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. You can also try making oregano pesto for a change. You may want to grind Mexican oregano a bit with a mortar and pestle, or just crumble it in your fingers, before use depending on your application. Instead of true oregano, marjoram and lemon verbena will give you more of the citrus note you may be looking for. As these soldiers ate his canned spaghetti, they came to enjoy oreganos sassy flavor. Or you can use only oregano as a substitute for Mexican oregano. Mediterranean oregano is often a staple in grocery stores, but Mexican oregano may be harder to find. Mexican oregano is related to lemon verbena, while Mediterranean oregano is a part of the mint family, related to marjoram. The main difference between oregano and Mexican oregano is in the taste. The best substitute for Mexican oregano is marjoram. It tastes of hay and smells of camphor. 04-13 Mar. 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. Mexican Oregano, or lippia graveolens, is a member of the verbena family. So if you do decide to substitute Mexican oregano for Mediterranean oregano, use a little less than whats called for. To protect them further, do not add herbs to a dish by shaking them directly over a hot, steaming pot. Choosing a winner out of Italian and Mexican oregano is tough because they both have their uses in the kitchen. Both kinds of oregano should be added at the beginning of cooking, so flavors can fully infuse throughout a dish. Mexican oregano and oregano are often confused because of their similar names. What does NPK mean when it comes to fertilizing plants? 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! It has an aromatic, warm, and slightly bitter taste, which can vary in intensity. This herb is a type of flowering plant and belongs to the mint family known as Lamiaceae. At the end of the day, your recipe wont be totally ruined if you use them interchangeably, but these flavorful and easygoing herbs do bring different things to the table. Certified Piedmontese Review Healthy Beef Delivered to Your Doorstep. It is actually from a different botanical family and is also known as Mexican marjoram or Mexican wild sage. Although these two herbs are called oregano, they are not quite alike. If youre trying to differentiate between the two plants, Mexican oregano comes from a larger plant and has leaves with more jagged edges. Oregano is a relative of mint that is associated with the Mediterranean region and that most likely originated in Greece. Rather than trying to decide a winner, it's better to keep each option at home and alternate depending on the cuisine. 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. The minty and savory aspect or oreganos flavor profile can stand in for the licorice notes that you get from Mexican oregano. These bright and succulent grilled chicken breasts are perfect for wrapping in warm tortillas with spoonfuls of fresh salsa verde. Mexican Oregano is verdant and grassy, with an anise-like taste topped by lively citrus and lime. Mexican oregano grows fairly large; use it more or less like a rose bush in the middle layer of a xeriscape bed. Like thyme, oregano is available in both dried and fresh versions. But if you're just looking for a delicious herb to flavor your food, either type will do! In a blender, mix the tomatoes, chipotle peppers, Mexican oregano, garlic, salt, and onion. However, some just call it oregano, simply mistaking it for the most common variant. It is interesting to note that while these two do not belong to the same family, Mexican oregano contains high essential oils that are found in common oregano. Oregano (sometimes called Mediterranean oregano) is widely available in supermarkets, but Mexican oregano is mostly found in specialty shops, spice stores, and Latin markets. Chives are easy-going herbs that pack a delicious onion flavor while growing with little fuss. Can You Substitute Oregano for Mexican Oregano in Recipes? Visit our sister site PepperScale. Thus, they are different types of plants, with different looks, flavors and work well in different dishes. Not only are they derived from unrelated plants, but they're suitable for very different global cuisines. Orders Placed M-F by 3:30pm ET Ship Same Day!1-888-762-8642. It goes wonderfully with garlic, eggplant, peppers, cumin, cilantro, tomatoes, capers, vinegar, and cheese. About SPICEographyMaster your spice rack at SPICEography. Greek oregano and Mexican oregano originate from different countries. Unsurprisingly, used fresh or dried, it pairs well with the flavors of traditional Latin American cuisine. Mexican oregano is a bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, which comes in a finer form. It can be used anytime, during any season, and in two forms: fresh or dry. While Mexican and Italian oregano leaves can be used fresh or dry in cooking, we suggest using the dried spice when cooking Mexican. 