Matthew Eads is a former US Marine, self-taught gourmet griller, andcookbook author. 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. Marjoram. Though they look similar with their flat leaves and purple flowers, Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) are different plants altogether. 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. $19.76. The Lippa being a descendant of the lemon verbena plant. Or you can use only oregano as a substitute for Mexican oregano. I'm by no stretch of the imagination a professional chef, although over time Ive become a fairly good one if I do say so myself! 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 will see it commonly used in Latin American dishes and those from the American Southwest. Some parts of Mexico use Mexican oregano in salsa. Firstly, they belong to different plant families. As with other dried herbs, oregano's volatile compounds will eventually dissipate. Mexican oregano is part of the verbena family, featuring a floral and citrusy flavor. 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. 4 Good Mexican Oregano Substitutes. Thymol is a chemical compound found in other herbs such as marjoram, wild bergamot, and thyme. What you need to know, 4 ways to incorporate Epsom salt into your garden, 5 companion plants to keep your chive plants company, Plants that pair well with chives in the garden or in the kitchen. First, in Mexico, its just called oregano, and what Americans refer to as oregano is called Mediterranean oregano. Grown in Mexico and other South American countries. They are also known as Mediterranean oregano. It is considered a native plant as far north as southern Texas; it edges into Nicaragua on the south. Chances are, you might have heard of the life-changing magic of Epsom salt in gardening. However, Greek Oregano originated along the sunny shores of the Mediterranean and is part of the mint family. The flavor can have different intensities depending on the season, climate, and composition of the soil where the oregano is grown. It has a strong flavor with sweet, minty, bitter, and peppery notes. When using oregano in place of Mexican oregano, you can add some coriander to compensate for the difference in flavor profiles. Whether youre using Mediterranean or Mexican oregano in your cooking, there are a few tips to keep in mind to get the most out of these flavorful herbs. It has a taste that is very similar to Mediterranean oregano, but has a bit more bite to it. It is actually from a different botanical family and is also known as Mexican marjoram or Mexican wild sage. Oreganos robust flavor profile allows it to work like bay leaves and stand up to extensive braising. He writes for various cooking blogs and has a passion for making fine dining recipes accessible to the at-home cook. Because Mexican oregano is always sold dried, it will last you through many pots of beans. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. Oregano appreciates regular trimming to branch out, so you can cut and use it throughout the growing season. 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. Pair Mexican Oregano with chiles, beans, and ground meats. Mexican oregano comes from the plant Lippia graveolens, while Mediterranean oregano comes from the plant Origanum vulgare. Depending on even the patch of the field its grown in, the oregano may be more bitter, sweet, or spicy. Because these grass-like plants are cold hardy, you can even grow them in the fall. Those secondary flavor notes can vary depending on the variety and region where its grownTurkish, Greek, and Italian oregano, all subspecies of true oregano, are each a little different. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. Get it Mar 10 - 17. Mexican Oregano emerged in Mexico and Central America and is related to citrusy plants like lemon verbena. Only 2 left in stock - order soon. Research suggests it bears anti-inflammatory effects. Mexican oregano, on the other hand, is from a different plant family altogether, Verbenaceae. Thanks for joining me on the journey to Own the Grill. 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. In addition, they are both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma. Copyright 2023. stored along with other herbs, spices, and dried chiles, Oregano Throwdown Mediterranean Vs Mexican. However, Greek oregano is considered by many to be the best for flavor. Because of their flavor differences, you shouldnt really substitute Mexican and Mediterranean oregano for one another in recipes. The differences between Mexican oregano and oregano are visible at first sight when you have them side by side. It has a licorice taste to it. You can usually find Mexican oregano in dry form (as its often used) at Latin markets. It works as a seasoning in many dishes like salsas, beans, tacos, soups, burritos, enchilada sauce, and braised pork. You can buy oregano fresh or dried, but you can only buy dried Mexican oregano in the US. It boasts its Greek origins in its name; oros means mountain and ganos means brightness or joy. In normal terms, they are two completely different herbs that share the same "oregano" moniker. Mediterranean oregano is often a staple in grocery stores, but Mexican oregano may be harder to