Using it in place of oregano means that it wont necessarily ruin the meal but you wont get the classic oregano flavor either. 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 even buy it in powder form. This member of the mint family thrives indoors in bright light with a bit of afternoon shade in hot sunny windows. 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. In addition, they are both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma. 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. For others, it means also dressing up in costumes and going out to parties with friends. Mexican oregano and oregano are often confused because of their similar names. If you're looking to buy regular Mediterranean or Italian oregano, then youll easily find them in the spice aisle of the grocery store. The Lippa being a descendant of the lemon verbena plant. 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. 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. If youre wondering what makes them distinct and why the nuances matter, keep reading ahead. Mexican oregano is a bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, which comes in a finer form. 10K views 5 years ago Dominican Oregano is super delicious and it's a spice that I use all the time in my cooking. 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. How to Reheat Baked Potato? Part of theCindermintfamily: PepperScale,SPICEography, andFiery Flavors. Similarities between Oregano and Mexican Oregano, Differences between Oregano and Mexican Oregano, Tips for Cooking with Oregano and Mexican Oregano, Mexican oregano is also a great herb to use when making spice blends like chili powder or taco seasoning. Greek oregano is part of the mint or Lamiaceae family, and Mexican oregano is part of the verbena or Verbenaceae family. What is oregano? Because of the sturdy nature of these herbs, their tastes will not fade during cooking, as can happen with delicate, leafy herbs. Greek Oregano, Origanum vulgare, is the herb commonly thought of in the US as Mediterranean oregano or just oregano. 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. Common oregano (sometimes called Greek oregano) is widely available in fresh and dried form. 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. Mexican and Italian oregano are two quite different ingredients when used in cooking. But if you're just looking for a delicious herb to flavor your food, either type will do! It is conceivable that the two spices can be used to replace each other in cooking. Both types of oregano have a pungent, slightly bitter flavor thats often described as being slightly minty or citrusy. Like Mexican oregano, oregano is relatively pest resistant, although you may occasionally encounter spider mites or aphids. If you dont have Mexican oregano, a better substitute is marjoram with a bit of coriander, or you can substitute in lemon verbena. So, here's the big question: Is Epsom salt good for houseplants? Wrap them in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag. Chives are easy-going herbs that pack a delicious onion flavor while growing with little fuss. Your email address will not be published. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. Although Mexican and Italian oregano can be used interchangeably, it isnt a great idea for some recipes. Mediterranean oregano is often used to add depth and complexity to tomato-based sauces, and can also be used to flavor meats, vegetables, and breads. Both oregano and Mexican oregano can be used in the same recipes, but Mexican oregano is best for Mexican dishes and spicy, flavorful meals. Some may even have a slight cooling effect, though not nearly as potent as actual mint. Depending on even the patch of the field its grown in, the oregano may be more bitter, sweet, or spicy. It can also have a mild pepperiness that helps it to compete with other pungent flavors. Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. Try it in soups, chowders, or a traditional Mexican mole. If your recipe calls for Mexican oregano specifically, try not to substitute another variety. 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. That said, it is a savory herb and will work with the same kinds of ingredients that get used along with oregano. This herb originated throughout Mexico and Central America. And who decided one was the regular oregano and one was Mexican oregano. Bon Apptit may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Or you can use only oregano as a substitute for Mexican oregano. Instead of true oregano, marjoram and lemon verbena will give you more of the citrus note you may be looking for. Its great on muttons, lambs, and just about any barbecues and kebabs. If you want to cook some Italian, Turkish or Greek dish, use Mediterranean oregano. They are also known as Mediterranean oregano. Featuring a sweet and peppery flavor, it often goes on pizza and pasta as extra garnish. The Mediterranean oregano was milder and faintly sweeter, while the Mexican type was stronger, with a hint of menthol. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. While Mexican and Italian oregano leaves can be used fresh or dry in cooking, we suggest using the dried spice when cooking Mexican. 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. Despite its earthy flavor and savory profile, oregano is actually a type of mint. In the U.S. its supplied by staple grocery store brands like McCormick and Badia as well as most Mexican and Latin American grocers and online retailers like Curio Spice Co., the Spice House, and Rancho Gordo. In Stock. The two types of oregano are even native to different parts of the world: True oregano is native to most temperate climates in western and southwestern Europe and Asia, as well as most Mediterranean countries, while Mexican oregano comes from (surprise, surprise) Mexico, Guatemala, and some parts of South America. Surprisingly, plenty of people dont know that theres a difference; which is why I posted the blog. Restaurant recommendations you trust. Your email address will not be published. These herbs are powerful and potent. If you are unfamiliar with these two seasonings, the SPICEography Showdown below can help you figure out what makes each of them different and how to use them. Mexican oregano is often sold in dried form, and can lose its flavor over time if not stored properly. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isn't difficult. This aromatic herb is a gift from the Mediterranean region and is also popularly called wild marjoram or Origanum Vulgare. It can be used to add aroma and flavor to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Use oregano for your marinades, sauces, dips, vinaigrettes, and drizzles. These herbs elevate any potato and eggplant dish. I would never use Italian oregano in place of mexican oregano. Not all types of oregano have the same flavor. You wont get Mexican oreganos sweet citrus notes, but you may be able to replace that with other ingredients. Were committed to providing every person with informative and useful content based on experience in the kitchen. Use it with lamb, beef, chicken, or combine it with olive oil as a base for your next Italian vinaigrette. Although there hasn't been too much research about its benefits, many experienced gardeners swear by Epsom salt for plants. It is made from leaves that have are crunchy texture and small flower buds. Ad Choices. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Substitute Cooking 2023 - All Right Reserved. But did you know that there are actually two different types of oregano? Mexican oregano comes from the plant Lippia graveolens, while Mediterranean oregano comes from the plant Origanum vulgare. 4 Good Mexican Oregano Substitutes. Marjoram is lemony and a bit sweeter. Frequently Asked Questions Secondly, they differ in availability. After all, one spice is unlikely to ruin a dish, especially if you dont use a heavy hand. Oregano is a basic ingredient in many Italian, Turkish, Greek, Aregentine, and Mexican cuisine. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Oregano comes from the mint family, Lamiaceae, while Mexican oregano comes from the Verbenaceae family. 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. Oregano (sometimes called Mediterranean oregano) is widely available in supermarkets, but Mexican oregano is mostly found in specialty shops, spice stores, and Latin markets. Oregano appreciates regular trimming to branch out, so you can cut and use it throughout the growing season. 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. Mexican and Greek Oregano are excellent herbs to cook, delivering terrific flavor. Greek oregano, also known as rigani is originated in Greece. Greek Oregano (common oregano) Lemon Verbena. You can store whats left of your fresh oregano leaves in the refrigerator. You can usually find Mexican oregano in dry form (as its often used) at Latin markets. If you order today, this is the estimated delivery . You can use marjoram instead of Mexican oregano in sauces, soups, poultry, vegetables, and many other dishes. It boasts its Greek origins in its name; oros means mountain and ganos means brightness or joy. Greek oregano has an earthy, savory, and spicy flavor. 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