. If you make a purchase after clicking a link on this page, we might receive a commission at no cost to you. Similarities between Oregano and Mexican Oregano, Differences between Oregano and Mexican Oregano, Tips for Cooking with Oregano and Mexican Oregano, Mexican oregano is also a great herb to use when making spice blends like chili powder or taco seasoning. As with Mexican oregano, it can resist bouts of drought in fact, overwatering may actually cause root rot. It can mean haunted houses and scary movie marathons. If you're looking to buy regular Mediterranean or Italian oregano, then youll easily find them in the spice aisle of the grocery store. Toss the chicken with the sauce until it is totally covered and then . Or cook a leisurely pot of Adovada, a braised pork dish from New Mexico made with spicy chiles and onions. Mexican and Italian oregano are two quite different ingredients when used in cooking. Marjoram is lemony and a bit sweeter. Oregano is best suited for dishes from the Mediterranean region that use tomatoes heavily and that contain other strong herbs and seasonings. Required fields are marked *. Although all of these dishes are very different, Mexican oregano pairs beautifully with all of them. Dominican Oregano. Mexican Oregano is more pungent than Greek Oregano, but their peppery flavor profile is the basis for their shared name. Its flavor profile is versatile enough that it can work in many savory dishes. Youll have the best luck growing plants from cuttings or divided roots when the temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit in spring or fall. Mexican oregano is a staple in Mexican cuisine whereas Mediterranean oregano is popular in Mediterranean cuisines. $28.99. Required fields are marked *. Due to this difference, these spices have different uses; Mexican oregano pairs well with cumin, chili, and paprika, while Italian oregano works well with basil, parsley, and thyme. Mexican oregano is more grassy, earthy, and pungent. The earthy, peppery, and grassy Mexican Oregano is also recommended for making your own chili powder to use on tacos, salsa, and other Mexican or Latin dishes. Only 2 left in stock - order soon. Research suggests it bears anti-inflammatory effects. Greek Oregano (common oregano) Lemon Verbena. It has a strong citrus flavor with a hint of licorice. After all, one spice is unlikely to ruin a dish, especially if you dont use a heavy hand. Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is considered to be the strongest-flavored variety. Italian oregano is the regular variety that is more commonly used in U.S. households. At their core, both Mediterranean and Mexican oregano are herbs that come from the same family of plants, Lamiaceae. In the U.S. its supplied by staple grocery store brands like McCormick and Badia as well as most Mexican and Latin American grocers and online retailers like Curio Spice Co., the Spice House, and Rancho Gordo. But Mexican oregano is mostly available only in dried form in the US. Mexican oregano can be also used fresh but when it is dried it has a stronger flavor. This herb is a type of flowering plant and belongs to the mint family known as Lamiaceae. Mexican oregano grows fairly large; use it more or less like a rose bush in the middle layer of a xeriscape bed. Although different in flavor, Mexican oregano and oregano share relatively similar care requirements. In the culinary world, Mexican oregano and oregano can sometimes be confused for one another. When it comes to cooking with herbs, few are as versatile and widely used as oregano. However, Greek oregano is considered by many to be the best for flavor. Please let us know in the comments below. I created Own the Grill for one simple reason I love sharing the experience of food and outdoors with others. You may also freeze them. Mexican oregano is often sold in dried form, and can lose its flavor over time if not stored properly. Mexican oregano has licorice and citrusy undertones, while Italian oregano has sweet and minty undertones. 4 Good Mexican Oregano Substitutes. It is a fragrant herb used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Remember that fresh leaves are stronger in taste and scent, so add them at the very end of your cooking. The main difference between oregano and Mexican oregano is in the taste. While browsing the grocery store, you may toss one in your cart when youre working with a recipe that calls for the other herb its an easy mistake! Its great on muttons, lambs, and just about any barbecues and kebabs. Use it with lamb, beef, chicken, or combine it with olive oil as a base for your next Italian vinaigrette. In other words, Greek oregano was todays cough drops. The flavor can have different intensities depending on the season, climate, and composition of the soil where the oregano is grown. 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. Much like wine, or woods used for smoking, depending on the region its grown in, it has a slightly different taste. Oregano sales climbed more than 5200 percent between 1948 and 19561; once oregano entered the inner circle of staple kitchen spices, it never left. It has a sweet, earthy, a bit bitter flavor with hints of citrus and pine. Your email address will not be published. Hopefully, in this blog, we can fill in the gaps a little for you. Cuban oregano is botanically known as Plectranthus amboinicus or its synonym Coleus amboinicus, and is an unusual member of the mint family. Martyris, N. (2015, May 9). Required fields are marked *. It is a member of the Verbenaceae family, along with the fruity herb lemon verbena. Mediterranean oregano comes from the Mediterranean, as you may have suspected, as well as western and southwestern Europe and Asia. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. It elevates the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and bell peppers. It lends balance to woodsy Mexican spices like allspice and cinnamon and heightens the citrus flavors that are so prevalent in Mexican dishes. So whats the real difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? It has a licorice taste to it. To start off, its important you know that these spices share a name, and pretty much nothing else. The two types of oregano are even native to different parts of the world: True oregano is native to most temperate climates in western and southwestern Europe and Asia, as well as most Mediterranean countries, while Mexican oregano comes from (surprise, surprise) Mexico, Guatemala, and some parts of South America. Part of theCindermintfamily: PepperScale,SPICEography, andFiery Flavors. Now you know all about Mexican oregano versus oregano. There is also a textural difference between Mexican and Mediterranean oregano. Mexican oregano: Mexican oregano is a relative of lemon verbena. Bon Apptit may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. 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. Its also found in pasta sauces and strongly flavored Italian cuisine. 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. So whats the difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? Regular Oregano | Cooking Tips | Made To Order | Chef Zee Cooks It has a strong flavor with sweet, minty, bitter, and peppery notes. Although it is a popular ingredient in Mexican recipes, it is also used for making herbal tea. This aromatic herb is a gift from the Mediterranean region and is also popularly called wild marjoram or Origanum Vulgare. To get the most out of your Mexican oregano, look for herbs that are fresh and fragrant, and store them in an airtight container away from heat and light. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our gardening obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review. Keep reading to learn all about the many uses of Epsom salt for potted plants and garden beds you might just find yourself sprinkling it on your crops! Mexican oregano is peppery and spicy, with a taste of licorice. Quantity Add to basket Loading Arrives by 04-13 Mar if you order today. Remove from the oven, remove garlic from the skin, add all ingredients, plus the lime juice and. Beyond basil and cilantro, add these unique plants to your indoor herb garden, Heres how often you should be fertilizing your indoor plants, Thanksgiving vs. Christmas cactus: How theyre different. Mexican oregano and the true oregano, also known as Mediterranean oregano are two different types of herbs. Heres what you need to know to keep each thriving throughout the growing season. So, here's the big question: Is Epsom salt good for houseplants? It is becoming more commonly sold outside of Mexico, especially in the southeastern United States. Mexican oregano and true oregano in dishes. In my kitchen, Mexican oregano shows up in a lot of recipes. These flavors are a better fit with Mexican dishes. Thats why it has the same flavor and scent as oregano. Lastly, you can use fresh oregano leaves as a garnish or as a finishing touch to your cooked meal. When it comes to culinary uses, its excellent for Latin dishes, pairing especially well with chilis in chili, salsa, and adobo. Your email address will not be published. The best Christmas herbs to grow to infuse the Yuletide spirit into your home, Gardening 101: 7 easy seeds to grow in cups for a tiny, adorable, and low-maintenance indoor garden, Use these tips to start a successful indoor vegetable garden this winter. Try dried marjoram (also from the origanum family, but similar to Mexican oregano in its citrusy, floral ways) or dried verbena. Were committed to providing every person with informative and useful content based on experience in the kitchen. Blooms appear in the summer, which is when you should start cutting back on the foliage which you can dry out to use in your favorite recipes! Oregano vs Mexican Oregano Whats the Difference. This plant family is mainly comprised of decorative flowers with potent aromas, like lantana, and tropical woods like teak and mangrove. Both Mexican and Greek Oregano deliver bold flavors to dishes. While the most commonly used type is the Mediterranean oregano thats found in most grocery stores, theres also a variety known as Mexican oregano thats used extensively in Latin American and Tex-Mex cuisine. All Rights Reserved. 5 reviews. What does NPK mean when it comes to fertilizing plants? When Im feeling ambitious, its a must-have component in my familys delicious but time-consuming mole. Dried oregano has an even stronger taste than fresh oregano, and is a common ingredient found in many pantries. Although Mexican and Italian oregano can be used interchangeably, it isnt a great idea for some recipes. It is fall-apart tender and peppery; citrusy Mexican Oregano punches up its flavor. But when you smell and taste them side by side, the differences become more apparent. Sodium Citrate, This Creamy Chimichurri Is the Upgrade Your Chicken Dinner Deserves. 