Frequently Asked Questions Both Mexican and Greek Oregano deliver bold flavors to dishes. 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. Recipes you want to make. Youll find it to have a mild licorice taste in addition to a vague citrus flavor. Mexican oregano is very different. It can make an enjoyable cup of tea much like its cousin, lemon verbena. 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 use Greek Oregano as a substitute for Mexican Oregano. You may also freeze them. Use it with lamb, beef, chicken, or combine it with olive oil as a base for your next Italian vinaigrette. The main difference between oregano and Mexican oregano is in the taste. 15 Best Italian Seasoning Substitutes for Cooking, Oregano Substitute - 4 Recommended Options. Mexican oregano has licorice and citrusy undertones, while Italian oregano has sweet and minty undertones. Heres what you need to know to keep each thriving throughout the growing season. Mexican oregano is part of the verbena family, featuring a floral and citrusy flavor. It pairs well with grilled meats and stews, but thats not the only thing youll find it in. Unlike most other herbs, oregano leaves have a stronger flavour when dried compared to fresh, but curiously, oregano in Dominican kitchens tends to be ground to a powder, which produces a slightly different and quite distinctive flavour. 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. Youre ready to use Mexican and Mediterranean oregano in the kitchen and love the results. This herb can quickly overpower other flavors in a dish, so its best to use it sparingly. Its flavor is described as being stronger and more earthy than that of Mediterranean oregano, and some say it has a citrusy flavor. It is a member of the Verbenaceae family, along with the fruity herb lemon verbena. Add tomatillo mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tomatillos have. Visit our sister site PepperScale. It has a grassy and peppery flavor with hints of citrus and anise. In a large bowl, toss all ingredients except for the lime juice and 12 cup of cilantro together. This aromatic herb is a gift from the Mediterranean region and is also popularly called wild marjoram or Origanum Vulgare. True oregano, on the other hand, spreads around two feet and grows 1.5 feet tall. You will commonly find it added to pasta sauces, grilled meats and pizza. Use oregano for your marinades, sauces, dips, vinaigrettes, and drizzles. In this article, well explore the similarities and differences between these two types of oregano, and share some tips on how to use each one to enhance your cooking. Instagram: @Chef.Zee Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat: @ChefZeeCooksFor business inquiries please email: biz@chefzeecooks.com NPR. Thymol is a chemical compound found in other herbs such as marjoram, wild bergamot, and thyme. 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. Baked potatoes are a delicious treat! It has a taste that is very similar to Mediterranean oregano, but has a bit more bite to it. Mediterranean oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes. Oregano vs Mexican Oregano Whats the Difference. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. He writes for various cooking blogs and has a passion for making fine dining recipes accessible to the at-home cook. If the two were sandpaper, Mexican oregano would be like 80 grit and oregano would be like 200 grit. Photo courtesy of The. Chances are, you might have heard of the life-changing magic of Epsom salt in gardening. Get it Mar 10 - 17. The main difference between oregano and Mexican oregano is in the taste. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. It is considered a native plant as far north as southern Texas; it edges into Nicaragua on the south. Theres plenty of stories floating around about this but the truth is no one really knows for sure. When it comes to cooking with herbs, few are as versatile and widely used as oregano. Blooms appear from late spring through summer. The result is a potent and distinctive profile that can easily dominate the other aromas and tastes in your recipe if youre not careful. $19.76. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. They are all used in their local cuisines and paired well with the local ingredients. Are they the same herb or similar? 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. Oregano is pungent, earthy, minty, and slightly bitter. But did you know that there are actually two different types of oregano? 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. All rights reserved. Learn about the history, flavor, benefits, and uses of herbs, spices, seasonings, and other cooking ingredients. If you make a purchase after clicking a link on this page, we might receive a commission at no cost to you. Like thyme, oregano is available in both dried and fresh versions. In addition, they are both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma. Oregano and Mexican oregano are two different types of plants that only have similar flavor and smell, and nothing more. Greek Oregano (common oregano) Lemon Verbena. It is a hardy, flowering plant that is drought resistant making it perfect for growing in the drier terrain. Yes, you can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano in recipes and the other way around. If youre looking for Mediterranean or Mexican oregano to use in a pinch, you can search for them at your supermarket. They should be stored along with other herbs, spices, and dried chiles in a relatively stable temperature and low humidity storage area. Oregano is widely available in the US, but Mexican oregano is usually available only in specialty shops. 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. While oregano grown in Greece is more on the earthy side, Italian grown oregano is much gentler, and Turkish grown oregano is more astringent. It is part of the mint family Lamiaceae and other aromatic herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and lavender. (If youre without Mexican oregano, however, true oregano is better than nothing, but marjoram, a citrusy oregano relative, works even better.). Mediterranean oregano is often a staple in grocery stores, but Mexican oregano may be harder to find. When it comes to culinary uses, its excellent for Latin dishes, pairing especially well with chilis in chili, salsa, and adobo. If it were to be prefaced with geography it would be Mediterranean because it grows throughout Italy, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco. A most excellent feature of dried or ground oregano, whether common or Mexican oregano, is that they keep for a long time. 4 Good Mexican Oregano Substitutes. It can be used to add aroma and flavor to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Mexican oregano is harvested from a flowering plant that is highly drought tolerant. They are also known as Mediterranean oregano. However, you can find them all over the world. Whats the Difference Between Oregano and Mexican Oregano. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can buy oregano fresh or dried, but you can only buy dried Mexican oregano in the US. Oregano is pungent, earthy, minty, and slightly bitter. (Complete Guide). Although there hasn't been too much research about its benefits, many experienced gardeners swear by Epsom salt for plants. I created Own the Grill for one simple reason I love sharing the experience of food and outdoors with others. Required fields are marked *. It is also called "wild marjoram." It has a sweet, earthy, a bit bitter flavor with hints of citrus and pine. 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. Oregano belongs to the mint and sage family, Lamiaceae, while Mexican oregano (Lippia Graveolens) belongs to the family Verbenaceae. Both herbs can be used fresh or dried, but you'll find the Mexican variety is stronger and can easily overpower dishes. Pests shouldnt be a worry; Mexican oregano is aromatic, so deer and pests tend to avoid it. Its sometimes brewed as tea, which is why its sometimes called t de pais, or country tea. Mediterranean oregano, on the other hand, is part of the origanum family and is more closely related to mint. Your email address will not be published. Good-quality oregano may be strong enough almost to numb the tongue, but cultivars adapted to colder climates . But remember, Epsom salt is nothing like your typical table salt since it's actually magnesium sulfate. Once the war ended and the soldiers came home, they wanted things flavored with their new favorite herb. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Mexican Oregano vs Oregano. What's the difference between Mexican and Italian oregano? Some may even have a slight cooling effect, though not nearly as potent as actual mint. You can use it as a substitute because marjoram has a similar flavor to Mexican oregano. Remove from the oven, remove garlic from the skin, add all ingredients, plus the lime juice and. 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