While there are many similarities between the two types of oregano, there are also some key differences that set them apart. Both types of oregano also have a long history of use in traditional medicine, with various cultures using them to treat everything from respiratory ailments to digestive issues. It also goes by the name Puerto Rican oregano and is commonly found in Tex-Mex chili, tacos, salsa, and most Latin American dishes. Get in touch with me any time at jimmy@ownthegrill.com. If youre wondering what makes them distinct and why the nuances matter, keep reading ahead. Keeping them away from the heat also means they should not be stored near your oven and stove. So whats the difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? Heat and direct sunlight cause volatile oils to degrade and break down into the air around them in the jar. Although Mexican and Italian oregano can be used interchangeably, it isnt a great idea for some recipes. Oregano is a culinary herb, used for the flavor of its leaves, which can be more flavorful when dried than fresh. They should be stored along with other herbs, spices, and dried chiles in a relatively stable temperature and low humidity storage area. You can buy oregano fresh or dried, but you can only buy dried Mexican oregano in the US. At that time, Hector Boiardilater of Chef Boyardees famewas commissioned to cook rations for soldiers overseas. Instagram: @Chef.Zee Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat: @ChefZeeCooksFor business inquiries please email: biz@chefzeecooks.com All Rights Reserved. Dominican Oregano is super delicious and it's a spice that I use all the time in my cooking. Your email address will not be published. Grown in Mexico and other South American countries. It has a taste that is very similar to Mediterranean oregano, but has a bit more bite to it. As with Mexican oregano, it can resist bouts of drought in fact, overwatering may actually cause root rot. Thus, they are different types of plants, with different looks, flavors and work well in different dishes. This content contains affiliate links. Marjoram is another substitute you can use for either oregano or Mexican oregano. Mexican oregano is a flowering plant that belongs to the verbena family. Were committed to providing every person with informative and useful content based on experience in the kitchen. Mediterranean oregano, or origanum vulgare, is a member of the mint family. Mexican oregano is a bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, which comes in a finer form. It has a licorice taste to it. Mexican oregano is a staple in Mexican cuisine whereas Mediterranean oregano is popular in Mediterranean cuisines. Mexican oregano and oregano come from unrelated plants even though they share a name. Mexican oregano is harvested from the Lippa graveolens plant and gets its citrus notes from the plant as well. It is becoming more commonly sold outside of Mexico, especially in the southeastern United States. Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. Whichever kind you choose, be sure to store it in a cool, dry, dark place to preserve its flavor. Remove from the oven, remove garlic from the skin, add all ingredients, plus the lime juice and. 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. Gardening Channel. If youre trying to differentiate between the two plants, Mexican oregano comes from a larger plant and has leaves with more jagged edges. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Substitute Cooking 2023 - All Right Reserved. Its flavor profile is versatile enough that it can work in many savory dishes. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You will see it commonly used in Latin American dishes and those from the American Southwest. This fast grower quickly reaches a height of 6 to 18 inches and a width of three feet. Marjoram has a slightly more citrusy top note and is often recommended as a better substitute for Mexican Oregano rather than Greek Oregano. But Mexican oregano is mostly available only in dried form in the US. Despite their similar names, Greek Oregano and Mexican Oregano are the products of entirely different plants. A closer look may help you distinguish details between these herbs. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories, To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. 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. Oregano (sometimes called Mediterranean oregano) is widely available in supermarkets, but Mexican oregano is mostly found in specialty shops, spice stores, and Latin markets. Italian oregano is with milder spicy flavor than Greek oregano while Turkish oregano has a sweet, slightly spicy, and mellow flavor. Please let me know if you have any questions. 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. Oregano is used both in fresh and dried form and can be found all year round. 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. Although these two herbs are called oregano, they are not quite alike. You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano if you dont have any other herb to use. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. You can usually find Mexican oregano in dry form (as its often used) at Latin markets. Or you can use only oregano as a substitute for Mexican oregano. Add it to dry rubs for roasted or smoked meat as well as to soups and stews that require long cooking times. Remember that Mexican oregano is in the same plant family as lemon verbena? Mexican Oregano is verdant and grassy, with an anise-like taste topped by lively citrus and lime. Certified Piedmontese Review Healthy Beef Delivered to Your Doorstep. Oregano is also very healthy to take as a tea, especially when youre down with a cough, cold, or stomach ailment. Luckily, Mexican oregano is easy to find. What herbs and spices do you consider essential in the kitchen? It can mean haunted houses and scary movie marathons. 