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. Mexican oregano is harvested from the Lippa graveolens plant and gets its citrus notes from the plant as well. Even though they are classified separately, the two herbs do share a few similar terpenes ( flavor and aroma compounds ). Both are bitter herbs and share some flavor-defining essential oils. Greek Oregano (common oregano) Lemon Verbena. 10K views 5 years ago Dominican Oregano is super delicious and it's a spice that I use all the time in my cooking. It elevates the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and bell peppers. The warm, snappy flavors of Greek Oregano go well with the bright flavors of Mediterranean food, adding herbaceousness to salty fish and feta. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories, To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. It also might taste more grassy or earthy to you. 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! Surprisingly, plenty of people dont know that theres a difference; which is why I posted the blog. That said, it is a savory herb and will work with the same kinds of ingredients that get used along with oregano. Mexican oregano has licorice and citrusy undertones, while Italian oregano has sweet and minty undertones. Mexican oreganos flavor profile includes mint and citrus notes as well as hints of licorice and a little earthiness. These herbs are powerful and potent. Lather and drop them in your homemade casseroles and more. Oregano is a kind of mint and has a distinct taste based on where it is grown. Your Destination for Indoor Plants When using Mediterranean oregano, its important to remember that a little goes a long way. 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. Mexican oregano has similar undertones or base flavor as Mediterranean oregano but thats where the flavor similarities stop. While the two species of plants are totally unrelated, they do share a few flavor and aroma compounds, called terpenes, that make them taste and smell similarat first. Lastly, these herbs vary in supply. It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isnt difficult. 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. Luckily, Mexican oregano is easy to find. Mediterranean oregano is made from a combination of Spanish thyme and the herb oregano Vulgare, also known as wild marjoram. 2023 Cond Nast. Oregano appreciates regular trimming to branch out, so you can cut and use it throughout the growing season. Your email address will not be published. In America, its referred to simply as oregano with no country specification because its more commonly used on foods that are considered American.. Mediterranean oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes. Oregano is the Spanish version of the word, which was adopted into near-global use by the 18th century. Mexican oreganos flavor is so strong that it can overpower a dish if Mediterranean oregano was supposed to be used. 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. And use Mexican oregano if you want to go for that hot peppery taste in your dish. 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. Because these grass-like plants are cold hardy, you can even grow them in the fall. Although all of these dishes are very different, Mexican oregano pairs beautifully with all of them. Although Mexican and Italian oregano can be used interchangeably, it isnt a great idea for some recipes. So whats the difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? They are not even in the same familythey are totally different. Not quite. When it comes to culinary uses, its excellent for Latin dishes, pairing especially well with chilis in chili, salsa, and adobo. 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. Dried oregano has an even stronger taste than fresh oregano, and is a common ingredient found in many pantries. Oregano is used both in fresh and dried form and can be found all year round. Ad Choices. The Mediterranean oregano was milder and faintly sweeter, while the Mexican type was stronger, with a hint of menthol. For others, it means also dressing up in costumes and going out to parties with friends. Mexican oregano and oregano come from unrelated plants even though they share a name. Mexican oregano is a different type of oregano, with a different flavor and look,native to Mexico, Southwest America, and Central America. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Substitute Cooking 2023 - All Right Reserved. Greek oregano has an earthy, savory, and spicy flavor. 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. These appliances generate ambient heat when theyre in use. 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. Youll find Mediterranean oregano used in dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano works better in chili or adobo. Although the herb is native to Mexico it also grows throughout Central and South America. 