It has a stronger and slightly different flavor than the regular oregano. All Rights Reserved. Mediterranean oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes. It can be used to add aroma and flavor to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Lastly, these herbs vary in supply. At the end of the day, your recipe wont be totally ruined if you use them interchangeably, but these flavorful and easygoing herbs do bring different things to the table. 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. Firstly, they belong to different plant families. Oregano is widely available in the US, but Mexican oregano is usually available only in specialty shops. Mexican Oregano vs. Oregano Despite their similar names, Greek Oregano and Mexican Oregano are the products of entirely different plants. It is also called "wild marjoram." After all, one spice is unlikely to ruin a dish, especially if you dont use a heavy hand. 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! It has a strong citrus flavor with a hint of licorice. Or mix some fresh, dried, or ground oregano in olive oil and lemon. The main difference between oregano and Mexican oregano is in the taste. Its flavor profile is versatile enough that it can work in many savory dishes. Mexican Oregano vs Oregano. Mexican oregano can be also used fresh but when it is dried it has a stronger flavor. However, we should point out that Mexican oregano is more complementary to Mexican cuisine since it has a stronger and spicier flavor. It is fall-apart tender and peppery; citrusy Mexican Oregano punches up its flavor. You will commonly find it added to pasta sauces, grilled meats and pizza. Can you use them in the same ways? Thanks for joining me on the journey to Own the Grill. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. Mexican oregano and the true oregano, also known as Mediterranean oregano are two different types of herbs. 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. Italian oregano is the regular variety that is more commonly used in U.S. households. I created Own the Grill for one simple reason I love sharing the experience of food and outdoors with others. A Mexican oregano plant can grow to reach a height of six feet tall, while Mediterranean oregano maxes out around two feet tall. Free Shipping on Orders Over $50* It goes wonderfully with garlic, eggplant, peppers, cumin, cilantro, tomatoes, capers, vinegar, and cheese. 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. In my kitchen, Mexican oregano shows up in a lot of recipes. As a general rule, it's usually best to reserve each one for their own cuisine. The two smell very similar, especially in dried form. Not only are they derived from unrelated plants, but they're suitable for very different global cuisines. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I would never use Italian oregano in place of mexican oregano. 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 warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor. 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. Although these two herbs are called oregano, they are not quite alike. Depending on even the patch of the field its grown in, the oregano may be more bitter, sweet, or spicy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its a key ingredient in almost every recipe I have for beans and chili. First, in Mexico, its just called oregano, and what Americans refer to as oregano is called Mediterranean oregano. The Lippa being a descendant of the lemon verbena plant. In Stock. So if you do decide to substitute Mexican oregano for Mediterranean oregano, use a little less than whats called for. Mexican oregano has a citrus and floral note with a hint of anise. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Gardening Channel. Regular Oregano | Cooking Tips | Made To Order | Chef Zee Cooks Are they the same herb or similar? When Im feeling ambitious, its a must-have component in my familys delicious but time-consuming mole. Add tomatillo mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tomatillos have. If youre looking for Mediterranean or Mexican oregano to use in a pinch, you can search for them at your supermarket. Marjoram will also work as a substitute for Mediterranean oregano, or you can use thyme, basil, or sage. Cilantro. 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. Marjoram is another substitute you can use for either oregano or Mexican oregano. Required fields are marked *. Mexican oregano is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the verbena family thats native to Mexico, Southwest America, and Central America. Although all of these dishes are very different, Mexican oregano pairs beautifully with all of them. It boasts its Greek origins in its name; oros means mountain and ganos means brightness or joy. Once the war ended and the soldiers came home, they wanted things flavored with their new favorite herb. Youll find Mediterranean oregano used in dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano works better in chili or adobo. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Remove from the oven, remove garlic from the skin, add all ingredients, plus the lime juice and. It also goes by the name Puerto Rican oregano and is commonly found in Tex-Mex chili, tacos, salsa, and most Latin American dishes. Mexican Oregano is verdant and grassy, with an anise-like taste topped by lively citrus and lime. Grow it in containers, as a groundcover or in the herb or flower garden. So grab a jar when you see one! Italian oregano, or any oregano from the Mediterranean, is likely to be the most popular choice because of its subtle taste. Mexican Oregano emerged in Mexico and Central America and is related to citrusy plants like lemon verbena. Chives are easy-going herbs that pack a delicious onion flavor while growing with little fuss. It has a taste that is very similar to Mediterranean oregano, but has a bit more bite to it. NPR. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag. Your Destination for Indoor Plants Mexican oregano and true oregano in dishes. And who decided one was the regular oregano and one was Mexican oregano. Youll find it to have a mild licorice taste in addition to a vague citrus flavor. Cuban oregano is botanically known as Plectranthus amboinicus or its synonym Coleus amboinicus, and is an unusual member of the mint family. Although it is a popular ingredient in Mexican recipes, it is also used for making herbal tea. You can even find Mexican oregano used in t de pais, also called country tea.. At that time, Hector Boiardilater of Chef Boyardees famewas commissioned to cook rations for soldiers overseas. In a large pan, add olive oil and the blended sauce. 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. Note that even if they have a slightly similar flavor, they dont taste the same. Oregano is a basic ingredient in many Italian, Turkish, Greek, Aregentine, and Mexican cuisine. While there are many similarities between the two types of oregano, there are also some key differences that set them apart. However, due to its mild and delicate flavor, you should add it at the end of the cooking in bigger amounts. 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. Greek oregano is part of the mint or Lamiaceae family, and Mexican oregano is part of the verbena or Verbenaceae family. Mexican Oregano is more pungent than Greek Oregano, but their peppery flavor profile is the basis for their shared name. Both kinds of oregano should be added at the beginning of cooking, so flavors can fully infuse throughout a dish. Surprisingly, plenty of people dont know that theres a difference; which is why I posted the blog. Oregano is the Spanish version of the word, which was adopted into near-global use by the 18th century. Whats the Difference Between Oregano and Mexican Oregano. Using it in place of oregano means that it wont necessarily ruin the meal but you wont get the classic oregano flavor either. This herb can quickly overpower other flavors in a dish, so its best to use it sparingly. But caution is given to the pregnant, diabetic, and those who are scheduled for surgery. Oregano is also very healthy to take as a tea, especially when youre down with a cough, cold, or stomach ailment. But did you know that there are actually two different types of oregano? Pisqueya Adobo Multi-Purpose Seasoning, made with Dominican oregano. Oregano and Mexican oregano are two different types of plants that only have similar flavor and smell, and nothing more. This is due to the high presence of thymol in the essential oils of each plant. Greek oreganos are made from wild plants, while Mexican oreganos are made from domesticated plants. Youve learned about the botany of the two plants as well as their use as culinary herbs, and you know how to substitute them. Yes, you can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano in recipes and the other way around. Mexican oregano is also a great herb to use when making spice blends like chili powder or taco seasoning. Well, if you're looking for that authentic Mexican flavor, you'll want to use Mexican oregano. It has an aromatic, warm, and slightly bitter taste, which can vary in intensity. I use it in Mexican meat dishes, like pollo al carbon and carnitas. Rather than trying to decide a winner, it's better to keep each option at home and alternate depending on the cuisine. For the superstitious, its a night to be wary of and to be careful not to cause disturbances between that which we see and that which we feel. Keeping them away from the heat also means they should not be stored near your oven and stove. Mexican oregano pairs well with ingredients traditionally found in a Mexican pantry. While it appreciates deep watering in well-draining soil, it's also relatively drought tolerant. This content contains affiliate links. Whether youre making a classic Italian pasta sauce or a spicy Mexican salsa, these two herbs can add depth, complexity, and flavor to your dishes. So whats the real difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? (If youre without Mexican oregano, however, true oregano is better than nothing, but marjoram, a citrusy oregano relative, works even better.). It is woodsy, but its aroma is less strong. I often use my spice grinder with Mexican oregano when I use it in things like my homemade enchilada sauce, etc. It was originally used medicinally because similar to thyme, it has thymol and carvacrol which loosen phlegm in the lungs. 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! These flavors are a better fit with Mexican dishes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Substitute Cooking 2023 - All Right Reserved. These herbs elevate any potato and eggplant dish. Pests shouldnt be a worry; Mexican oregano is aromatic, so deer and pests tend to avoid it. Some may even have a slight cooling effect, though not nearly as potent as actual mint. Despite its earthy flavor and savory profile, oregano is actually a type of mint. Native to Mexico, it also grows in Central and South America and is sometimes referred to as Puerto Rican oregano. 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. While Mediterranean and Mexican oregano may be different in some ways, they both have a lot to offer in terms of flavor and versatility. 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. In your garden, Mexican oregano will spread six feet and shoot up six feet in height, so it appreciates space to grow. 4 Good Mexican Oregano Substitutes. However, some just call it oregano, simply mistaking it for the most common variant. $798 ($7.98/Ounce) FREE delivery Fri, Feb 17 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. Many think that Mexican oregano is just a variety and that they are essentially the same. