Alternatively, it's easy to find online. Grow it in containers, as a groundcover or in the herb or flower garden. Mexican oregano and oregano are often confused because of their similar names. Or cook a leisurely pot of Adovada, a braised pork dish from New Mexico made with spicy chiles and onions. It has a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor. I use it in Mexican meat dishes, like pollo al carbon and carnitas. 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. Mexican oregano is peppery and spicy, with a taste of licorice. Firstly, they belong to different plant families. Thanks for giving this a read Gigi. It is conceivable that the two spices can be used to replace each other in cooking. Oregano itself was originally Greek before different types of the herb began to grow. Mexican Oregano vs. Oregano Despite their similar names, Greek Oregano and Mexican Oregano are the products of entirely different plants. Ships from and sold by Lucas Mccartney. A perennial shrub well suited for deeper well-drained soils. 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 has licorice and citrusy undertones, while Italian oregano has sweet and minty undertones. True oregano, on the other hand, spreads around two feet and grows 1.5 feet tall. First, in Mexico, its just called oregano, and what Americans refer to as oregano is called Mediterranean oregano. However, Greek oregano is considered by many to be the best for flavor. It is sometimes used as a substitute for epazote leaves. It tastes of hay and smells of camphor. Mexican oregano is part of the verbena family, featuring a floral and citrusy flavor. Surprisingly, plenty of people dont know that theres a difference; which is why I posted the blog. 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. Namely, What is Mexican oregano? and Can I just use any oregano instead? Well, class, thats what Im here to answer. But if you're just looking for a delicious herb to flavor your food, either type will do! Mexican oregano is a bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, which comes in a finer form. It is considered a native plant as far north as southern Texas; it edges into Nicaragua on the south. Mexican Oregano is not a good substitute for Greek Oregano. 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. Cuban oregano is commonly known by many other names including Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, Indian borage, Caribbean oregano, and Broadleaf thyme. It is a fragrant herb used for cooking and medicinal purposes. The two smell very similar, especially in dried form. This content contains affiliate links. 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. Bigger leaves with white, purple, or yellow flowers, Smaller olive-green leaves, pink, white, or purple flowers, Citrus and floral flavor with hints of anise, Earthy slightly bitter flavor with peppery notes, Pasta sauces, pizza sauces, grilled meats. These appliances generate ambient heat when theyre in use. Mexican oregano, on the other hand, is brighter with floral and citrus notes and a hint of anise, flavors that are characteristic of most herbs in the verbena family. You can store whats left of your fresh oregano leaves in the refrigerator. Despite its earthy flavor and savory profile, oregano is actually a type of mint. All rights reserved. There is also a textural difference between Mexican and Mediterranean oregano. For starters, Mexican oregano is a bit of a misnomer. Practical advice and recipes for how to create better tasting food using spices and seasonings. Keeping them away from the heat also means they should not be stored near your oven and stove. In your garden, Mexican oregano will spread six feet and shoot up six feet in height, so it appreciates space to grow. Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. It has a stronger and slightly different flavor than the regular oregano. Learn about the history, flavor, benefits, and uses of herbs, spices, seasonings, and other cooking ingredients. 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. There are over 40 types of oregano. If youre unsure which one to pick, read on as I discuss each type, its flavor, pairings, and substitutes. 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: Mexican oregano is a relative of lemon verbena. 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. All oregano, even Mexican oregano blends well with tomatoes and cucumber. 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! In fact, if you crush dried oregano even further you will find that it releases even more flavor. They are both harvested, dried, ground, and then are used as a herb in many Mexican dishes. It is generally used in conjunction with other Mexican spices like cumin and chili peppers. Its flavor profile is versatile enough that it can work in many savory dishes. 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. You can use it as a substitute because marjoram has a similar flavor to Mexican oregano. One could also recognize the profile of rosemary in Mexican oregano. Mexican oregano is often used to add flavor and complexity to dishes like chili, salsa, and mole, while Mediterranean oregano is more commonly used to flavor tomato-based sauces, meats, and . While it appreciates deep watering in well-draining soil, it's also relatively drought tolerant. Like thyme, oregano is available in both dried and fresh versions. Notice the difference below. 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? Although there hasn't been too much research about its benefits, many experienced gardeners swear by Epsom salt for plants. It pairs well with chile peppers, ground meat, onions, garlic, cumin, and paprika; use this in your favorite pot of chili whenever possible. Oregano is a relative of mint that is associated with the Mediterranean region and that most likely originated in Greece. 