Wrap them in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag. Mediterranean oregano comes from the Mediterranean, as you may have suspected, as well as western and southwestern Europe and Asia. It is sometimes used as a substitute for epazote leaves. However, the most common ones include Greek, Turkish, and Italian oregano. Be ready to add more Greek Oregano than you would Mexican to compensate for the differences in pungency. Frequently Asked Questions Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. 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. It also goes by the name Puerto Rican oregano and is commonly found in Tex-Mex chili, tacos, salsa, and most Latin American dishes. Both are bitter herbs and share some flavor-defining essential oils. It has an aromatic, warm, and slightly bitter taste, which can vary in intensity. (Complete Guide). Thymol, responsible for the thyme-like scent, has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antihyperlipidemic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and antitumor effects per this 2017 UAE study. True oregano, on the other hand, spreads around two feet and grows 1.5 feet tall. Whats the Difference Between Oregano and Mexican Oregano. The differences between Mexican oregano and Mediterranean oregano are significant. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our gardening obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review. The Mediterranean oregano was milder and faintly sweeter, while the Mexican type was stronger, with a hint of menthol. Both oregano and Mexican oregano can be used in the same recipes, but Mexican oregano is best for Mexican dishes and spicy, flavorful meals. There is also a textural difference between Mexican and Mediterranean oregano. Certified Piedmontese Review Healthy Beef Delivered to Your Doorstep. Mediterranean oregano is often a staple in grocery stores, but Mexican oregano may be harder to find. Mexican Oregano is verdant and grassy, with an anise-like taste topped by lively citrus and lime. Try dried marjoram (also from the origanum family, but similar to Mexican oregano in its citrusy, floral ways) or dried verbena. I created Own the Grill for one simple reason I love sharing the experience of food and outdoors with others. Mexican oregano is part of the verbena family, featuring a floral and citrusy flavor. It has a subtle sweet taste to it. When Im feeling ambitious, its a must-have component in my familys delicious but time-consuming mole. Its great on muttons, lambs, and just about any barbecues and kebabs. For kids and their parents, its a night to dress up in fun or scary costumes, walk around town, and get candy. In your garden, Mexican oregano will spread six feet and shoot up six feet in height, so it appreciates space to grow. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If youre looking for Mediterranean or Mexican oregano to use in a pinch, you can search for them at your supermarket. He writes for various cooking blogs and has a passion for making fine dining recipes accessible to the at-home cook. Your sweet, anise-flavored true oregano will kick up your pizza and pasta, while citrusy, earthy Mexican oregano will brighten up chili and salsa. Put some in your pasta sauces along with paprika and pepper. Fajita Vs. Taco Seasoning How Do They Compare. 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 can also try making oregano pesto for a change. 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. 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. It has a strong flavor with sweet, minty, bitter, and peppery notes. To start off, its important you know that these spices share a name, and pretty much nothing else. Rather than trying to decide a winner, it's better to keep each option at home and alternate depending on the cuisine. They are also known as Mediterranean oregano. Required fields are marked *. There are other differences between oregano and Mexican oregano. Marjoram will also work as a substitute for Mediterranean oregano, or you can use thyme, basil, or sage. I started this blog to help you find the right ingredients for your recipes and help you become a better cook. 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. Lather and drop them in your homemade casseroles and more. What is oregano? It has a stronger and slightly different flavor than the regular oregano. How to Reheat Baked Potato? Your email address will not be published. But caution is given to the pregnant, diabetic, and those who are scheduled for surgery. A perennial shrub well suited for deeper well-drained soils. In addition, they are both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma. Although the herb is native to Mexico it also grows throughout Central and South America. Mexican oregano is more grassy, earthy, and pungent. Oregano is a spice grown in Italy, Spai, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco. Mexican and Italian oregano are two quite different ingredients when used in cooking. Oregano is a relative of mint that is associated with the Mediterranean region and that most likely originated in Greece. These herbs elevate any potato and eggplant dish. Mexican oregano has similar undertones or base flavor as Mediterranean oregano but thats where the flavor similarities stop. In a large bowl, toss all ingredients except for the lime juice and 12 cup of cilantro together. You will commonly find it added to pasta sauces, grilled meats and pizza. Some parts of Mexico use Mexican oregano in salsa. Oregano and Mexican oregano are two different types of plants that only have similar flavor and smell, and nothing more. Thymol is a chemical compound found in other herbs such as marjoram, wild bergamot, and thyme. Add it to dry rubs for roasted or smoked meat as well as to soups and stews that require long cooking times. All oregano, even Mexican oregano blends well with tomatoes and cucumber. 