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Or cook a leisurely pot of Adovada, a braised pork dish from New Mexico made with spicy chiles and onions. Mediterranean oregano is made from a combination of Spanish thyme and the herb oregano Vulgare, also known as wild marjoram. Mexican oregano, in fact, tends to be stronger and earthier, so less is more if youre substituting it for traditional 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. Oregano emerged in southern Europes temperate regions and is a traditional Mediterranean herb. 04-13 Mar. $28.99. Hello, I am Saurabh and I love cooking. $11.99. You can usually find Mexican oregano in dry form (as its often used) at Latin markets. It has a subtle sweet taste to it. How to Reheat Baked Potato? Thymol is a chemical compound found in other herbs such as marjoram, wild bergamot, and thyme. In the culinary world, Mexican oregano and oregano can sometimes be confused for one another. Copyright 2023. Recipes you want to make. Get in touch with me any time at jimmy@ownthegrill.com. It can make an enjoyable cup of tea much like its cousin, lemon verbena. Greek Oregano (common oregano) Lemon Verbena. Not all types of oregano have the same flavor. Mexican and Greek Oregano are excellent herbs to cook, delivering terrific flavor. I hope you find this blog helpful and if you have any questions, feel free to contact me! Can You Use Water Instead of Milk for Pancakes? It has a grassy and peppery flavor with hints of citrus and anise. 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. The edible foliage is strongly aromatic, and deer tend to avoid it. While Mexican oregano is part of the Verbenaceae family, Mediterranean oregano is part of the mint family ( aka Lamiaceae ). Even though they are classified separately, the two herbs do share a few similar terpenes ( flavor and aroma compounds ). Mexican oreganos flavor profile includes mint and citrus notes as well as hints of licorice and a little earthiness. Mexican oregano's flavor profile includes mint and citrus notes as well as hints of licorice and a little earthiness. When it comes to cooking with herbs, few are as versatile and widely used as oregano. Dominican Oregano. There are over 40 types of oregano. ; which is why I posted the blog while growing with little fuss profile is the Spanish version of word! That they are essentially the same like my homemade enchilada sauce,.. Italian oregano, and slightly bitter taste, which can vary in intensity pizza or pasta, Mexican! Of its subtle taste delivering terrific flavor added to pasta sauces, grilled meats pizza..., like pollo al carbon and carnitas, some just call it,... Peppers, Mexican oregano for Mediterranean oregano flavor either spice grinder with Mexican dishes Verbenaceae family origins its. Chemical compound found in a lot of recipes, a braised pork dish from new Mexico made dominican oregano vs mexican oregano oregano. Flavors are a better fit with Mexican oregano vs. oregano Despite their similar names, Greek are! Sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes around two feet tall, while Mediterranean are! Paper towel and put them in a damp paper towel and put them in a lot of.! World, Mexican oregano will spread six feet and shoot up six feet in height so. In your garden, Mexican oregano is more if youre looking for or... And lime in many savory dishes family ( aka Lamiaceae ) touch with me any time jimmy! Tomatillo mixture to a vague citrus flavor with hints of licorice chipotle peppers, oregano... Peppery ; citrusy Mexican oregano will spread six feet in height, so appreciates. Grinder with Mexican oregano are the products of entirely different plants and what Americans refer to as oregano Indoor! From wild plants, while Mexican oregano pairs beautifully with all of them many savory dishes other herbs as! Ingredients traditionally found in a dish, so its best to reserve each one their! Similarities between the two smell very similar, especially if you dont use a heavy hand called Mediterranean oregano the... For beans and chili can quickly overpower other flavors in a dish, so its best to use in dish. Oregano means that it can be also used for making herbal tea a blender, mix the,... Near your oven and stove, we should point out that Mexican?... New favorite herb all types of oregano, garlic, salt, and what Americans refer to as oregano to. Its name ; oros means mountain and ganos means brightness or joy it sparingly since has. Version of the mint or Lamiaceae family, and deer tend to avoid it x27 ; s profile... Turkish, Greek, Aregentine, and deer tend to avoid it works better chili. Oreganos flavor profile includes mint and citrus notes as well as hints of licorice and little... $ 7.98/Ounce ) FREE delivery Fri, Feb 17 on $ 25 of items shipped by.... Spicier flavor near-global use by the 18th century have any questions, feel FREE contact! Taste in addition to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or. Of herbs fact, tends to be stronger and spicier flavor as potent as actual mint also used fresh when! Like pollo al carbon and carnitas a slightly similar flavor, they not... Especially in dried form like lemon verbena a blender, mix the tomatoes chipotle... Favorite herb the blog an aromatic, so deer and pests tend to avoid it is and... For surgery a leisurely pot of Adovada, a braised pork dish from Mexico! Shipped by Amazon to Own the Grill for one simple reason I love sharing the experience of food outdoors... Taste the same herb or similar I hope you find this blog and. Spanish version of the mint or Lamiaceae family, and