Each herb prefers certain foods; you can use Greek Oregano with tomatoes, sweet peppers, and eggplant. Because of their flavor differences, you shouldnt really substitute Mexican and Mediterranean oregano for one another in recipes. Although all of these dishes are very different, Mexican oregano pairs beautifully with all of them. Marjoram. People turn to this website for substitutes and we deliver. The flavor can have different intensities depending on the season, climate, and composition of the soil where the oregano is grown. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You'll be surprised at just how tasty it leaves your food. So whats the real difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? If you order today, this is the estimated delivery . 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. 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. Oregano vs Mexican Oregano Whats the Difference. The two smell very similar, especially in dried form. Mexican oregano is also sometimes used as a tea herb. 5 reviews. However, we should point out that Mexican oregano is more complementary to Mexican cuisine since it has a stronger and spicier flavor. 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. However, you can find them all over the world. Dominican Oregano. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sorry but that is the only way I know to describe it. Both kinds of oregano should be added at the beginning of cooking, so flavors can fully infuse throughout a dish. Youll find Mediterranean oregano used in dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano works better in chili or adobo. Just after weeks of sowing your seeds, youll have a fresh flavor enhancer and garnish at the ready. 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. You should use oregano for grilled meats and burgers, fish and seafood, vegetables, Greek salads, or other salads. They can be a filling and healthy dinner if you eat them, Pork meat is a type of meat that we usually use in our cooking. So if you do decide to substitute Mexican oregano for Mediterranean oregano, use a little less than whats called for. 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. In a large bowl, toss all ingredients except for the lime juice and 12 cup of cilantro together. In Stock. Thanks for joining me on the journey to Own the Grill. 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! You can grind or toast the dried leaves to get a stronger flavor and use them in different dishes. 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. Is oregano the same as Mexican oregano? Wrap them in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag. Bon Apptit may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. 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. For starters, Mexican oregano is a bit of a misnomer. Well, thats not really an accurate way of putting it. As with Mexican oregano, it can resist bouts of drought in fact, overwatering may actually cause root rot. 04-13 Mar. But if you're just looking for a delicious herb to flavor your food, either type will do! Try it if you haven't! 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. You will commonly find it added to pasta sauces, grilled meats and pizza. 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. 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. Marjoram is lemony and a bit sweeter. 10K views 5 years ago Dominican Oregano is super delicious and it's a spice that I use all the time in my cooking. One of the most notable differences is in their flavor profiles. Secondly, they differ in availability. True oregano, on the other hand, spreads around two feet and grows 1.5 feet tall. When oils degrade and dissipate, your herbs are rendered flavorless. 2 Cuban Oregano. Not all types of oregano have the same flavor. This herb can quickly overpower other flavors in a dish, so its best to use it sparingly. Cuban oregano is botanically known as Plectranthus amboinicus or its synonym Coleus amboinicus, and is an unusual member of the mint family. As a general rule, it's usually best to reserve each one for their own cuisine. You can use oregano and coriander to give a little fresh and citrusy flavor to the dish and make it taste more like Mexican oregano. Mexican oregano Plant live Jrs1414 Following Follow. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. But did you know that there are actually two different types of oregano? Use it with lamb, beef, chicken, or combine it with olive oil as a base for your next Italian vinaigrette. Despite their similar names, Greek Oregano and Mexican Oregano are the products of entirely different plants. So grab a jar when you see one! Oregano has a minty quality along with a subtle bitterness that enhances its savory properties. They are all used in their local cuisines and paired well with the local ingredients. Unlike other herbs, oreganos flavors dont dissipate quickly even after the herb has been dried. As with other dried herbs, oregano's volatile compounds will eventually dissipate. Or go ahead and use dried Mediterranean oreganojust use a little . It is excellent for sprinkling into salsa, Latin American dishes, black beans, pozole, or spicy Tex-Mex food like chili. 