It boasts its Greek origins in its name; oros means mountain and ganos means brightness or joy. About SPICEographyMaster your spice rack at SPICEography. 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. Secondly, they differ in availability. Matthew Eads is a former US Marine, self-taught gourmet griller, andcookbook author. They will retain their properties if you store them properly in airtight containers and in a dark, dry place. The result is a potent and distinctive profile that can easily dominate the other aromas and tastes in your recipe if youre not careful. Hello, I am Saurabh and I love cooking. Oregano is a spice grown in Italy, Spai, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco. It also goes by the name Puerto Rican oregano and is commonly found in Tex-Mex chili, tacos, salsa, and most Latin American dishes. NPR. If your recipe calls for Mexican oregano specifically, try not to substitute another variety. Mexican oregano is more grassy, earthy, and pungent. Its great on muttons, lambs, and just about any barbecues and kebabs. Greek oregano and Mexican oregano originate from different countries. It goes wonderfully with garlic, eggplant, peppers, cumin, cilantro, tomatoes, capers, vinegar, and cheese. Mexican Oregano: part of the verbena family, along with lemon verbena. When using Mediterranean oregano, its important to remember that a little goes a long way. 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 a large pan, add olive oil and the blended sauce. Certified Piedmontese Review Healthy Beef Delivered to Your Doorstep. Oregano is a kind of mint and has a distinct taste based on where it is grown. Keep reading to learn all about the many uses of Epsom salt for potted plants and garden beds you might just find yourself sprinkling it on your crops! It is sometimes used as a substitute for epazote leaves. The main difference between Mexican and Italian oregano is how they taste. This herb originated throughout Mexico and Central America. It has a strong citrus flavor with a hint of licorice. 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. In stock. For those who didnt grow up eating Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, seeing Mexican oregano included in a recipe may raise a question or two. Although Mexican and Italian oregano can be used interchangeably, it isnt a great idea for some recipes. The two are also different in appearance. Not all types of oregano have the same flavor. When using Mexican oregano, its important to choose high-quality, fresh herbs. The main difference between oregano and Mexican oregano is in the taste. 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! When it comes to culinary uses, its excellent for Latin dishes, pairing especially well with chilis in chili, salsa, and adobo. Each plant comes from completely different families which explains why their flavor is different. 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. Please let us know in the comments below. There is also a textural difference between Mexican and Mediterranean 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. You can even find Mexican oregano used in t de pais, also called country tea.. 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. As these soldiers ate his canned spaghetti, they came to enjoy oreganos sassy flavor. Because of their flavor differences, you shouldnt really substitute Mexican and Mediterranean oregano for one another in recipes. 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. Your email address will not be published. And who decided one was the regular oregano and one was Mexican oregano. True oregano, on the other hand, spreads around two feet and grows 1.5 feet tall. It has a stronger and slightly different flavor than the regular oregano. It is generally used in conjunction with other Mexican spices like cumin and chili peppers. Keeping them away from the heat also means they should not be stored near your oven and stove. They are also used in different cuisines. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. To start off, its important you know that these spices share a name, and pretty much nothing else. 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 . Regular Oregano | Cooking Tips | Made To Order | Chef Zee Cooks So grab a jar when you see one! Your email address will not be published. It can also have a mild pepperiness that helps it to compete with other pungent flavors. Oregano is pungent, earthy, minty, and slightly bitter. What are Other Differences Between Oregano and Mexican Oregano? So whats the difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? 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. As with Mexican oregano, it can resist bouts of drought in fact, overwatering may actually cause root rot. It can mean haunted houses and scary movie marathons. Baked potatoes are a delicious treat! Bon Apptit may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. You can use Greek Oregano as a substitute for Mexican Oregano. In addition, they are both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma. Mediterranean oregano is made from a combination of Spanish thyme and the herb oregano Vulgare, also known as wild marjoram. Marjoram. It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isn't difficult. Oregano is a widely used spice in many cuisines over the world. Italian oregano, or any oregano from the Mediterranean, is likely to be the most popular choice because of its subtle taste. 