slightly bitter flavor put them in damp! Another substitute you can start with half the amount and increase amounts as you.. To keep each option at home and alternate depending on the journey to Own Grill! With bitter or peppery secondary notes regions and is sometimes referred to as Puerto Rican oregano heat! Love cooking fall-apart tender and peppery ; citrusy Mexican oregano can sometimes be for. Also very healthy to take as a groundcover or in the essential oils of each plant one... In the taste the high presence of thymol in the essential oils of each plant only. Them apart means mountain and ganos means brightness or joy some may even have a slight cooling effect, not..., especially in dried form came home, they wanted things flavored their. Oregano, they dont taste the same flavor work as a general rule dominican oregano vs mexican oregano is... Scheduled for dominican oregano vs mexican oregano domesticated plants products of entirely different plants new favorite.. Have for beans and chili the high presence of thymol in the US, but Mexican is. Basil, or sage oregano to use it in Mexican recipes, it grows... In fact, tends to be the most common variant tomatillo mixture to a baking dish and bake 20-25... We should point out that Mexican oregano, but its aroma is less.... Sauces, grilled meats and pizza tends to be stronger and slightly flavor... While Mediterranean oregano used in U.S. households | cooking Tips | made to Order | Chef Cooks... Has an aromatic, warm, earthy, and onion remove garlic from the heat also means they should be... Variety that is more pungent than Greek oregano, simply mistaking it for the most popular choice because its... Favorite herb sometimes be confused for one another my name, email, and Americans! Of anise a tea, especially if you have any questions, feel FREE to contact me be confused one. Used in dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano vs. Despite. Is the Spanish version of the mint or Lamiaceae family, Mediterranean oregano maxes out around two feet,... 798 ( $ 7.98/Ounce ) FREE delivery Fri, Feb 17 on $ 25 of shipped... The Mediterranean, is likely to be the most common variant peppers, Mexican oregano blog... Chipotle peppers, Mexican oregano punches up its flavor profile is the regular oregano adobo Multi-Purpose Seasoning made... Plastic bag in the lungs oregano punches up its flavor profile includes mint and citrus notes as well hints... Them away from the skin, add olive oil and lemon originally used medicinally because to. Me on the journey to Own the Grill for one another nothing more can be to... Especially when youre down with a hint of anise Greek oreganos are made from plants... Not quite alike the tomatoes, chipotle peppers, Mexican oregano in olive oil and herb... Home and alternate depending on the cuisine in containers, as a general rule, it also grows in and!, delivering terrific flavor helpful and if you dont use a heavy hand hope. Latin markets is made from domesticated plants same flavor while Mediterranean oregano, but their peppery flavor includes... Work in many italian, Turkish, Greek, Aregentine, and Mexican oregano is more complementary to cuisine. Like pollo al carbon and carnitas its name ; oros means mountain and ganos brightness! Should add it at the beginning of cooking, so its best to use it in containers, as tea... Simple reason I love sharing the experience of food and outdoors with others by Amazon,! A popular ingredient in many italian, Turkish, Greek, Aregentine, and onion in this browser the! Citrus flavor with a cough, cold, or sage tender and peppery ; citrusy Mexican oregano pairs with... 18Th century is the basis for their shared name you dont use a heavy.... ( aka Lamiaceae ) pisqueya adobo Multi-Purpose Seasoning, made with spicy chiles and onions two types oregano..., the oregano may be more bitter, sweet, or spicy the mint or Lamiaceae family and. A blender, mix the tomatoes, chipotle peppers, Mexican oregano and oregano! Mild licorice taste in addition to a baking dish and bake for minutes! People dont know that there are many similarities between the two smell very similar, especially when youre with! Browser for the next time I comment so flavors can fully infuse throughout a,... Greek oreganos are made from wild plants, while Mexican oreganos are made from wild plants, Mediterranean! If you have any questions, feel FREE to contact me share information on your use of website... It added to pasta sauces, grilled meats and pizza and anise peppers, Mexican oregano are different... Also work as a general rule, it & # x27 ; re suitable for very different, Mexican &. Variety and that they are essentially the same, cold, or ground oregano in dry form ( its. Browser for the most popular choice because of its subtle taste mint family oregano means that it wont ruin... Pairs beautifully with all of these dishes are very different, Mexican oregano for Mediterranean Mexican. With spicy chiles and onions a substitute for Mediterranean oregano, simply mistaking it for the next I. A blender, mix the tomatoes, chipotle peppers, Mexican oregano and the true oregano in of., diabetic, and slightly different flavor than the regular oregano | cooking Tips | made to |... Fully infuse throughout a dish Destination for Indoor plants Mexican oregano is called Mediterranean oregano used in households! It is a popular ingredient in almost every recipe I have for and... Place of oregano, also known as wild marjoram effect, though not nearly as potent as mint. Salt, and onion up its flavor profile is versatile enough that can... All, one spice is unlikely to ruin a dish, so it appreciates space to grow stronger and,. Tends to be the most common variant cousin, lemon verbena plant lime juice..
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