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! All Rights Reserved. You can start with half the amount and increase amounts as you prefer. In a blender, mix the tomatoes, chipotle peppers, Mexican oregano, garlic, salt, and onion. Much like wine, or woods used for smoking, depending on the region its grown in, it has a slightly different taste. Both herbs can be used fresh or dried, but you'll find the Mexican variety is stronger and can easily overpower dishes. When it comes to cooking with herbs, few are as versatile and widely used as oregano. Use 1 teaspoon of marjoram to replace 2/3 of a teaspoon of oregano. Sodium Citrate, This Creamy Chimichurri Is the Upgrade Your Chicken Dinner Deserves. Mexican oregano pairs well with ingredients traditionally found in a Mexican pantry. To protect them further, do not add herbs to a dish by shaking them directly over a hot, steaming pot. Mexican Oregano, Lippia graveolens, is a relative newcomer to US palates. A most excellent feature of dried or ground oregano, whether common or Mexican oregano, is that they keep for a long time. Well, if you're looking for that authentic Mexican flavor, you'll want to use Mexican oregano. Although these two herbs are called oregano, they are not quite alike. 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. When it comes to culinary uses, its excellent for Latin dishes, pairing especially well with chilis in chili, salsa, and adobo. 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 has a citrus and floral flavor with hints of anise that works amazingly in different beans, soups, salsas, tacos, stews, and many other dishes. The main difference between oregano and Mexican oregano is in the taste. Though they look similar with their flat leaves and purple flowers, Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) are different plants altogether. 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. Mexican oregano is very different. Oregano is also very healthy to take as a tea, especially when youre down with a cough, cold, or stomach ailment. They will retain their properties if you store them properly in airtight containers and in a dark, dry place. Mexican oregano has licorice and citrusy undertones, while Italian oregano has sweet and minty undertones. Once you get this down, these two herbs can expand your culinary repertoire and open your kitchen to a wide world of flavor. However, some just call it oregano, simply mistaking it for the most common variant. 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! Greek oregano is part of the mint or Lamiaceae family, and Mexican oregano is part of the verbena or Verbenaceae family. Low Sodium, No Sugar, No-MSG, Non-GMO, No Preservatives, No Artificial Coloring, No Artificial Flavors, 2.9oz, Pack of 1 (Adobo) 2. Research suggests it bears anti-inflammatory effects. Toss the chicken with the sauce until it is totally covered and then . The flavor of Mexican oregano has a stronger savory component instead of the piney hint of rosemary-like flavor in true oregano, and its citrus accent might be more aromatic than in oregano. Discover 750+ spicy recipes and hundreds of pepper profiles, comparisons, cooking tips + more. Keep in mind that Mexican oregano has an additional lemony flavor note and is more pungent, so we suggest using less of this ingredient if you have to replace the Italian variety. Well, thats not really an accurate way of putting it. Personally, I dont use Mexican and Mediterranean oregano interchangeably for the same reason I dont swap thyme for oregano: Theyre just not the same, even if they do taste a little similar. Mexican oregano is a perennial shrub that does well in partial shade or full sun in well-draining soil. Italian oregano is with milder spicy flavor than Greek oregano while Turkish oregano has a sweet, slightly spicy, and mellow flavor. Required fields are marked *. You can use it as a substitute because marjoram has a similar flavor to Mexican oregano. But when you smell and taste them side by side, the differences become more apparent. Mexican Oregano is not a good substitute for Greek Oregano. Oregano is pungent, earthy, minty, and slightly bitter. Its botanical name is, Regular oregano originally came from Greece and is now grown in Italy. Youll find Mediterranean oregano used in dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano works better in chili or adobo. But did you know that there are actually two different types of oregano? While Mediterranean and Mexican oregano may be different in some ways, they both have a lot to offer in terms of flavor and versatility. This herb originated throughout Mexico and Central America. The two smell very similar, especially in dried form. 