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. However, if you want to cook something unique for your family like carne asada, Chiles Rellenos or burritos use Mexican oregano and give your dish a wonderful flavor. Not all types of oregano have the same flavor. And for the powers that be the witches, the warlocks, and the gardeners its a time to head out to our Halloween herb gardens and celebrate the bountiful harvest that awaits us. Oregano sales climbed more than 5200 percent between 1948 and 19561; once oregano entered the inner circle of staple kitchen spices, it never left. Its also found in pasta sauces and strongly flavored Italian cuisine. Mexican oregano has a stronger, brighter flavor with citrus and floral notes and a hint of anise, while regular oregano, has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor and peppery notes. It matches perfectly with dishes from that region. It is a hardy, flowering plant that is drought resistant making it perfect for growing in the drier terrain. If you want to cook some Italian, Turkish or Greek dish, use Mediterranean oregano. Substitute Cooking is packed with mouth-watering recipes that work, cooking substitutes for meals, and actional tips from passionate and experienced home cooks. In addition, they are both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma. You can use Mexican oregano whenever you want to add the sourness of lemon into your dish. You can use it as a substitute because marjoram has a similar flavor to Mexican oregano. 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. 04-13 Mar. 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! In a large bowl, toss all ingredients except for the lime juice and 12 cup of cilantro together. Mexican oregano is a different type of oregano, with a different flavor and look,native to Mexico, Southwest America, and Central America. Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is considered to be the strongest-flavored variety. Your email address will not be published. Like Mexican oregano, oregano is relatively pest resistant, although you may occasionally encounter spider mites or aphids. Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. The Lippa being a descendant of the lemon verbena plant. Luckily, Mexican oregano is easy to find. The earthy, peppery, and grassy Mexican Oregano is also recommended for making your own chili powder to use on tacos, salsa, and other Mexican or Latin dishes. This herb is a type of flowering plant and belongs to the mint family known as Lamiaceae. It lends balance to woodsy Mexican spices like allspice and cinnamon and heightens the citrus flavors that are so prevalent in Mexican dishes. Mexican oregano is a staple in Mexican cuisine whereas Mediterranean oregano is popular in Mediterranean cuisines. Required fields are marked *. You should use oregano for grilled meats and burgers, fish and seafood, vegetables, Greek salads, or other salads. Make sure to sprinkle some on your pizza because oregano is the great pizza herb. Can you use them in the same ways? 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. It has a subtle sweet taste to it. 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. That said, it is a savory herb and will work with the same kinds of ingredients that get used along with oregano. 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. Use Greek Oregano in a sunny, succulent dish like Provencal Chicken. To protect them further, do not add herbs to a dish by shaking them directly over a hot, steaming pot. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories, To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. If youre unsure which one to pick, read on as I discuss each type, its flavor, pairings, and substitutes. It is excellent for sprinkling into salsa, Latin American dishes, black beans, pozole, or spicy Tex-Mex food like chili. Mediterranean oregano is often a staple in grocery stores, but Mexican oregano may be harder to find. It has a licorice taste to it. In other words, Greek oregano was todays cough drops. Mexican oregano and oregano come from unrelated plants even though they share a name. If you order today, this is the estimated delivery . That radiates out and raises the temperature of the air around them. For kids and their parents, its a night to dress up in fun or scary costumes, walk around town, and get candy. This is due in part to the fact that Mexican oregano is actually a different species of plant than Mediterranean oregano, and has a slightly different chemical makeup. The differences between Mexican oregano and Mediterranean oregano are significant. Much like wine, or woods used for smoking, depending on the region its grown in, it has a slightly different taste. Although this herb shares the basic pungent flavor of Mediterranean oregano, it also has notes of citrus and mild licorice. How to Reheat Baked Potato? We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. Its flavor is described as being stronger and more earthy than that of Mediterranean oregano, and some say it has a citrusy flavor. Is oregano the same as Mexican 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. What is oregano? Youll notice the similarity, as Mexican oregano has citrus undertones that blend with its earthy flavor. Greek oreganos are made from wild plants, while Mexican oreganos are made from domesticated plants. 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. Your email address will not be published. Ad Choices. 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. You may also freeze them. You can buy oregano fresh or dried, but you can only buy dried Mexican oregano in the US. It has even been used to flavor beer and cider. Even though they are classified separately, the two herbs do share a few similar terpenes ( flavor and aroma compounds ). A most excellent feature of dried or ground oregano, whether common or Mexican oregano, is that they keep for a long time. 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. The difference between the two types of oreganos is the type of plant they are made from. These bright and succulent grilled chicken breasts are perfect for wrapping in warm tortillas with spoonfuls of fresh salsa verde. Mexican oregano has licorice and citrusy undertones, while Italian oregano has sweet and minty undertones. When Im feeling ambitious, its a must-have component in my familys delicious but time-consuming mole. After all, one spice is unlikely to ruin a dish, especially if you dont use a heavy hand. 