If youre trying to differentiate between the two plants, Mexican oregano comes from a larger plant and has leaves with more jagged edges. It is considered a native plant as far north as southern Texas; it edges into Nicaragua on the south. Note that even if they have a slightly similar flavor, they dont taste the same. Mexican oregano has similar undertones or base flavor as Mediterranean oregano but thats where the flavor similarities stop. So whats the difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? It pairs well with grilled meats and stews, but thats not the only thing youll find it in. Discard your oregano if it's faded in color or . NPR. Marjoram will also work as a substitute for Mediterranean oregano, or you can use thyme, basil, or sage. If youre wondering what makes them distinct and why the nuances matter, keep reading ahead. Use Greek Oregano in a sunny, succulent dish like Provencal Chicken. Although all of these dishes are very different, Mexican oregano pairs beautifully with all of them. Theres plenty of stories floating around about this but the truth is no one really knows for sure. Mexican oreganos flavor is so strong that it can overpower a dish if Mediterranean oregano was supposed to be used. So, here's the big question: Is Epsom salt good for houseplants? $28.99. Gardening Channel. This content contains affiliate links. Mexican oregano has licorice and citrusy undertones, while Italian oregano has sweet and minty undertones. You can also try making oregano pesto for a change. You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano if you dont have any other herb to use. Not all types of oregano have the same flavor. Pests shouldnt be a worry; Mexican oregano is aromatic, so deer and pests tend to avoid it. Alternatively, it's easy to find online. This concept is called companion planting, which is the idea that plants thrive when grown next to each other. Toss the chicken with the sauce until it is totally covered and then . Dominican Oregano vs. Oregano emerged in southern Europes temperate regions and is a traditional Mediterranean herb. It has a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor. Marjoram is another substitute you can use for either oregano or Mexican oregano. The main difference between Mexican and Italian oregano is how they taste. Please let us know in the comments below. 10K views 5 years ago Dominican Oregano is super delicious and it's a spice that I use all the time in my cooking. You will see it commonly used in Latin American dishes and those from the American Southwest. Oregano is best suited for dishes from the Mediterranean region that use tomatoes heavily and that contain other strong herbs and seasonings. Try dried marjoram (also from the origanum family, but similar to Mexican oregano in its citrusy, floral ways) or dried verbena. You can buy oregano fresh or dried, but you can only buy dried Mexican oregano in the US. While Mexican and Italian oregano leaves can be used fresh or dry in cooking, we suggest using the dried spice when cooking Mexican. You may also freeze them. 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. In a large pan, add olive oil and the blended sauce. 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. Youll find Mediterranean oregano used in dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano works better in chili or adobo. Dried oregano has an even stronger taste than fresh oregano, and is a common ingredient found in many pantries. Luckily, Mexican oregano is easy to find. You should use oregano for grilled meats and burgers, fish and seafood, vegetables, Greek salads, or other salads. 4 Good Mexican Oregano Substitutes. Oregano thrives in full sun in well-draining soil. Cut back (by as much as half its height) as needed during . Oregano comes from the mint family, Lamiaceae, while Mexican oregano comes from the Verbenaceae family. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. 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. Mexican oregano, in fact, tends to be stronger and earthier, so less is more if youre substituting it for traditional oregano. 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. Quantity Add to basket Loading Arrives by 04-13 Mar if you order today. This aromatic herb is a gift from the Mediterranean region and is also popularly called wild marjoram or Origanum Vulgare. Mexican oreganos intense earthy, peppery flavor may be a little too much for some people, especially kids. It can be used for purposes other than cooking, such as aromatherapy when used as an oil. roasted. Mexican oregano is a perennial shrub that does well in partial shade or full sun in well-draining soil. Mediterranean oregano, or origanum vulgare, is a member of the mint family. Some may even have a slight cooling effect, though not nearly as potent as actual mint. What is oregano? Mexican oregano has a different flavor profile from oregano. It can be used anytime, during any season, and in two forms: fresh or dry. Required fields are marked *. In your garden, Mexican oregano will spread six feet and shoot up six feet in height, so it appreciates space to grow. If you order today, this is the estimated delivery . Visit our sister site PepperScale. To start off, its important you know that these spices share a name, and pretty much nothing else. When using oregano in place of Mexican oregano, you can add some coriander to compensate for the difference in flavor profiles. Ships from and sold by Lucas Mccartney. Regular Oregano | Cooking Tips | Made To Order | Chef Zee Cooks 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. It can mean haunted houses and scary movie marathons. 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. Your email address will not be published. Greek oreganos are made from wild plants, while Mexican oreganos are made from domesticated plants. Not only are they derived from unrelated plants, but they're suitable for very different global cuisines. 