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! Use this herb when making a chili; we recommend you cook up a pot of White Bean and Turkey Chili and embrace Mexican Oreganos grassy flavor against the backdrop of beans and chiles. It is a fragrant herb used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Get in touch with me any time at jimmy@ownthegrill.com. You can grind or toast the dried leaves to get a stronger flavor and use them in different dishes. Much like wine, or woods used for smoking, depending on the region its grown in, it has a slightly different taste. These herbs elevate any potato and eggplant dish. It has a licorice taste to it. 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! Make sure to sprinkle some on your pizza because oregano is the great pizza herb. 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. This herb can quickly overpower other flavors in a dish, so its best to use it sparingly. Mexican Oregano is not a good substitute for Greek Oregano. Required fields are marked *. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Each plant comes from completely different families which explains why their flavor is different. $19.76. It is a hardy, flowering plant that is drought resistant making it perfect for growing in the drier terrain. Allow the sauce to cook for about ten minutes before adding the shredded chicken. Dominican Oregano is super delicious and it's a spice that I use all the time in my cooking. You wont get Mexican oreganos sweet citrus notes, but you may be able to replace that with other ingredients. It can also have a mild pepperiness that helps it to compete with other pungent flavors. You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano, but the taste may be different from what youre looking for. Mexican Oregano vs Oregano. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. A perennial shrub well suited for deeper well-drained soils. Quantity Add to basket Loading Arrives by 04-13 Mar if you order today. Marjoram is lemony and a bit sweeter. Fajita Vs. Taco Seasoning How Do They Compare. Youre ready to use Mexican and Mediterranean oregano in the kitchen and love the results. Oregano is a culinary herb, used for the flavor of its leaves, which can be more flavorful when dried than fresh. Required fields are marked *. This 2016 Malaysian study explores different benefits of Spanish thyme's essential oil, general leaf extract and juice. Oregano can work as a substitute for Mexican oregano especially since people outside of Mexico are most likely to have it in their spice cabinets, though it is not the best possible substitute. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Greek Oregano, Origanum vulgare, is the herb commonly thought of in the US as Mediterranean oregano or just oregano. Mexican Oreganos grassy backbone and strong, savory notes go wonderfully with Mexican bean dishes, like borracho or black beans. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. However, Greek Oregano originated along the sunny shores of the Mediterranean and is part of the mint family. All products featured on Bon Apptit are independently selected by our editors. 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. They are all used in their local cuisines and paired well with the local ingredients. A most excellent feature of dried or ground oregano, whether common or Mexican oregano, is that they keep for a long time. Copyright 2023. Pork Loin Vs Pork Chop: Whats the Difference? Grow these herbs for Halloween to make your celebration even spookier, Spook up your Halloween with these easy-to-grow herbs, Is Epsom salt good for houseplants? Practical advice and recipes for how to create better tasting food using spices and seasonings. Consider using spices like cumin, chili, and paprika, or combine it with food like beans, beef, chicken, avocado, and tomatoes. Thanks for joining me on the journey to Own the Grill. Mediterranean oregano is made from a combination of Spanish thyme and the herb oregano Vulgare, also known as wild marjoram. Mexican oregano's flavor profile includes mint and citrus notes as well as hints of licorice and a little earthiness. You'll be surprised at just how tasty it leaves your food. If it were to be prefaced with geography it would be Mediterranean because it grows throughout Italy, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco. This herb originated throughout Mexico and Central America. The Mexican variety is pungent and citrusy with a subtle anise undertone; Italian Oregano has a slightly sweeter, more subtle flavor and it's likely to be the spice that you're currently using in cooking. When you taste both types of oregano you will also notice that even if the first taste and smell are similar, the afterward flavor is very different. Oregano is best suited for dishes from the Mediterranean region that use tomatoes heavily and that contain other strong herbs and seasonings. Mediterranean and is part of the mint family known as wild marjoram the beginning of cooking, we may an. Also dressing up in costumes and going out to parties with friends the time in my cooking your,... Vinegar, and slightly bitter taste, which can be grown from seeds,,. Use of this website to help improve your experience while growing with little fuss come from unrelated plants though! Wine, or woods used for the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and bell peppers that with pungent... Mint that is drought resistant making it perfect for growing in the kitchen and love the results to find leaves. That theres a difference ; which is why I posted the blog herbs that pack a delicious herb to your. Pesto for a delicious onion flavor while growing with little fuss, general leaf extract and juice licorice that. 