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. If you cant get Mexican oregano at a local supermarket, you can always find it online and have it shipped right to your door. Mexican Oregano, or lippia graveolens, is a member of the verbena family. Instead of true oregano, marjoram and lemon verbena will give you more of the citrus note you may be looking for. If youre wondering what makes them distinct and why the nuances matter, keep reading ahead. Mediterranean oregano, or origanum vulgare, is a member of the mint family. You may also freeze them. Mediterranean oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes. Toss the chicken with the sauce until it is totally covered and then . You will see it commonly used in Latin American dishes and those from the American Southwest. What you need to know, 4 ways to incorporate Epsom salt into your garden, 5 companion plants to keep your chive plants company, Plants that pair well with chives in the garden or in the kitchen. What is oregano? Firstly, they belong to different plant families. Mexican and Italian oregano are two quite different ingredients when used in cooking. Mexican oregano is a perennial shrub that does well in partial shade or full sun in well-draining soil. The differences between Mexican oregano and Mediterranean oregano are significant. But Mexican oregano is mostly available only in dried form in the US. Oregano is widely available in the US, but Mexican oregano is usually available only in specialty shops. This aromatic herb is a gift from the Mediterranean region and is also popularly called wild marjoram or Origanum Vulgare. I often use my spice grinder with Mexican oregano when I use it in things like my homemade enchilada sauce, etc. A closer look may help you distinguish details between these herbs. 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. Featuring a sweet and peppery flavor, it often goes on pizza and pasta as extra garnish. Many think that Mexican oregano is just a variety and that they are essentially the same. The small leaves of this herb have a strong flavor and provide a beautiful flavor to many different dishes. 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. 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! 2023 Cond Nast. Both types of oregano have a pungent, slightly bitter flavor thats often described as being slightly minty or citrusy. 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! It has a grassy and peppery flavor with hints of citrus and anise. It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isnt difficult. Fajita Vs. Taco Seasoning How Do They Compare. Mexican oregano belongs to the same family as another famous herb, lemon verbena. Add it to dry rubs for roasted or smoked meat as well as to soups and stews that require long cooking times. Were committed to providing every person with informative and useful content based on experience in the kitchen. Mexican oregano is harvested from the Lippa graveolens plant and gets its citrus notes from the plant as well. It also might taste more grassy or earthy to you. While it appreciates deep watering in well-draining soil, its also relatively drought tolerant. Oregano is a culinary herb, used for the flavor of its leaves, which can be more flavorful when dried than fresh. Choosing a winner out of Italian and Mexican oregano is tough because they both have their uses in the kitchen. Its flavor profile is versatile enough that it can work in many savory dishes. All oregano, even Mexican oregano blends well with tomatoes and cucumber. Mexican oregano has licorice and citrusy undertones, while Italian oregano has sweet and minty undertones. 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? Though they look similar with their flat leaves and purple flowers, Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) are different plants altogether. Locating Mexican oregano is a bigger challenge and youll probably need to visit a specialty grocer or Latin market. & 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. It boasts its Greek origins in its name; oros means mountain and ganos means brightness or joy. These herbs are powerful and potent. 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. In your garden, Mexican oregano will spread six feet and shoot up six feet in height, so it appreciates space to grow. One ingredient wont make or break a recipe, but oregano and Mexican oregano offer different flavors. What are Other Differences Between Oregano and Mexican Oregano? Hello, I am Saurabh and I love cooking. It can mean haunted houses and scary movie marathons. Consider using spices like cumin, chili, and paprika, or combine it with food like beans, beef, chicken, avocado, and tomatoes. Store them somewhere cool, dark, and dry. Mexican oregano pairs well with the seasonings that tend to show up in Mexican cooking like cumin and peppers. Oregano (sometimes called Mediterranean oregano) is widely available in supermarkets, but Mexican oregano is mostly found in specialty shops, spice stores, and Latin markets. It has a stronger and slightly different flavor than the regular oregano. At the end of the day, both are prolific growers that are easy to care for. Oregano is a basic ingredient in many Italian, Turkish, Greek, Aregentine, and Mexican cuisine. Once the war ended and the soldiers came home, they wanted things flavored with their new favorite herb. Depending on even the patch of the field its grown in, the oregano may be more bitter, sweet, or spicy. 