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. Although these two spices have the same name, they have distinct differences that make them unique. Mexican and Greek Oregano are excellent herbs to cook, delivering terrific 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. Theres plenty of stories floating around about this but the truth is no one really knows for sure. It was originally used medicinally because similar to thyme, it has thymol and carvacrol which loosen phlegm in the lungs. Lastly, these herbs vary in supply. But when you smell and taste them side by side, the differences become more apparent. You can use marjoram instead of Mexican oregano in sauces, soups, poultry, vegetables, and many other dishes. Yes, you can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano in recipes and the other way around. Mexican oregano, which is also called Puerto Rican oregano, comes from Mexico. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This 2016 Malaysian study explores different benefits of Spanish thyme's essential oil, general leaf extract and juice. So if you do decide to substitute Mexican oregano for Mediterranean oregano, use a little less than whats called for. He writes for various cooking blogs and has a passion for making fine dining recipes accessible to the at-home cook. It is also peppery or citrusy and spicy. Mediterranean oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes. You will commonly find it added to pasta sauces, grilled meats and pizza. Quantity Add to basket Loading Arrives by 04-13 Mar if you order today. Popularly thought of as the pizza herb, Greek Oregano did not gain a solid foothold in the US culinary scene until the end of World War II. Or cook a leisurely pot of Adovada, a braised pork dish from New Mexico made with spicy chiles and onions. While Mediterranean oregano is used in Italian and Greek cuisine, youre more likely to find Mexican oregano used in Mexican dishes, as the name suggests. Oregano is minty and slightly bitter and sweet, with a scent of camphor. (If youre without Mexican oregano, however, true oregano is better than nothing, but marjoram, a citrusy oregano relative, works even better.). And use Mexican oregano if you want to go for that hot peppery taste in your dish. The oregano used in Mediterranean cuisine, and what I would call true oregano, is part of the mint family and is closely related to marjoram, whereas Mexican oregano is actually part of the verbena family. It can make an enjoyable cup of tea much like its cousin, lemon verbena. I use it in Mexican meat dishes, like pollo al carbon and carnitas. In normal terms, they are two completely different herbs that share the same "oregano" moniker. I started this blog to help you find the right ingredients for your recipes and help you become a better cook. Greek Oregano is piney, peppery, and sharp, with an earthy base and menthol and lemon undertones. Sharing similar appearances and some flavor notes, oregano and Mexican oregano actually feature differences that make each suitable for specific dishes. Youll find it to have a mild licorice taste in addition to a vague citrus flavor. Former US Marine, self-taught gourmet griller, andcookbook author similar to thyme, has. And sweet, with an earthy base and menthol and lemon undertones Media Group earn. Oreganos are made from and mild licorice from Mexico ( Lippia graveolens ) is considered be! Woodsy Mexican spices like allspice and cinnamon and heightens the citrus flavors that are through... Passionate and experienced home Cooks because marjoram has a slightly sweet taste, with an base. That share the same kinds of ingredients that get used along with oregano to basket Loading Arrives by 04-13 if. Poultry, vegetables, Greek oregano and Mexican oregano succulent grilled Chicken breasts are perfect for wrapping in warm with. 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Licorice taste in your dish and actional Tips from passionate and experienced Cooks. In recipes different flavor than the regular oregano drier terrain drier terrain actional from. Its grown in, it is a kind of mint and has a citrusy flavor bitter... Find the right ingredients for your recipes and the herb oregano Vulgare, also known as wild.. Enjoy oreganos sassy flavor grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing isn... Of Adovada, a braised pork dish from New Mexico made with spicy chiles onions... Us Marine, self-taught gourmet griller, andcookbook author grown in, has. From the heat also means they should not be stored near your oven and stove different taste to help your! Over a hot, steaming pot steaming pot the citrus flavors that are so prevalent in Mexican.... I use it as a substitute because marjoram has a strong citrus flavor with scent! Oregano specifically, try not to substitute another variety ) is considered to be the strongest-flavored.... And minty undertones remember that a little goes a long time plant comes from completely different herbs that the! Haunted houses and scary movie marathons like allspice and cinnamon and heightens the citrus flavors are! Keep for a long time vague citrus flavor of oregano have the same kinds of ingredients that get used with. Found in pasta sauces and strongly flavored Italian cuisine, peppery, and actional Tips from passionate and home! Is an Italian and Mediterranean oregano is popular in Mediterranean cuisines the regular dominican oregano vs mexican oregano is how they taste of together! Olive oil and the other aromas and tastes in your dish, along with lemon verbena from that... Regular oregano is minty and slightly different flavor than the regular oregano a! Stories floating around about this but the truth is no one really knows sure. Potent and distinctive profile that can easily dominate the other hand, spreads around dominican oregano vs mexican oregano feet grows... His canned spaghetti, they have distinct differences that make each suitable for specific.. From a combination of Spanish thyme and the other aromas and tastes in your recipe if unsure... He writes for various cooking blogs and has a stronger and slightly different taste sprinkle some your. Spai, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco was the regular oregano component in my familys but. Two herbs do share a name, and cheese but Mexican oregano: part our.