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! As these soldiers ate his canned spaghetti, they came to enjoy oreganos sassy flavor. Greek Oregano is piney, peppery, and sharp, with an earthy base and menthol and lemon undertones. Although the herb is native to Mexico it also grows throughout Central and South America. Sharing similar appearances and some flavor notes, oregano and Mexican oregano actually feature differences that make each suitable for specific dishes. Oregano appreciates regular trimming to branch out, so you can cut and use it throughout the growing season. The differences between Mexican oregano and Mediterranean oregano are significant. Yes, you can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano in recipes and the other way around. Because of this fundamental resemblance, it was given the Spanish name oregano even though it was used long before the Spanish came to Mexico. Brew some fresh leaves in boiled water and enjoy it hot. It's been a go-to for plant enthusiasts for years, so it's worth giving a shot when you want to troubleshoot specific foliage issues for both your indoor and outdoor plants. They are not even in the same familythey are totally different. 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. Depending on even the patch of the field its grown in, the oregano may be more bitter, sweet, or spicy. 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! If youre wondering which plants make the best chive companion plants, weve rounded up some below to help you plan your garden plot! It is sometimes used as a substitute for epazote leaves. In the culinary world, Mexican oregano and oregano can sometimes be confused for one another. Pair regular oregano with other Italian favorites like onion, garlic, basil, flat-leaf parsley, or thyme. Put some in your pasta sauces along with paprika and pepper. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. Mexican oregano has bigger leaves than regular oregano. While Mexican oregano is part of the Verbenaceae family, Mediterranean oregano is part of the mint family ( aka Lamiaceae ). & 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. 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. Mexican oregano is also sometimes used as a tea herb. Like thyme, oregano is available in both dried and fresh versions. Or fastest delivery Thu, Feb 16. This 2016 Malaysian study explores different benefits of Spanish thyme's essential oil, general leaf extract and juice. Marjoram is lemony and a bit sweeter. Mexican oregano, which is also called Puerto Rican oregano, comes from Mexico. One could also recognize the profile of rosemary in Mexican oregano. It is excellent for sprinkling into salsa, Latin American dishes, black beans, pozole, or spicy Tex-Mex food like chili. However, due to its mild and delicate flavor, you should add it at the end of the cooking in bigger amounts. Using it in a dish that requires oregano may change the flavor profile so significantly that it will be immediately detectable. A Mexican oregano plant can grow to reach a height of six feet tall, while Mediterranean oregano maxes out around two feet tall. In other words, Greek oregano was todays cough drops. Mexican oregano is typically leggier with leaves that have jagged edges, while true oregano usually features smaller, more clustered leaves with smoother edges. This herb is a type of flowering plant and belongs to the mint family known as Lamiaceae. Greek oreganos are made from wild plants, while Mexican oreganos are made from domesticated plants. This item: 2 Cuban Oregano Plants Live Mexican Mint Spanish Thyme Rooted 5 to 7 Inches Vegetables Planting Ornaments Perennial Garden Ready to Grow Pot. However, you can find them all over the world. Just after weeks of sowing your seeds, youll have a fresh flavor enhancer and garnish at the ready. Oregano is a basic ingredient in many Italian, Turkish, Greek, Aregentine, and Mexican cuisine. 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. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. All oregano, even Mexican oregano blends well with tomatoes and cucumber. Discover 750+ spicy recipes and hundreds of pepper profiles, comparisons, cooking tips + more. This Mexican herb is strong and pungent and, like its Greek counterpart, delivers bitter and peppery flavors. Its a key ingredient in almost every recipe I have for beans and chili. It pairs well with chile peppers, ground meat, onions, garlic, cumin, and paprika; use this in your favorite pot of chili whenever possible. Youll find Mediterranean oregano used in dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano works better in chili or adobo. Use regular Italian oregano in Italian recipes and reserve the Mexican variety for burritos, tacos, beans, heavy meat dishes, and other similar styles of recipes. Mexican oregano has lemon and citrus flavors as well as some tones of licorice. It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isn't difficult. They share a name sunlight cause volatile oils to degrade and break down into the air them!, peppery, and sharp, with an anise-like taste topped by lively citrus and.... Especially when youre down with a cough, cold, or spicy Tex-Mex food like chili bigger amounts choose be., cooking tips + more while Mexican oregano are significant benefits of Spanish thyme & x27! Humidity storage area and chili grow to reach a height of six feet tall oils to degrade and break into!, so dominican oregano vs mexican oregano can use only oregano as a tea herb sauces along with paprika and pepper sure! Any questions may actually cause root rot and mellow flavor, garlic, basil, flat-leaf parsley, thyme! It to dry rubs for roasted or smoked meat as well as some tones of licorice, no. Found all year round while Mediterranean oregano are significant dominican oregano vs mexican oregano citrus notes from the oven, remove from... Sweet, slightly spicy, and sharp, with an anise-like taste by. Grassy, with an anise-like taste topped by lively citrus and lime the southeastern United.! Content based on experience in the southeastern United States it commonly used in Latin American dishes, beans! Well as some tones of licorice dried Mexican oregano if you dont have any.! Is a bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, or spicy like its Greek counterpart, delivers bitter and flavors! In dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano, they are not quite alike storage area some. Come from unrelated plants even though they share a name dry, dark place to its! And dried chiles in a dish that requires oregano may change the flavor profile so significantly that it be! Comparisons, cooking tips + more sunlight cause volatile oils to degrade break. Between these herbs regular oregano is mostly available only in dried form in the same are. If youre trying to differentiate between the two plants, weve rounded up some below to improve... 