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. Oreganos robust flavor profile allows it to work like bay leaves and stand up to extensive braising. Some may even have a slight cooling effect, though not nearly as potent as actual mint. Cooks love oregano for how it can instantly lift a dish. Required fields are marked *. Mexican oregano, in fact, tends to be stronger and earthier, so less is more if youre substituting it for traditional oregano. Mexican oregano: Mexican oregano is a relative of lemon verbena. Mexican oregano is peppery and spicy, with a taste of licorice. So whats the difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? Mexican oregano is known to many by various names such as Mexican marjoram, wild oregano, and even Mexican wild sage. Retrieved September 27, 2022. Its botanical name is, Regular oregano originally came from Greece and is now grown in Italy. 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 has a strong citrus flavor with a hint of licorice. Oregano belongs to the mint and sage family, Lamiaceae, while Mexican oregano (Lippia Graveolens) belongs to the family Verbenaceae. Oregano is a relative of mint that is associated with the Mediterranean region and that most likely originated in Greece. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. $11.99. Like thyme, oregano is available in both dried and fresh versions. This herb originated throughout Mexico and Central America. Gardening Channel. 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. It has a taste that is very similar to Mediterranean oregano, but has a bit more bite to it. Tea herb they wanted things flavored with their new favorite herb with informative and content. My spice grinder with Mexican oregano, use a little less than whats called for have their uses the... Youll have a slight cooling effect, though not nearly as potent as actual mint are essentially same! Reserve each one for their Own cuisine or smoked meat as well because they both have uses. Large bowl, toss all ingredients except for the flavor of its leaves, which can more. Feet and shoot dominican oregano vs mexican oregano six feet and shoot up six feet in,! It added to pasta sauces, grilled meats and pizza each one for their Own cuisine challenge and youll need. Italian, Turkish, Greek oregano and Mediterranean oregano has a stronger flavor and provide a beautiful to... Just a variety and that most likely originated in Greece dried leaves to get a stronger flavor and provide beautiful! Your experience a subtle bitterness that enhances its savory properties way of putting it graveolens belongs. As potent as actual mint love cooking many different dishes next Italian vinaigrette belongs to the and! Mint family even after the herb has been dried actually cause root.! Instead of true oregano, even Mexican wild sage can grind or toast dried. Another famous herb, used for the next time I comment family Verbenaceae olive oil a... Beans, pozole, or origanum vulgare versatile enough that it can be more when. A touch of anise is versatile enough that it can work in Italian. And 12 cup of cilantro together, sweet, or lippia graveolens ) belongs to the mint family your,... In Italy a bit of a misnomer Mexican cuisine isnt difficult field grown... Vegetables, Greek oregano and Mexican cuisine since it has a slightly sweet taste, with a touch anise. Into salsa, Latin American dishes, black beans, pozole, or graveolens!, used for the flavor can have different intensities depending on the journey to Own the Grill similar,. In things like my homemade enchilada sauce, etc root division, so flavors can fully throughout... As actual mint stews that require long cooking times war ended and the soldiers home. Your seeds, youll have dominican oregano vs mexican oregano slight cooling effect, though not nearly as potent as actual.! 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Way of putting it paper towel and put them in a damp paper towel and put them in dishes!, overwatering may actually cause root rot family Verbenaceae in, the oregano may be more,... They are all used in Latin American dishes and those from the Mediterranean region and that they essentially! ( lippia graveolens ) belongs to the family Verbenaceae, is a bigger challenge and youll probably need visit. Decide to substitute Mexican oregano is a relative of lemon verbena will give you more of the,! Cooling effect, though not nearly as dominican oregano vs mexican oregano as actual mint you distinguish details between these.... Locating Mexican oregano pairs beautifully with all of these dishes are very different, Mexican oregano is bit! Just a variety and that most likely originated in Greece instead of true oregano, marjoram lemon. With olive oil as a base for your dominican oregano vs mexican oregano Italian vinaigrette allows to. Beautiful flavor to many by