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. In the United States, Italian oregano has become the default option in cooking. It has a strong citrus flavor with a hint of licorice. Well break the facts down for you so youre well versed in the difference between Mexican versus Mediterranean oregano. Or you can use only oregano as a substitute for Mexican oregano. Substitute Cooking is packed with mouth-watering recipes that work, cooking substitutes for meals, and actional tips from passionate and experienced home cooks. Oregano appreciates regular trimming to branch out, so you can cut and use it throughout the growing season. It was originally used medicinally because similar to thyme, it has thymol and carvacrol which loosen phlegm in the lungs. It works as a seasoning in many dishes like salsas, beans, tacos, soups, burritos, enchilada sauce, and braised pork. Cuban oregano is commonly known by many other names including Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, Indian borage, Caribbean oregano, and Broadleaf thyme. $28.99. These bright and succulent grilled chicken breasts are perfect for wrapping in warm tortillas with spoonfuls of fresh salsa verde. Mediterranean oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes. The best Christmas herbs to grow to infuse the Yuletide spirit into your home, Gardening 101: 7 easy seeds to grow in cups for a tiny, adorable, and low-maintenance indoor garden, Use these tips to start a successful indoor vegetable garden this winter. Or cook a leisurely pot of Adovada, a braised pork dish from New Mexico made with spicy chiles and onions. Practical advice and recipes for how to create better tasting food using spices and seasonings. Mostly all parts of. It is considered a native plant as far north as southern Texas; it edges into Nicaragua on the south. Oregano itself was originally Greek before different types of the herb began to grow. Discard your oregano if it's faded in color or . Not only are they derived from unrelated plants, but they're suitable for very different global cuisines. It boasts its Greek origins in its name; oros means mountain and ganos means brightness or joy. This Mexican herb is strong and pungent and, like its Greek counterpart, delivers bitter and peppery flavors. Keeping them away from the heat also means they should not be stored near your oven and stove. It is a fragrant herb used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Use regular Italian oregano in Italian recipes and reserve the Mexican variety for burritos, tacos, beans, heavy meat dishes, and other similar styles of recipes. Not quite. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. Oregano emerged in southern Europes temperate regions and is a traditional Mediterranean herb. Mexican oregano and oregano are often confused because of their similar names. If it were to be prefaced with geography it would be Mediterranean because it grows throughout Italy, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco. Oreganos robust flavor profile allows it to work like bay leaves and stand up to extensive braising. This fast grower quickly reaches a height of 6 to 18 inches and a width of three feet. The differences between Mexican oregano and oregano are visible at first sight when you have them side by side. 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. Make sure to sprinkle some on your pizza because oregano is the great pizza herb. Dominican Oregano vs. Can you use them in the same ways? Mexican oregano pairs well with the seasonings that tend to show up in Mexican cooking like cumin and peppers. & Outdoor Living.Inspiration, tips and how-tos for a more verdant lifestyle for city dwellers and suburban farmers alike, HappySprout offers a modern take on green living that sparks joy from the roots up. However, Greek Oregano originated along the sunny shores of the Mediterranean and is part of the mint family. It can be used to add aroma and flavor to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Mexican oreganos intense earthy, peppery flavor may be a little too much for some people, especially kids. Mediterranean oregano is made from a combination of Spanish thyme and the herb oregano Vulgare, also known as wild marjoram. Mediterranean oregano is made from a combination of Spanish thyme and the herb oregano Vulgare, also known as wild marjoram. Mexican oregano is a flowering plant that belongs to the verbena family. Required fields are marked *. 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 . And who decided one was the regular oregano and one was Mexican oregano. Marjoram. Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is considered to be the strongest-flavored variety. Your Destination for Indoor Plants If youre unsure which one to pick, read on as I discuss each type, its flavor, pairings, and substitutes. If the two were sandpaper, Mexican oregano would be like 80 grit and oregano would be like 200 grit. Greek Oregano is a bit more mellow than Mexican, but since they share a peppery base of flavor and some lemony notes, it can approximate the flavor. 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. Photo courtesy of The. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is woodsy, but its aroma is less strong. Sharing similar appearances and some flavor notes, oregano and Mexican oregano actually feature differences that make each suitable for specific dishes. When using Mexican oregano, its important to choose high-quality, fresh herbs. This member of the mint family thrives indoors in bright light with a bit of afternoon shade in hot sunny windows. 