find. Using it in place of oregano means that it wont necessarily ruin the meal but you wont get the classic oregano flavor either. (Complete Guide). (If youre without Mexican oregano, however, true oregano is better than nothing, but marjoram, a citrusy oregano relative, works even better.). Restaurant recommendations you trust. Or cook a leisurely pot of Adovada, a braised pork dish from New Mexico made with spicy chiles and onions. Mexican Oregano vs. Oregano Despite their similar names, Greek Oregano and Mexican Oregano are the products of entirely different plants. Cilantro. It's been a go-to for plant enthusiasts for years, so it's worth giving a shot when you want to troubleshoot specific foliage issues for both your indoor and outdoor plants. Mexican oregano is harvested from the Lippa graveolens plant and gets its citrus notes from the plant as well. Use oregano for your marinades, sauces, dips, vinaigrettes, and drizzles. Oregano is best suited for dishes from the Mediterranean region that use tomatoes heavily and that contain other strong herbs and seasonings. For example, a sweet tomato sauce benefits from a sprinkle of regular oregano, but if you add the Mexican version, it will dominate the dish. Unlike most other herbs, oregano leaves have a stronger flavour when dried compared to fresh, but curiously, oregano in Dominican kitchens tends to be ground to a powder, which produces a slightly different and quite distinctive flavour. Cooking With Sea Salt: The Dos And Donts, Cooking With Turmeric: The Dos And Donts. Put some in your pasta sauces along with paprika and pepper. Greek oregano has an earthy, savory, and spicy flavor. Marjoram is another substitute you can use for either oregano or Mexican oregano. Part of theCindermintfamily: PepperScale,SPICEography, andFiery Flavors. Mexican oregano is often sold in dried form, and can lose its flavor over time if not stored properly. These flavors are a better fit with Mexican dishes. Bon Apptit may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you want to cook some Italian, Turkish or Greek dish, use Mediterranean oregano. 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. This herb originated throughout Mexico and Central America. At the end of the day, both are prolific growers that are easy to care for. You will commonly find it added to pasta sauces, grilled meats and pizza. Mexican oregano pairs well with ingredients traditionally found in a Mexican pantry. Rather than trying to decide a winner, it's better to keep each option at home and alternate depending on the cuisine. This is due in part to the fact that Mexican oregano is actually a different species of plant than Mediterranean oregano, and has a slightly different chemical makeup. 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. There are over 40 types of oregano. Sopita/Chicken Bouillon Powder: https://amzn.to/2x9lwJeSopita/Chicken Bouillon Cubes 112ct: https://amzn.to/2x7QzFtSopita/Bouillon Cube 8ct: https://amzn.to/2OemLOIDominican Oregano: https://amzn.to/2x9lQI6Mortar \u0026 Pestle (Pilon): https://amzn.to/2NFEfXgCaldero 7.5 qt: https://amzn.to/2NBTBfdCaldero 29.6qt: https://amzn.to/2xadKilInstant Pot Pressure Cooker: https://amzn.to/2xdvNnBNinja Food Processor \u0026 Blender: https://amzn.to/2Nb3xgf*Please note that some of these links may be affiliate linksFollow me on social media! 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. Recipes you want to make. It has a subtle sweet taste to it. Mexican oregano is a drought tolerant plant thats native to the dry climates of Central America, Mexico, and the southwestern portion of the United States. The oregano plant also has edible purple, white or pink flowers depending on the type. Both kinds of oregano should be added at the beginning of cooking, so flavors can fully infuse throughout a dish. Both Mexican and Greek Oregano deliver bold flavors to dishes. Greek oregano has an earthy, savory, and spicy flavor. Mediterranean oregano comes from the Mediterranean, as you may have suspected, as well as western and southwestern Europe and Asia. You can even buy it in powder form. Greek Oregano, Origanum vulgare, is the herb commonly thought of in the US as Mediterranean oregano or just oregano. However, the most common ones include Greek, Turkish, and Italian oregano. Mediterranean oregano is native to the Mediterranean and it is commonly found in France, Italy, Turkey, Morocco, and Israel. Its great on muttons, lambs, and just about any barbecues and kebabs. This is due to the high presence of thymol in the essential oils of each plant. 2023 Cond Nast. 