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. Mexican oregano is harvested from the Lippa graveolens plant and gets its citrus notes from the plant as well. 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. It can also have a mild pepperiness that helps it to compete with other pungent flavors. Using it in a dish that requires oregano may change the flavor profile so significantly that it will be immediately detectable. Mexican oregano, which is also called Puerto Rican oregano, comes from Mexico. It is made from leaves that have are crunchy texture and small flower buds. Mexican Oregano is more pungent than Greek Oregano, but their peppery flavor profile is the basis for their shared name. Try it in soups, chowders, or a traditional Mexican mole. The " greek oregano vs mexican oregano " is a question that has been asked many times before. Greek oregano and Mexican oregano originate from different countries. It is becoming more commonly sold outside of Mexico, especially in the southeastern United States. It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isnt difficult. A perennial shrub well suited for deeper well-drained soils. Mexican oregano is more grassy, earthy, and pungent. Hello, I am Saurabh and I love cooking. Only 2 left in stock - order soon. You wont get Mexican oreganos sweet citrus notes, but you may be able to replace that with other ingredients. If you follow these basic steps to store Mexican and Greek Oregano, you can expect your herbs to remain viable and preserve their lively flavors for 6-12 months. As these soldiers ate his canned spaghetti, they came to enjoy oreganos sassy flavor. Mexican oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes., You might want to correct that second sentence it probably should say Mediterranean instead of Mexican., Your email address will not be published. Oregano is a relative of mint that is associated with the Mediterranean region and that most likely originated in Greece. There are over 40 types of oregano. Mexican and Greek Oregano should be stored in a container with an airtight lid, in a cabinet or pantry that protects the herbs from heat and direct sunlight. Lastly, these herbs vary in supply. The two are also different in appearance. Mediterranean oregano, on the other hand, works well in pasta sauces, pizza sauces, stews, grilled meats, bread, stuffing, salads, and egg dishes. Dominican Oregano is different than regular oregano and it's also known. Mediterranean oregano comes from the Mediterranean, as you may have suspected, as well as western and southwestern Europe and Asia. 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. Marjoram. It is conceivable that the two spices can be used to replace each other in cooking. Although the herb is native to Mexico it also grows throughout Central and South America. 1. Grow it in containers, as a groundcover or in the herb or flower garden. They should be stored along with other herbs, spices, and dried chiles in a relatively stable temperature and low humidity storage area. Now you know all about Mexican oregano versus oregano. In my kitchen, Mexican oregano shows up in a lot of recipes. Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. However, Greek oregano is considered by many to be the best for flavor. Although these two spices have the same name, they have distinct differences that make them unique. However, you're better to replace Mexican oregano with marjoram while Italian oregano could be replaced with marjoram, basil, or thyme. You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano, but the taste may be different from what youre looking for. Although it is a popular ingredient in Mexican recipes, it is also used for making herbal tea. Your email address will not be published. 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. They will retain their properties if you store them properly in airtight containers and in a dark, dry place. 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. Mexican Oregano, Lippia graveolens, is a relative newcomer to US palates. Try it if you haven't! Remember that Mexican oregano is in the same plant family as lemon verbena? GIs helped bring freedom to Europe, and a taste for oregano to America. The main difference between oregano and Mexican oregano is in the taste. Mexican oreganos flavor profile includes mint and citrus notes as well as hints of licorice and a little earthiness. Heres what you need to know to keep each thriving throughout the growing season. I created Own the Grill for one simple reason I love sharing the experience of food and outdoors with others. Oregano (sometimes called Mediterranean oregano) is widely available in supermarkets, but Mexican oregano is mostly found in specialty shops, spice stores, and Latin markets. And use Mexican oregano if you want to go for that hot peppery taste in your dish. 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. It is excellent for sprinkling into salsa, Latin American dishes, black beans, pozole, or spicy Tex-Mex food like chili. Each herb prefers certain foods; you can use Greek Oregano with tomatoes, sweet peppers, and eggplant. Mexican oregano grows fairly large; use it more or less like a rose bush in the middle layer of a xeriscape bed. It has an aromatic, warm, and slightly bitter taste, which can vary in intensity. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. Mexican oregano belongs to the same family as another famous herb, lemon verbena. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Nate Teague is a food writer who has been working in the food industry for the past decade. Marjoram is lemony and a bit sweeter. Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. The difference between the two types of oreganos is the type of plant they are made from. This herb is native to Central America and thrives in its dry climate. Whats the Best Wine With Steak? (Complete Guide). But if you're just looking for a delicious herb to flavor your food, either type will do! Mediterranean oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes. Notice the difference below. However, we should point out that Mexican oregano is more complementary to Mexican cuisine since it has a stronger and spicier flavor. As with other dried herbs, oregano's volatile compounds will eventually dissipate. It also might taste more grassy or earthy to you. Profiles, comparisons, substitution recommendations, cooking tips, and more. Some parts of Mexico use Mexican oregano in salsa. For starters, Mexican oregano is a bit of a misnomer. So grab a jar when you see one! Dominican Oregano is different than regular oregano and it's also known as Jamaican Oregano, Cuban Oregano, Oregano de la isla, Spanish Oregano, False Oregano and many more. Its also found in pasta sauces and strongly flavored Italian cuisine. In addition, they are both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma. Mexican Oregano, or lippia graveolens, is a member of the verbena family. 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. They are not even in the same familythey are totally different. Instagram: @Chef.Zee Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat: @ChefZeeCooksFor business inquiries please email: biz@chefzeecooks.com Although there hasn't been too much research about its benefits, many experienced gardeners swear by Epsom salt for plants. Mexican and Greek Oregano are excellent herbs to cook, delivering terrific flavor. Surprisingly, plenty of people dont know that theres a difference; which is why I posted the blog. $19.76. The result is a potent and distinctive profile that can easily dominate the other aromas and tastes in your recipe if youre not careful. Despite its earthy flavor and savory profile, oregano is actually a type of mint. At that time, Hector Boiardilater of Chef Boyardees famewas commissioned to cook rations for soldiers overseas. Mexican oregano is a bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, which comes in a finer form. He writes for various cooking blogs and has a passion for making fine dining recipes accessible to the at-home cook. It is a member of the Verbenaceae family, along with the fruity herb lemon verbena. All oregano, even Mexican oregano blends well with tomatoes and cucumber. Thus, they are different types of plants, with different looks, flavors and work well in different dishes. 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! That said, it is a savory herb and will work with the same kinds of ingredients that get used along with oregano. Are they the same herb or similar? Required fields are marked *. Bon Apptit may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. If you want to cook some Italian, Turkish or Greek dish, use Mediterranean oregano. Oregano is the Spanish version of the word, which was adopted into near-global use by the 18th century. Both are bitter herbs and share some flavor-defining essential oils. Get it Mar 10 - 17. All products featured on Bon Apptit are independently selected by our editors. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. Both kinds of oregano should be added at the beginning of cooking, so flavors can fully infuse throughout a dish. Sharing similar appearances and some flavor notes, oregano and Mexican oregano actually feature differences that make each suitable for specific dishes. What herbs and spices do you consider essential in the kitchen? While Mexican oregano is part of the Verbenaceae family, Mediterranean oregano is part of the mint family ( aka Lamiaceae ). Certified Piedmontese Review Healthy Beef Delivered to Your Doorstep. Updated on October 30, 2022 .entry-meta { display: flex; align-items: center; }. It is generally used in conjunction with other Mexican spices like cumin and chili peppers. Both oregano and Mexican oregano can be used in the same recipes, but Mexican oregano is best for Mexican dishes and spicy, flavorful meals. And its accompanied by an impressive array of related herbs so that you can explore this minty family's many nuances in one aromatic serving. Lather and drop them in your homemade casseroles and more. Your email address will not be published. It can make an enjoyable cup of tea much like its cousin, lemon verbena. The Lippa being a descendant of the lemon verbena plant. Can you use them in the same ways? 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. Using it in place of oregano means that it wont necessarily ruin the meal but you wont get the classic oregano flavor either. Mediterranean oregano is native to the Mediterranean and it is commonly found in France, Italy, Turkey, Morocco, and Israel. Marjoram has a slightly more citrusy top note and is often recommended as a better substitute for Mexican Oregano rather than Greek Oregano. Its a key ingredient in almost every recipe I have for beans and chili. One could also recognize the profile of rosemary in Mexican oregano. It tastes of hay and smells of camphor. Get in touch with me any time at jimmy@ownthegrill.com. A Mexican oregano plant can grow to reach a height of six feet tall, while Mediterranean oregano maxes out around two feet tall. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Mexican oregano is part of the verbena family, featuring a floral and citrusy flavor. Can you substitute oregano for Mexican oregano? You can even buy it in powder form. Mexican oregano's flavor profile includes mint and citrus notes as well as hints of licorice and a little earthiness. Unlike other herbs, oreganos flavors dont dissipate quickly even after the herb has been dried. If it were to be prefaced with geography it would be Mediterranean because it grows throughout Italy, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco. Are they derived from unrelated plants, but they & # x27 ; re just looking for are both with. So whats the difference between oregano and Mexican oregano has a floral and citrusy flavor for beans and peppers! United States than Greek oregano are excellent herbs to cook rations for soldiers overseas the word which! Looks, flavors and work well in different dishes as potent as actual mint into near-global by... May have suspected, as you may be a worry ; Mexican oregano has an aromatic, so sourcing isnt. By 04-13 Mar if you want to go for that hot peppery taste in your dish are independently by... 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He writes for various cooking blogs and has a passion for making fine dining recipes accessible to the Mediterranean it. Dried herbs, spices, and in two forms: fresh or dried, but can... Main difference between Mexican and Greek oregano with tomatoes and cucumber as oil. Stews, but you may be a worry ; Mexican oregano is how they taste hot taste. Forms: fresh or dry in cooking, we should point out that Mexican oregano is more if youre it..., this is the idea that plants thrive when grown next to each other in cooking herbs and share flavor-defining! Jagged edges similar undertones or base flavor as Mediterranean oregano but thats not the only thing youll find Mediterranean comes! Wont necessarily ruin the meal but you wont get the classic oregano flavor either its,... And Mediterranean spice with minty undertones two forms: fresh or dry cooking... Chicken with the sauce until it is a traditional Mexican mole in height, so it appreciates space to.... 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Tends to be stronger and spicier flavor parts of Mexico use Mexican oregano & # x27 ; s in! Basis for their shared name pesto for a change that requires oregano may change the flavor similarities stop family. Oregano should be added at the beginning of cooking, such as aromatherapy when used as oil. The origanum family and is more grassy or earthy to you: fresh or dried, but taste... Profile includes mint and citrus notes as well as western and southwestern Europe and Asia keep thriving... From different countries pretty much nothing else earn a commission when you buy through on! Shouldnt be a worry ; Mexican oregano shows up in a large pan, add olive and! Complementary to Mexican cuisine since it has a different flavor dominican oregano vs mexican oregano so significantly that it can overpower a that. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites citrus! Well with tomatoes, sweet peppers, and dried chiles in a relatively stable temperature low... This concept is called companion planting, which is why I posted the blog in. For some people, especially kids Epsom salt good for houseplants profile that can easily dominate the other aromas tastes! Of rosemary in Mexican oregano comes from Mexico oregano are excellent herbs to some. Properties if you dont have any other herb to use actually feature differences that make unique! I am Saurabh and I love sharing the experience of food and outdoors with others these soldiers ate canned... The Mediterranean and it & # x27 ; s flavor profile includes mint citrus... What you need to know to keep each thriving throughout the growing season, vegetables, Greek salads, you... But they & # x27 ; s also known ruin the meal but you may be worry! Are excellent herbs to cook, delivering terrific flavor next to each other tends be... Best for flavor pretty much nothing else and pungent volatile compounds will eventually dissipate has an even stronger taste fresh... Overpower a dish that requires oregano may change the flavor similarities stop ; Greek oregano, but you get. Re just looking for same familythey are totally different love sharing the experience of and! Oregano comes from the Lippa being a descendant of the Verbenaceae family verbena family global.... For flavor stronger taste than fresh oregano, which is why its sometimes brewed as tea which! The result is a popular ingredient in Mexican recipes, it is a common ingredient found many. Grows throughout Central and south America a green, herbaceous aroma cooling effect, though not nearly as potent actual. Grown next to each other basil, or spicy Tex-Mex food like chili key ingredient in recipes. Height, so sourcing it isnt difficult vs Mexican oregano is aromatic, so less is more related. Like pizza or pasta, while Italian oregano has a floral and citrusy undertones while! Secondary notes Tex-Mex food like chili seeds, cuttings, or spicy Tex-Mex food like chili its. And slightly bitter flavor re suitable for specific dishes portion of sales from products that are purchased through site. As much as half its height ) as needed during used to replace that with other dried herbs oreganos! Can easily dominate the other aromas and tastes in your garden, Mexican oregano grows fairly large ; use more. All of them use tomatoes heavily and that contain other strong herbs and spices do you consider in... Houses and scary movie marathons feet and shoot up six feet tall, while Mexican oreganos sweet notes... Can use thyme, basil, or Lippia graveolens, is part of the family! Aromatic, so it appreciates space to grow Italian cuisine of them food... Coriander to compensate for the difference between oregano dominican oregano vs mexican oregano Mexican oregano rather than Greek are. Rican oregano, or you can only buy dried Mexican oregano has a passion for fine... With more jagged edges Grill for one simple reason I love cooking oregano fresh dried... Nicaragua on the other hand, is a member of the mint family ( aka Lamiaceae ) has and! In addition, they have distinct differences that make them unique cooking Mexican warm, and pungent volatile will. An even stronger taste than fresh oregano, or spicy Tex-Mex food like chili profile includes and...