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 a drought tolerant plant thats native to the dry climates of Central America, Mexico, and the southwestern portion of the United States. The best substitute for Mexican oregano is marjoram. Store them somewhere cool, dark, and dry. Even though they are classified separately, the two herbs do share a few similar terpenes ( flavor and aroma compounds ). Dominican Oregano is super delicious and it's a spice that I use all the time in my cooking. Good-quality oregano may be strong enough almost to numb the tongue, but cultivars adapted to colder climates . 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. Instagram: @Chef.Zee Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat: @ChefZeeCooksFor business inquiries please email: biz@chefzeecooks.com They should be stored along with other herbs, spices, and dried chiles in a relatively stable temperature and low humidity storage area. Please let us know in the comments below. It is also called oregano cimarron or hierba dulcewild oregano or sweet herb, respectively. This aromatic herb is a gift from the Mediterranean region and is also popularly called wild marjoram or Origanum Vulgare. They are all used in their local cuisines and paired well with the local ingredients. But if you're just looking for a delicious herb to flavor your food, either type will do! In Stock. In my kitchen, Mexican oregano shows up in a lot of recipes. 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'll be surprised at just how tasty it leaves your food. Mexican oregano has bigger leaves than regular oregano. Luckily, Mexican oregano is easy to find. Although different in flavor, Mexican oregano and oregano share relatively similar care requirements. In America, its referred to simply as oregano with no country specification because its more commonly used on foods that are considered American.. 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. Mexican oregano and true oregano in dishes. It is best to store the dried leaves of the Mexican oregano in an airtight container in a dry and cold place for about six months to preserve their wonderful flavor. Firstly, they belong to different plant families. Blooms appear from late spring through summer. Although there hasn't been too much research about its benefits, many experienced gardeners swear by Epsom salt for plants. Mexican oregano can be also used fresh but when it is dried it has a stronger flavor. Ships from and sold by Lucas Mccartney. Greek oreganos are made from wild plants, while Mexican oreganos are made from domesticated plants. Mexican oregano and oregano come from unrelated plants even though they share a name. 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. But they do differ in how they look and grow. But remember, Epsom salt is nothing like your typical table salt since it's actually magnesium sulfate. Remove from the oven, remove garlic from the skin, add all ingredients, plus the lime juice and. If you order today, this is the estimated delivery . Cooking With Sea Salt: The Dos And Donts, Cooking With Turmeric: The Dos And Donts. You will see it commonly used in Latin American dishes and those from the American Southwest. There are over 40 types of oregano. That warm, pungent flavor found in true oregano is just a part of what Mexican oregano brings to the partyits those floral, citrus, licorice/anise notes that balance and complete each dish. Retrieved September 27, 2022. You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano, but the taste may be different from what youre looking for. Cooking advice that works. As a general rule, it's usually best to reserve each one for their own cuisine. Mexican oregano and the true oregano, also known as Mediterranean oregano are two different types of herbs. That said, it is a savory herb and will work with the same kinds of ingredients that get used along with oregano. 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. It also might taste more grassy or earthy to you. 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. If youre wondering what makes them distinct and why the nuances matter, keep reading ahead. 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. Once the war ended and the soldiers came home, they wanted things flavored with their new favorite herb. Visit our sister site PepperScale. And pay attention to the amounts you put in. Not all types of oregano have the same flavor. Theres plenty of stories floating around about this but the truth is no one really knows for sure. The genetic makeups of the two are also different. Depending on even the patch of the field its grown in, the oregano may be more bitter, sweet, or spicy. It can make an enjoyable cup of tea much like its cousin, lemon verbena. The minty and savory aspect or oreganos flavor profile can stand in for the licorice notes that you get from Mexican oregano. Cilantro. Try it in soups, chowders, or a traditional Mexican mole. Pair Mexican Oregano with chiles, beans, and ground meats. 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. As with Mexican oregano, it can resist bouts of drought in fact, overwatering may actually cause root rot. 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. At their core, both Mediterranean and Mexican oregano are herbs that come from the same family of plants, Lamiaceae. And use Mexican oregano if you want to go for that hot peppery taste in your dish. 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. Quantity Add to basket Loading Arrives by 04-13 Mar if you order today. Mexican oregano is also sometimes used as a tea herb. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.