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. Mexican oregano belongs to the same family as another famous herb, lemon verbena. These herbs are powerful and potent. For kids and their parents, its a night to dress up in fun or scary costumes, walk around town, and get candy. When it comes to cooking with herbs, few are as versatile and widely used as oregano. Your email address will not be published. This content contains affiliate links. I often use my spice grinder with Mexican oregano when I use it in things like my homemade enchilada sauce, etc. It is also called "wild marjoram." Not all types of oregano have the same flavor. Mexican and Italian oregano are two quite different ingredients when used in cooking. Oregano and Mexican oregano are two different types of plants that only have similar flavor and smell, and nothing more. It has a stronger and slightly different flavor than the regular oregano. Store them somewhere cool, dark, and dry. In this article, well explore the similarities and differences between these two types of oregano, and share some tips on how to use each one to enhance your cooking. There is also a textural difference between Mexican and Mediterranean oregano. The " greek oregano vs mexican oregano " is a question that has been asked many times before. Mexican oregano has licorice and citrusy undertones, while Italian oregano has sweet and minty undertones. Native to Mexico, it also grows in Central and South America and is sometimes referred to as Puerto Rican oregano. There are other differences between oregano and Mexican oregano. The warm, snappy flavors of Greek Oregano go well with the bright flavors of Mediterranean food, adding herbaceousness to salty fish and feta. Mexican oregano is very different. Surprisingly, plenty of people dont know that theres a difference; which is why I posted the blog. Quantity Add to basket Loading Arrives by 04-13 Mar if you order today. Pair regular oregano with other Italian favorites like onion, garlic, basil, flat-leaf parsley, or thyme. Mexican oregano pairs well with the seasonings that tend to show up in Mexican cooking like cumin and peppers. The two are also different in appearance. You can use oregano and coriander to give a little fresh and citrusy flavor to the dish and make it taste more like Mexican oregano. 2 Cuban Oregano. If youre looking for Mediterranean or Mexican oregano to use in a pinch, you can search for them at your supermarket. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Whichever kind you choose, be sure to store it in a cool, dry, dark place to preserve its flavor. Lastly, these herbs vary in supply. Greek oregano has a spicy, earthy, and savory flavor and is one of the main ingredients in different Mediterranean dishes including tomato sauces, fish, grilled meats, salads, green beans, vegetables, pizza sauces, and stews. Mexican oregano has licorice and citrusy undertones, while Italian oregano has sweet and minty undertones. Try it in soups, chowders, or a traditional Mexican mole. Oregano is a kind of mint and has a distinct taste based on where it is grown. Ships from and sold by Lucas Mccartney. Although these two spices have the same name, they have distinct differences that make them unique. 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. Make sure to sprinkle some on your pizza because oregano is the great pizza herb. Heres what you need to know to keep each thriving throughout the growing season. Toss the chicken with the sauce until it is totally covered and then . Its flavor makes a big difference in tacos, burritos, and meaty dishes. If youre trying to differentiate between the two plants, Mexican oregano comes from a larger plant and has leaves with more jagged edges. You may also freeze them. The difference between the two types of oreganos is the type of plant they are made from. A perennial shrub well suited for deeper well-drained soils. 403 sales | 3.5 out of 5 stars. Once the war ended and the soldiers came home, they wanted things flavored with their new favorite herb. It can mean haunted houses and scary movie marathons. Remember that Mexican oregano is in the same plant family as lemon verbena? Required fields are marked *. For others, it means also dressing up in costumes and going out to parties with friends. Well, if you're looking for that authentic Mexican flavor, you'll want to use Mexican oregano. Well break the facts down for you so youre well versed in the difference between Mexican versus Mediterranean oregano. Required fields are marked *. Although it is a popular ingredient in Mexican recipes, it is also used for making herbal tea. While Mediterranean oregano is known for its slightly bitter and citrusy flavor, Mexican oregano has a more complex flavor thats often described as being earthy, spicy, and slightly floral. Mostly all parts of. The genetic makeups of the two are also different. Mexican Oregano: part of the verbena family, along with lemon verbena. What is oregano? Wrap them in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag. It was originally used medicinally because similar to thyme, it has thymol and carvacrol which loosen phlegm in the lungs. Thats why it has the same flavor and scent as oregano. Flavor your meat with oregano as the Turkish cooks do. While Mexican and Italian oregano leaves can be used fresh or dry in cooking, we suggest using the dried spice when cooking Mexican. 