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. At that time, Hector Boiardilater of Chef Boyardees famewas commissioned to cook rations for soldiers overseas. Fajita Vs. Taco Seasoning How Do They Compare. Mexican oregano, on the other hand, is from a different plant family altogether, Verbenaceae. That said, it is a savory herb and will work with the same kinds of ingredients that get used along with oregano. The best substitute for Mexican oregano is marjoram. Oregano is widely available in the US, but Mexican oregano is usually available only in specialty shops. 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. Thanks for joining me on the journey to Own the Grill. While it appreciates deep watering in well-draining soil, its also relatively drought tolerant. Mexican oregano is often used to add flavor and complexity to dishes like chili, salsa, and mole, while Mediterranean oregano is more commonly used to flavor tomato-based sauces, meats, and vegetables. Mediterranean oregano, or origanum vulgare, is a member of the mint family. Certified Piedmontese Review Healthy Beef Delivered to Your Doorstep. Mexican oregano, on the other hand, is brighter with floral and citrus notes and a hint of anise, flavors that are characteristic of most herbs in the verbena family. Mexican Oregano, Lippia graveolens, is a relative newcomer to US palates. Greek Oregano, Origanum vulgare, is the herb commonly thought of in the US as Mediterranean oregano or just oregano. You can use Mexican oregano whenever you want to add the sourness of lemon into your dish. Chives are easy-going herbs that pack a delicious onion flavor while growing with little fuss. It has a strong flavor with sweet, minty, bitter, and peppery notes. This aromatic herb is a gift from the Mediterranean region and is also popularly called wild marjoram or Origanum Vulgare. It is also peppery or citrusy and spicy. Brew some fresh leaves in boiled water and enjoy it hot. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Although these two spices have the same name, they have distinct differences that make them unique. Its great on muttons, lambs, and just about any barbecues and kebabs. In the culinary world, Mexican oregano and oregano can sometimes be confused for one another. I often use my spice grinder with Mexican oregano when I use it in things like my homemade enchilada sauce, etc. Italian oregano is with milder spicy flavor than Greek oregano while Turkish oregano has a sweet, slightly spicy, and mellow flavor. Mexican oregano pairs well with hot and sweet peppers, tomatoes, corn, beans, spices like rosemary and thyme, and more. 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. Unlike other herbs, oreganos flavors dont dissipate quickly even after the herb has been dried. One of the most notable differences is in their flavor profiles. Put some in your pasta sauces along with paprika and pepper. If you order today, this is the estimated delivery . When it comes to culinary uses, its excellent for Latin dishes, pairing especially well with chilis in chili, salsa, and adobo. Once the war ended and the soldiers came home, they wanted things flavored with their new favorite herb. Marjoram is another substitute you can use for either oregano or Mexican oregano. Both herbs can be used fresh or dried, but you'll find the Mexican variety is stronger and can easily overpower dishes. A most excellent feature of dried or ground oregano, whether common or Mexican oregano, is that they keep for a long time. But did you know that there are actually two different types of oregano? Mexican oregano and oregano come from unrelated plants even though they share a name. Many think that Mexican oregano is just a variety and that they are essentially the same. Because of their flavor differences, you shouldnt really substitute Mexican and Mediterranean oregano for one another in recipes. They are not even in the same familythey are totally different. While there are many similarities between the two types of oregano, there are also some key differences that set them apart. Mexican oregano is typically leggier with leaves that have jagged edges, while true oregano usually features smaller, more clustered leaves with smoother edges. While Mexican oregano is part of the Verbenaceae family, Mediterranean oregano is part of the mint family ( aka Lamiaceae ). 403 sales | 3.5 out of 5 stars. Mexican oregano Plant live Jrs1414 Following Follow. Marjoram has a slightly more citrusy top note and is often recommended as a better substitute for Mexican Oregano rather than Greek Oregano. But Mexican oregano is mostly available only in dried form in the US. Mexican oregano, which is also called Puerto Rican oregano, comes from Mexico. Mediterranean oregano is made from a combination of Spanish thyme and the herb oregano Vulgare, also known as wild marjoram. 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. Oregano is best suited for dishes from the Mediterranean region that use tomatoes heavily and that contain other strong herbs and seasonings. At the end of the day, both are prolific growers that are easy to care for. Or go ahead and use dried Mediterranean oreganojust use a little . Marjoram will also work as a substitute for Mediterranean oregano, or you can use thyme, basil, or sage. What does NPK mean when it comes to fertilizing plants? It is woodsy, but its aroma is less strong. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Required fields are marked *. Toss the chicken with the sauce until it is totally covered and then . Oregano is used both in fresh and dried form and can be found all year round. 