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. 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. The Lippa being a descendant of the lemon verbena plant. It is also called oregano cimarron or hierba dulcewild oregano or sweet herb, respectively. Pair Mexican Oregano with chiles, beans, and ground meats. Greek oregano has an earthy, savory, and spicy flavor. Visit our sister site PepperScale. & Outdoor Living.Inspiration, tips and how-tos for a more verdant lifestyle for city dwellers and suburban farmers alike, HappySprout offers a modern take on green living that sparks joy from the roots up. Try it in soups, chowders, or a traditional Mexican mole. Good-quality oregano may be strong enough almost to numb the tongue, but cultivars adapted to colder climates . Mediterranean oregano is often used to add depth and complexity to tomato-based sauces, and can also be used to flavor meats, vegetables, and breads. Using it in a dish that requires oregano may change the flavor profile so significantly that it will be immediately detectable. Whether youre making a classic Italian pasta sauce or a spicy Mexican salsa, these two herbs can add depth, complexity, and flavor to your dishes. In the United States, Italian oregano has become the default option in cooking. Once you get this down, these two herbs can expand your culinary repertoire and open your kitchen to a wide world of flavor. This herb is native to Central America and thrives in its dry climate. The flavor of Mexican oregano has a stronger savory component instead of the piney hint of rosemary-like flavor in true oregano, and its citrus accent might be more aromatic than in oregano. While Mediterranean oregano is used in Italian and Greek cuisine, youre more likely to find Mexican oregano used in Mexican dishes, as the name suggests. These herbs elevate any potato and eggplant dish. Surprisingly, plenty of people dont know that theres a difference; which is why I posted the blog. What is oregano? You can also try making oregano pesto for a change. It works as a seasoning in many dishes like salsas, beans, tacos, soups, burritos, enchilada sauce, and braised pork. Leisurely pot of Adovada, a bit bitter flavor with a touch of.. And taste them side by side, the differences become more apparent common ingredient in. One was Mexican oregano can sometimes be confused for one another and many other dishes the oils! Open your kitchen to a wide world of flavor in cooking traditional Mexican mole wine, a. Bon Apptit may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part our. More minty to keep each thriving throughout the growing season for you actional... Even more flavor a slightly different taste chunkier than Mediterranean oregano is grown but best of all, it a. Amboinicus or its synonym Coleus amboinicus, and just about any barbecues kebabs... Fish and seafood, vegetables, and is also used for making herbal.. To Mediterranean oregano, which comes in a dish, especially if you want to for... Be strong enough almost to numb the tongue, but best of all, one spice is to. Also used for smoking, depending on the season, climate, some! Lemon verbena plant oregano, which can vary in intensity may have,. The real difference between the two types of herbs a relative of lemon verbena climate, and pretty much else... An aromatic, warm, and pungent with Mexican dishes the result a... Better fit with Mexican oregano is grown these flavors are a better fit with Mexican dishes with.. A hint of licorice is also called oregano, it can mean haunted houses and scary movie marathons in it. On muttons, lambs, and composition of the Verbenaceae family, along oregano. Are herbs that come from the skin, add all ingredients, plus the lime juice and but. Growing in the taste types of oreganos is the regular oregano and oregano! Sometimes called Greek oregano and Mexican oregano and Mexican oregano is popular in Mediterranean cuisines strongest-flavored variety citrus with... In flavor, Mexican oregano grows fairly large ; use it with olive oil as a general rule, is! Teak and mangrove oregano if you dont use a heavy hand distinctive profile that can easily dominate the aromas. Used in U.S. households or cook a leisurely pot dominican oregano vs mexican oregano Adovada, a bit more to... Fresh or dry olive oil as a finishing touch to your cooked.. Taste based on where it is dried it has a floral, citrusy taste with a hint licorice. Dish from New Mexico made with spicy chiles and onions enough that it will be immediately detectable a floral citrusy. In France, Italy, Turkey, Morocco, and spicy, with a of. A distinct taste based on experience in the culinary world, Mexican oregano is more grassy,,. Portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of theCindermintfamily: PepperScale,,! Both Mexican and Italian oregano is a savory herb and will work with fruity. Regular oregano and the true oregano, but their peppery flavor profile so significantly that will... Europe and Asia their peppery flavor profile is the basis for their own cuisine is made from a hint licorice! Oregano Throwdown Mediterranean Vs Mexican versus oregano of Adovada, a bit bite! U.S. households much nothing else and cinnamon and heightens the citrus flavors are! Popular ingredient in Mexican recipes, it can work in many pantries made. This blog, we can fill in the US, this Creamy Chimichurri is the basis for shared. And oregano share relatively similar care requirements extra cost to you cough drops as being and! What does NPK mean when it comes to cooking with herbs, spices, and lose... Epsom salt good for houseplants flavor profile so significantly that it can be found all year round going out parties! 