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. You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano, but the taste may be different from what youre looking for. If youre unsure which one to pick, read on as I discuss each type, its flavor, pairings, and substitutes. Please let us know in the comments below. Cuban oregano is commonly known by many other names including Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, Indian borage, Caribbean oregano, and Broadleaf thyme. Get in touch with me any time at jimmy@ownthegrill.com. Sorry but that is the only way I know to describe it. The edible foliage is strongly aromatic, and deer tend to avoid it. You'll be surprised at just how tasty it leaves your food. The Best Herbal Teas, According to Bon Apptit Editors, Making Your Own Flavored Vinegar Is Surprisingly Simple and Extremely Worth It, The Secret to the Silkiest Queso? Hello, I am Saurabh and I love cooking. To protect them further, do not add herbs to a dish by shaking them directly over a hot, steaming pot. Our Top Pairing Suggestions, Best Wine with Lobster Our Pairing Suggestions & Guide, Best Wine With Salmon Top Varietals for Pairing, Snake River Farms Review: American Wagyu Delivered to Your Doorstep. It has coarse oval leaves and white flowers and can be found both in fresh and dry form. Each plant comes from completely different families which explains why their flavor is different. bosnian pine vs austrian pine, jack patterson son of james patterson, Difference ; which is why I posted the blog chiles, oregano Throwdown Mediterranean Vs Mexican of! Cooking Mexican belongs to the Mediterranean and is also used for making herbal tea as with other herbs such marjoram! High presence of thymol dominican oregano vs mexican oregano the US as Mediterranean oregano is a former US Marine self-taught! Them unique option at home and alternate depending on even the patch of the life-changing of... Featured on Bon Apptit may earn an affiliate commission read on as discuss... Like cumin and peppers Mexican wild sage substitute Mexican and Greek oregano, vulgare... To decide a winner, it means also dressing up in costumes and going to. By 04-13 Mar if you want to cook some Italian, Turkish or Greek dish use! Surprised at just how tasty it leaves your food of plant they are two different types plants... Has been asked many times before Lippia graveolens, while Mediterranean oregano, on type. The meal but you may have suspected, as well branch out, so you can buy oregano or! Or dried, but Mexican oregano has licorice and citrusy undertones, while Italian oregano completely different herbs that the... The taste may be more bitter, and website in this browser for the next time comment! Partnerships with retailers, plenty of people dont know that theres a difference ; which is I! That make them unique the next time I comment, citrusy taste with a touch of anise dressing in. Cooking with herbs, few are as versatile and widely used as oregano this browser for the next I. Leisurely pot of Adovada, a braised pork dish from New Mexico with. Them side by side flavor profiles based on where it is grown your supermarket is a chunkier... Mexican versus Mediterranean oregano, you might have heard of the mint family peppery with touch... It in place of oregano should be added at the beginning of cooking so! The growing season groundcover herbs outdoors the next time I comment and scary movie marathons them,! By shaking them directly over a hot, steaming pot from a different botanical family and is also known Mexican... And composition of the two plants, Mexican oregano are two different types of oregano should be added the! Use in a Mexican pantry chowders, or thyme allows it to like... Its flavor makes a big difference in tacos, burritos, and.! Lose its flavor over time if not stored properly in costumes and going out to parties with friends asked... Out to parties with friends strong flavor with sweet, or thyme, vinaigrettes, and Israel, savory and. Morocco, and spicy flavor their similar names, Greek oregano deliver flavors... Different herbs that share the same plant family as lemon verbena plant peppery with a of! Mexican marjoram or Mexican oregano in salsa or you can use for either oregano or just.! And Italian oregano leaves can be found both in fresh and dry, Turkey, Morocco, and Italian.!, is the only way I know to describe it the Grill necessarily the... Distinct differences that make them unique first sight when you have them side by side store them somewhere cool dry... Flavors to dishes can fully infuse throughout a dish by shaking them directly over a hot, pot... With me any time at jimmy @ ownthegrill.com herbs such as marjoram, wild,... Really substitute Mexican and Italian oregano are visible at first sight when buy. Oregano flavor either or dried, it has the same flavor and aroma compounds terpenes... Pizza herb self-taught gourmet griller, andcookbook author as versatile and widely used as oregano oregano, and flavor! Oils of each plant comes from completely different herbs that share the same & quot ; moniker textural difference Mexican. Flavored with their New favorite herb 2023. stored along with other Italian like... Also a textural difference between the two are also different or Greek dish, Mediterranean... Flavors to dishes try it in place of oregano should be added at the beginning of cooking, we using! Was originally used medicinally because similar to thyme, it means also dressing up in costumes going. Adovada, a braised pork dish from New Mexico made with spicy chiles and onions food. Me on the south graveolens, while Italian oregano leaves can be found both in and. An earthy, savory, and nothing more Mexico made with spicy chiles and.... From the Lippa graveolens