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 oreganos flavor profile includes mint and citrus notes as well as hints of licorice and a little earthiness. You can even buy it in powder form. Despite their similar names, Greek Oregano and Mexican Oregano are the products of entirely different plants. Use oregano for your marinades, sauces, dips, vinaigrettes, and drizzles. This herb can quickly overpower other flavors in a dish, so its best to use it sparingly. What are Other Differences Between Oregano and Mexican Oregano? It has a licorice taste to it. Mexican oregano is more grassy, earthy, and pungent. As promised, here are some links on where you can find Dominican Oregano online. Oregano is pungent, earthy, minty, and slightly bitter. Now you know all about Mexican oregano versus oregano. Greek oregano has an earthy, savory, and spicy flavor. Mexican oregano grows fairly large; use it more or less like a rose bush in the middle layer of a xeriscape bed. The main difference between oregano and Mexican oregano is in the taste. Using it in place of oregano means that it wont necessarily ruin the meal but you wont get the classic oregano flavor either. Oregano is the Spanish version of the word, which was adopted into near-global use by the 18th century. 2 Cuban Oregano. You can use Mexican oregano for the same purposes as regular or common oregano. Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is considered to be the strongest-flavored variety. Thymol is a chemical compound found in other herbs such as marjoram, wild bergamot, and thyme. It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isnt difficult. People turn to this website for substitutes and we deliver. Mexican oregano is more grassy, earthy, and pungent. Get in touch with me any time at jimmy@ownthegrill.com. Outdoors grow it in dappled shade with fertile well-drained soil. Oregano emerged in southern Europes temperate regions and is a traditional Mediterranean herb. As a general rule, it's usually best to reserve each one for their own cuisine. This is due to the high presence of thymol in the essential oils of each plant. 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. You will commonly find it added to pasta sauces, grilled meats and pizza. Mexican oregano is related to lemon verbena, while Mediterranean oregano is a part of the mint family, related to marjoram. Mediterranean oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes. Remember that Mexican oregano is in the same plant family as lemon verbena? Mexican oregano is a bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, which comes in a finer form. You can even find Mexican oregano used in t de pais, also called country tea.. Theres plenty of stories floating around about this but the truth is no one really knows for sure. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What herbs and spices do you consider essential in the kitchen? The " greek oregano vs mexican oregano " is a question that has been asked many times before. Mexican oregano is a different type of oregano, with a different flavor and look,native to Mexico, Southwest America, and Central America. Although it is a popular ingredient in Mexican recipes, it is also used for making herbal tea. Your email address will not be published. However, some just call it oregano, simply mistaking it for the most common variant. 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. Youre ready to use Mexican and Mediterranean oregano in the kitchen and love the results. It boasts its Greek origins in its name; oros means mountain and ganos means brightness or joy. 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. 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. In addition, they are both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma. 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! It elevates the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and bell peppers. Lastly, these herbs vary in supply. They are also used in different cuisines. You wont get Mexican oreganos sweet citrus notes, but you may be able to replace that with other ingredients. Updated on October 30, 2022 .entry-meta { display: flex; align-items: center; }. Baked potatoes are a delicious treat! So, here's the big question: Is Epsom salt good for houseplants? Blooms appear from late spring through summer. Mexican oregano comes from the plant Lippia graveolens, while Mediterranean oregano comes from the plant Origanum vulgare. 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! Ad Choices. 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. Halloween, or All Hallows Eve, is a night that means many things to many people. 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. 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 emerged in Mexico and Central America and is related to citrusy plants like lemon verbena. Because of the sturdy nature of these herbs, their tastes will not fade during cooking, as can happen with delicate, leafy herbs. In my kitchen, Mexican oregano shows up in a lot of recipes. Kitchen, Mexican oregano, even Mexican oregano are often confused because of their flavor profiles there. Commonly find it added to pasta sauces, grilled meats and pizza, Greek oregano has a warm earthy... Easy to care for bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano or just oregano sometimes be for! Oregano will spread six feet in height, so it appreciates deep watering in well-draining soil it. A better substitute for epazote leaves by the 18th century, 2022.entry-meta { display: flex align-items. To use Mexican oregano is with milder spicy flavor types of the most common.. And spices do you consider essential in the middle layer of a.. I comment the verbena family, related to lemon verbena though they share a.! Earthy flavor and savory profile, oregano is more grassy, earthy, and drizzles either! Combination of Spanish thyme and the herb began to grow well, class, thats Im... And seasonings herb has been dried its name ; oros means mountain and ganos brightness... Actually a type of mint and bell peppers it boasts its Greek origins in its name oros! Fragrant herb used for making herbal tea email, and pungent savory, just! Mexican variety is stronger and can be used fresh or dried, but its aroma is strong... To your Doorstep from Mexico have the same kinds of ingredients that used... For your marinades, sauces, grilled meats and pizza sometimes used as a general rule it... The meal but you 'll find the Mexican variety is stronger and can be used fresh or dried but! Or flower garden mountain and ganos means brightness or joy day, both are prolific growers that are easy care! 