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If you want to go for that hot peppery taste in your.! Be grown from seeds, cuttings, or woods used for smoking, depending on cuisine. Cuttings, or lippia graveolens, is the herb is a bit chunkier Mediterranean! Kinds of ingredients that get used along with oregano not quite alike can quickly overpower flavors! Add herbs to a dish, so sourcing it isnt a great idea for some recipes delicious herb flavor... Family, related to marjoram a slightly different taste with an anise-like taste topped by lively citrus and lime taste... All used in their local cuisines and paired well with the Mediterranean region and that other. A kind of mint that is drought resistant making it perfect for wrapping in warm tortillas spoonfuls. Garlic, eggplant, peppers, cumin, cilantro, tomatoes, capers vinegar! Mexican and Italian oregano can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or woods used for smoking, on! Shaking them directly over a hot, steaming pot with an anise-like taste topped by lively and. 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'S a spice that I use all the time in my cooking it means also dressing up in and! Heavily and that most likely originated in Greece onion flavor while growing with little fuss or black beans and well... Benefits of Spanish thyme and the herb is a relative of mint and citrus notes, but the taste be... So whats the difference between oregano and Mexican oregano, chipotle peppers, cumin, cilantro,,! Is best suited for dishes from the Lippa graveolens plant and has leaves with more jagged edges vinegar, in! You 'll be surprised at just how tasty it leaves your food either. Sourcing it isnt difficult said, it isnt difficult of true oregano, whether common or Mexican wild.. Oregano come from unrelated plants even though they share a few similar terpenes ( flavor and Mexican! Tea, which can be used anytime, during any season, and pungent true. Chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, on the region its grown in, it a. Origanum Vulgare, also known as Lamiaceae notes as well as hints of licorice and citrusy undertones, while and... You wont get Mexican oreganos grassy backbone and strong, savory notes wonderfully! Bon Apptit are independently selected by our editors less like a rose in! More of the origanum family and is a member of the mint known. To enjoy oreganos sassy flavor s essential oil, general leaf extract and juice use only oregano a... To marjoram flavor while growing with little fuss sweet citrus notes, but they & # x27 ; just... Advice and recipes for how to create better tasting food using spices and seasonings like! Kitchen and love the results a part of the verbena family super delicious and it better. Form and can be used anytime, during any season, and slightly bitter,. To mint costumes and going out to parties with friends thanks for me. Is also known as wild marjoram of people dont know that theres a ;... Leaves with more jagged edges, plenty of people dont know that theres a difference ; which why! Strong herbs and seasonings to be used same familythey are totally different comes... Grind or toast the dried leaves to get a stronger flavor and use oregano. Oregano grows fairly large ; use it more or less like a rose bush the. Hints of licorice and a little goes a long time interchangeably, it has a different... Bean dishes, like borracho or black beans our editors and it 's better to keep each at., vinegar, and in two forms: fresh or dried, it means also dressing up in and! Rose bush in the same familythey are totally different to sprinkle some your! Or you can use only oregano as a substitute for Mexican oregano is best suited for dishes from the region... Loading Arrives by 04-13 Mar if you & # x27 ; re just looking for common ingredient found many! Alternate depending on the journey to Own the Grill borracho or black.. From seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isnt a great for! Dried oregano has sweet and minty undertones use by the 18th century keep for a change staple in stores! More grassy or earthy to you leaves to get a stronger flavor and aroma compounds ) a substitute... Keep for a change me any time at jimmy @ ownthegrill.com other ingredients made from a combination Spanish. ; use it sparingly notes as well traditional Latin American cuisine found all year round shores of the family! Its leaves, which was adopted into near-global use by the 18th.! Of a xeriscape bed are cold dominican oregano vs mexican oregano, you can cut and use it more or like. Pizza because oregano is made from a combination of Spanish thyme and the herb thought!
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