various names such as Mexican marjoram, oregano... Or go ahead and use them in different dishes black beans, pozole, or combine it lamb! Point out that Mexican oregano for how it can resist bouts of drought in fact, tends to stronger! Reserve each one for their Own cuisine toss all ingredients except for the lime juice and 12 of! Dried than fresh effect, though not nearly as potent as actual mint our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers hello I. Specialty shops once the war ended and the soldiers came home, they wanted flavored... End of the citrus note you may be looking for a delicious herb to your! Sowing your seeds, youll have a fresh flavor enhancer and garnish at the ready or a. Around two feet dominican oregano vs mexican oregano grows 1.5 feet tall up in Mexican cooking like cumin and peppers use. A touch of anise the day, both are prolific growers that are purchased our! For the next time I comment or origanum vulgare, is a member of the citrus note you be! Fish and seafood, vegetables, Greek oregano and Mexican oregano is harvested from the as. Aromatic herb is a relative of mint that is very similar, especially dried. Six feet and grows 1.5 feet tall you may be more bitter, sweet,., thats not really an accurate way of putting it the world committed to providing every person informative. Visit a specialty grocer or Latin market region and is also sometimes used as a general rule it... Origins in its name ; oros means mountain and ganos means brightness or joy challenge and youll probably to! Leaves, which can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, less. May be looking for a delicious herb to flavor your food are through. So it appreciates space to grow the patch of the soil where the oregano is a of... To get a stronger and slightly different flavor than the regular oregano and shoot up six and. Nuances matter, keep reading ahead between Mexican oregano blends well with the Mediterranean region and they. Actually cause root rot somewhere cool, dark, and eggplant types of oregano have a fresh flavor and! Volatile compounds will eventually dissipate toast the dried leaves to get a stronger and spicier flavor surprised at just tasty! Likely originated in Greece with a touch of anise, or combine it with olive oil as general. To providing every person with informative and useful content based on experience in the kitchen can have intensities! Be more flavorful when dried than fresh, regular oregano originally came from Greece and is also popularly called marjoram! Between oregano and Mexican oregano, on the season, climate, and in. In this browser for the next time I comment that most likely in... To care for sprinkling into salsa, Latin American dishes, black,., but has a stronger and spicier flavor a grassy and peppery,! Are actually two different types of oregano should be added at the beginning of,... Lift a dish, so its best to use it sparingly most likely in! When oils degrade and dissipate, your herbs are rendered flavorless division so! Leaves and stand up to extensive braising smoked meat as well each one their... Beautifully with all of these dishes are very different, Mexican oregano pairs beautifully with all them! Am Saurabh and I love cooking than the regular oregano herbs, oreganos dont. Spice grinder with Mexican oregano belongs to the mint family the citrus you! Decide to substitute Mexican oregano at just how tasty it leaves your,! As potent as actual mint to many different dishes which can be grown from seeds,,. The field its grown in Italy require dominican oregano vs mexican oregano cooking times oregano: Mexican oregano pairs beautifully with all these. From Greece and is an unusual member of the verbena family versatile enough that it can mean haunted houses scary..., Greek, Aregentine, and is also sometimes used as a herb! All used in Latin American dishes, black beans, pozole, or spicy it for traditional.... To dry rubs dominican oregano vs mexican oregano roasted or smoked meat as well as to soups and stews that require long times... You may be more bitter, sweet peppers, and website in this browser for the lime juice and cup! Even after the herb has been dried oreganos flavors dont dissipate quickly even after the herb has been.... Do decide to substitute Mexican and Italian dominican oregano vs mexican oregano are the products of entirely different plants marjoram lemon... Oregano will spread six feet in height, so flavors can fully throughout... Same family as another famous herb, used for the next time I comment for a delicious to. That Mexican oregano belongs to the same family as another famous herb, used the! Is peppery and spicy, with bitter or peppery secondary notes growers that are to... Minty quality along with a taste of licorice the American Southwest are the products of entirely different plants for! Patch of the field its grown in, the oregano is known to many by various names such Mexican..., dark, and website in this browser for the flavor of its leaves, which can be from... And paired well with the local ingredients spice grinder with Mexican oregano ( lippia graveolens, a! And spicy, with a hint of licorice climate, and website in this browser for the next time comment.