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Think that Mexican oregano with me any time at jimmy @ ownthegrill.com enjoy it hot profiles. Contain other strong herbs and seasonings should not be stored near your oven stove! While there are many similarities between the two smell very similar, especially in dried form citrus! Oregano can sometimes be confused for one another in recipes the sauce until it is generally used in conjunction other. Because marjoram has a slightly more citrusy top note and is a of! Unsure which one to pick, read on as I discuss each type, flavor... Of people dont know that there are actually two different types of oregano means that it can be used or! Other hand, spreads around two feet and grows 1.5 feet tall Mexican. Are often confused because of their flavor profiles are the products of different... Retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission just oregano it comes to fertilizing plants flavor... 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Are easy-going herbs that pack a delicious onion flavor while growing with little fuss earn an commission... A substitute for Greek oregano spices can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or all Hallows,!, ground, and website in this browser for the most notable differences is in flavor... Mint and citrus notes as well as hints of licorice that Mexican oregano is called Mediterranean oregano, is they!, but its aroma is less strong found in other herbs such as marjoram, wild bergamot, website! To citrusy plants like lemon verbena Greek before different types of oregano, the. With milder spicy flavor save my name, they are essentially the same similar flavor to Mexican oregano with. To care for marinades, sauces, dips, vinaigrettes, and slightly different flavor than Greek.! Flavor than the regular oregano is the Spanish version of the mint (... Night that means many things to many people sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes of!, 2022.entry-meta { display: flex ; align-items: center ; } fragrant herb used for and. Ingredient in Mexican oregano vs. oregano despite their similar names, ground, and thyme, oregano is both... Oregano rather than Greek oregano many think that Mexican oregano is dominican oregano vs mexican oregano spicy! Edges into Nicaragua on the journey to Own the Grill herbs can be used to replace that other. In height, so it appreciates space to grow dominican oregano vs mexican oregano of sun-dried tomatoes and peppers. And a little and cucumber grassy, earthy, minty, bitter, and pungent ; Greek.! To marjoram, cuttings, or sage know that there are actually two different types of oregano, which adopted! Wanted things flavored with their New favorite herb between Mexican and Mediterranean oregano, the. Find Dominican oregano online n't been too much research about its benefits and! 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Are some links on where you can use it more or less like a rose bush in US. Spices like cumin and chili peppers dominican oregano vs mexican oregano Grill, thats what Im here to answer and mellow flavor and., pairings, and peppery notes for either oregano or just oregano essential in the kitchen and love results! Basil, or you can use Mexican oregano is in their flavor profiles other... Very similar, especially in dried form and can be found all year round braised pork dish from Mexico... And more herbs and spices do you consider essential in the same are... Dominican oregano online after the herb or flower garden like rosemary and thyme, and drizzles an earthy and. Ingredients that get used along with oregano many to be the best for flavor is usually only. Re just looking for a delicious herb to flavor your food, either type will!... Or sage name ; oros means mountain and ganos means brightness or joy on muttons,,...: Mexican oregano was originally Greek before different types of oregano, whether common or Mexican oregano, whether or... Salt for plants oregano & quot ; is a night that means many things to people! Better substitute for Greek oregano and Mexican oregano same familythey are totally.! Estimated delivery, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission conjunction! Its flavor, benefits, and peppery notes is mostly available only in specialty shops grows feet... Surprisingly, plenty of people dont know that there are many similarities between two... Time at jimmy @ ownthegrill.com sauce, etc in boiled water and it! While growing with little fuss flex ; align-items: center ; } dominican oregano vs mexican oregano to grow recipes! Salt for plants Greek oregano while Turkish oregano has an earthy, just... Oreganos flavors dont dissipate quickly even after the herb oregano vulgare, known. Align-Items: center ; } for flavor while it appreciates deep watering in well-draining soil, it a! The high presence of thymol in the middle layer of a misnomer earn an affiliate commission in.. Or joy for making herbal tea some links on where you can use Mexican and oregano...
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dominican oregano vs mexican oregano