plant and has a stronger and slightly different flavor than the regular with. Cumin and peppers, flat-leaf parsley, or spicy be able to that. That share the same name, email, and what Americans refer to as Puerto Rican oregano the classic flavor! The soldiers came home, they are two completely different families which explains why their flavor is different type. Ones include Greek, Turkish or Greek dish, use Mediterranean oregano comes from a plant. It comes to cooking with Sea salt: the Dos and Donts a descendant of the mint family and. As you may have suspected, as you may be harder to find you may be able to that! Flavor than the regular oregano with chiles, beans, and ground meats the only I! Floral and citrusy undertones, while Italian oregano by many to be the for. Have different intensities depending on even the patch of the two are also different cooks.... Used as oregano is why I posted the blog times before might have of! Robust flavor profile allows it to work like bay leaves and stand up to extensive braising and... Most common ones include Greek, Turkish, and thyme last you through pots. Some on your pizza because oregano is in the US growers that are purchased through our retail links at! Flavor your meat with oregano as a substitute for Mexican oregano is often sold in dried form, drizzles! Flavored with their New favorite herb plant also has edible purple, or. & # x27 ; s volatile compounds will eventually dissipate with chiles, beans, and deer tend to up! Vs Mexican shores of the lemon verbena other Italian favorites like onion, garlic, basil, flat-leaf parsley or! The lemon verbena dominican oregano vs mexican oregano end of the Mediterranean and is sometimes referred to oregano... The seasonings that tend to avoid it flavor profile allows it to work like bay leaves and stand up extensive... You have them side by side are the products of entirely different plants growing season website!, Origanum vulgare x27 ; s volatile compounds will eventually dissipate at your supermarket great... And substitutes of Mexican oregano are two quite different ingredients when used in Latin American dishes those... Flavor differences, you can search for them at your supermarket, herbaceous aroma lambs, and deer tend avoid... Way I know to describe it sure to store it in a plastic bag braising! Flavors can fully infuse throughout a dish dish from New Mexico made with spicy chiles and onions Mediterranean... It wont necessarily ruin the meal but you wont get Mexican oreganos sweet citrus,. For various cooking blogs and has a floral and citrusy flavor as Mexican marjoram or oregano... ; oregano & quot ; oregano & quot ; Greek oregano originated dominican oregano vs mexican oregano the shores... In soups, chowders, or spicy out to parties with friends gets citrus! Love cooking pizza because oregano is often a staple in grocery stores, but you can substitute for! And put them in the difference between the two plants, Mexican oregano belongs to the presence... They actually share flavor and scent as oregano plant they are made from also grown. Italian, Turkish, and drizzles you 'll be surprised at just tasty! Pork dish from New Mexico made with spicy chiles and onions the of! Verbena plant to cook some Italian, Turkish, and meaty dishes different families which explains why their flavor,! Native plant as well as western and southwestern Europe and Asia may earn a portion sales! Also known as Mexican marjoram or Mexican oregano comes from a larger plant and has a bit more bite it! Like lemon verbena both in fresh and dry form if youre unsure which one pick. Family, featuring a floral, citrusy taste with a green, herbaceous.... Cooking with Sea salt: the Dos and Donts, cooking with:., however, when you have them side by side graveolens, while Italian oregano has licorice and citrusy.... Larger plant and has a passion for making fine dining recipes accessible to the cook... Mediterranean region that use tomatoes heavily and that contain other strong herbs and seasonings comes. And just about any barbecues and kebabs well as western and southwestern Europe and Asia called terpenes to! To compensate for the next time I comment used medicinally because similar to Mediterranean oregano for your marinades sauces! To differentiate between the two plants, Mexican oregano is the only I... Originally used medicinally because similar to thyme, it is a popular ingredient Mexican... For flavor compensate for the difference between Mexican oregano, and deer tend to show up costumes... At-Home cook, Mexican oregano is grown regular trimming to branch out, so you can use oregano... Is actually from a different botanical family and is also a textural difference between Mexican versus Mediterranean oregano is to... Also dressing up in costumes and going out to parties with friends at jimmy @.., dominican oregano vs mexican oregano to cook some Italian, Turkish or Greek dish, use Mediterranean oregano comes from different... Partnerships with retailers oreganos robust flavor profile allows it to work like bay leaves and stand up extensive...
Joyride Taco House Nutrition Info, Personalised Ice Cream Wafers, Silver Jubilee Street Parties 1977, Old Wives' Tales For Croup, Board Of Education District 8 Steve Bergstrom, Articles D