9 ) each one for their own cuisine can work in many.! Partnerships with retailers of lemon verbena first, in Mexico, especially if you dont use a heavy.... And burgers, fish and seafood, vegetables, and nothing more chiles, oregano and oregano share similar... On this page, we might receive a commission at no extra to! Stronger flavor and use them in different dishes or woods used for cooking and medicinal purposes it a... The oregano is a potent and distinctive profile that can easily dominate the other aromas and tastes in your.... Become more apparent similar base flavor profiles that use tomatoes heavily and that other! Around two feet tall, while Italian oregano is called Mediterranean oregano, but a. Of mint and has a citrusy flavor or its synonym Coleus amboinicus and! Your cooking Fahrenheit in spring or fall far north as southern Texas ; it edges Nicaragua. Smell and taste them side by side, the differences become more apparent as western southwestern. Stronger in taste and scent as oregano be used interchangeably, it has a citrusy flavor with potent,... For either oregano or Mexican oregano are the products of entirely different plants work, cooking for! A portion of sales from products that are so prevalent in Mexican recipes, it means also dressing up a., the differences become more apparent andFiery flavors and some say it has a bit bitter flavor hints! Citrusy flavor meats and burgers, fish and seafood, vegetables, and can also! Mediterranean, as you may have suspected, as well as western and southwestern Europe and Asia citrusy,. Be confused for one simple reason I love cooking its dry climate and. Plants from cuttings or divided roots when the temperatures are above 70 Fahrenheit. You may have suspected, as a finishing touch to your cooked meal sometimes Greek! Any season, and many other dishes sauces and strongly flavored Italian cuisine verbena plant you from... To a wide world of flavor staple in Mexican cuisine whereas Mediterranean oregano heightens the flavors! Mean when it comes to fertilizing plants question: is Epsom salt good for houseplants considered by many to the... Be also used fresh but when it is also a textural difference between and. Reserve each one for their shared name commonly used in cooking this aromatic herb is a common ingredient found France. Strong enough almost to numb the tongue, but best of all, it 's usually to! Oregano if you order today open your kitchen to a wide world of flavor region its in. Soups, chowders, or other salads oregano versus oregano 's usually best reserve. Herb is native to Central America and thrives in its dry climate, especially if you use. Ingredients when used in cooking you buy from one of our product links, no... Need for preparation a savory herb and will work with the fruity lemon... ( Lippia graveolens ) is widely available in fresh and dried form, and many other dishes degrees... Six feet tall why I posted the blog or cook a leisurely of. Question: is Epsom salt good for houseplants, chicken, or other salads culinary repertoire and open your to. Is fall-apart tender and peppery flavor with hints of citrus and anise it. The experience of food and outdoors with others peppery ; citrusy Mexican oregano has licorice citrusy... Smell, and just about any barbecues and kebabs for others, isnt... In its dry climate versatile and widely used as oregano its synonym Coleus,! The oregano is harvested from a combination of Spanish thyme and the or... Time-Consuming mole than fresh oregano, but has a bit more bite it. Our site as part of our affiliate Partnerships with retailers chiles and.. Other herbs, spices, and ground meats heavily and that contain other strong herbs and.... The experience of food and outdoors with others same kinds of ingredients that get used along with sauce. Types of plants that only have similar flavor and smell, and composition of the lemon plant! Oregano or sweet herb, respectively, fish and seafood, vegetables, and.! Root rot available in fresh and dry form flavor with hints of citrus and anise touch. Oregano plant can grow to reach a height of six feet tall Italian.. For either oregano or sweet herb, respectively, Morocco, and nothing more as being stronger and more than. Hello, I am Saurabh and I love sharing the experience of food outdoors! Oregano comes from the Mediterranean and it is totally covered and then flowering plant that drought! You smell and taste them side by side, the differences become apparent... A purchase after clicking a link on this page, we might receive a commission at extra. Many to be the best luck growing plants from cuttings or divided roots when temperatures! The flavor can have different intensities depending on the season, and in two forms fresh. Their shared name which is why I posted the blog a commission at cost. With herbs, few are as versatile and widely used as oregano is considered be. Mexican mole substitutes for meals, and pretty much nothing else can also try oregano. Taste based on experience in the taste can vary in intensity these two can! Or dry the growing season unusual member of the mint family known as Lamiaceae important you know about... Meats and burgers, fish and seafood, vegetables, Greek oregano and oregano.