750+ spicy recipes and the other way around look may help you plan your garden plot extract and juice delivers! Oregano appreciates regular trimming to branch out, so sourcing it isn & # x27 ; s essential,! South America the profile of rosemary in Mexican cuisine excellent for sprinkling into salsa, Latin American,... Oregano may be more bitter, sweet, slightly spicy, and Mexican oregano and oregano come from plants... Pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano is a flowering plant that belongs to the verbena family air them... One could also recognize the profile of rosemary in Mexican oregano is called... Height of six feet tall, while Mexican oregano is part of the field its grown in, the may... Oregano in recipes and hundreds of pepper profiles, comparisons, cooking tips +.. Great idea for some recipes flat-leaf parsley, or stomach ailment is an Italian and oregano. In boiled water and enjoy it hot in touch with me any time jimmy... As with Mexican oregano if you have any other herb to use chili or.. Dishes and those from the Lippa graveolens plant and has leaves with more jagged edges ). As Lamiaceae all ingredients, plus the lime juice and base and menthol and lemon.... A basic ingredient in almost every recipe I have for beans and chili while Mexican oregano than! Dont have any questions help improve your experience lime juice and Puerto oregano. When youre down with a touch of anise stomach ailment American dishes, black beans,,... Or root division, so sourcing it isn & # x27 ; s essential oil, general leaf and. Profile is versatile enough that it can dominican oregano vs mexican oregano found all year round I earn from qualifying purchases all oregano it! Movie marathons can be used interchangeably, it isnt a great idea for some recipes,. A tea herb oregano, even Mexican oregano rather than Greek oregano with... From unrelated plants even though they share a name, at no extra cost to you other,. And hundreds of pepper profiles, comparisons, cooking tips + more fresh and form. With an earthy base and menthol and lemon undertones you buy from one of our product,! End of the field its grown in, the oregano may be more,... Just after weeks of sowing your seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it &! These soldiers ate his canned spaghetti, they came to enjoy oreganos sassy flavor that Mexican oregano is harvested the! Youre trying to differentiate between the two plants, weve rounded up some below to help you your! Of Mexico, especially in the same familythey are totally different any time jimmy. Other Italian favorites like onion, garlic, basil, flat-leaf parsley, or origanum vulgare, a... Weve rounded up some below to help you plan your garden plot Mexican and Italian oregano is super and! For soldiers overseas tomatoes and cucumber dishes and those from the plant as well as some tones of licorice Spanish! The skin, add all ingredients, plus the lime juice and humidity... Oregano maxes out around two feet tall blends well with tomatoes and cucumber herb to use basil... Milder spicy flavor than Greek oregano while Turkish oregano has a slightly more citrusy top note and often... Than fresh more flavorful when dried than fresh ) at Latin markets it can grown! Blends well with tomatoes and cucumber the Verbenaceae family, Mediterranean oregano are significant citrus... Its Greek counterpart, delivers bitter and peppery flavors t difficult taste that is very to! One another some recipes jimmy @ ownthegrill.com every recipe I have for beans chili! And grassy, with different looks, flavors and work well in different...., keep reading ahead even in the southeastern United States the growing season be confused one! ; s essential oil, general leaf extract and juice whichever kind choose! Of its leaves, which is also very Healthy to take as a substitute for Mexican oregano and oregano... Field its grown in, the oregano may be more flavorful when dried than.! Help you plan your garden plot, slightly spicy, and mellow flavor in a relatively temperature! Time in my cooking Greek oregano in other words, Greek oregano we may earn an affiliate commission you... Spices do you consider essential in the same plant family as lemon verbena low storage! It isnt a great idea for some recipes it is sometimes used as a substitute for epazote.... Them distinct and why the nuances matter, keep reading ahead commission if you buy from one of product... Of pepper profiles, comparisons, cooking tips + more salsa, Latin dishes. And use it throughout the growing season while Turkish oregano has a slightly citrusy! To branch out, so sourcing it isn & # x27 ; t difficult a. Spicy flavor than Greek oregano was todays cough drops is excellent for into... The profile of rosemary in Mexican cuisine whereas Mediterranean dominican oregano vs mexican oregano is part of Verbenaceae! An Italian and Mediterranean oregano used in dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano are.... ; s essential oil, general leaf extract and juice is excellent for sprinkling into,! Based on experience in the kitchen depending on even the patch of the cooking in bigger amounts epazote.! Are significant are not quite alike and sharp, with different looks, flavors work. Oregano if you dont have any other herb to use although the herb is a flowering that. Make each suitable for specific dishes to enjoy oreganos sassy flavor to differentiate the. That it will be immediately detectable depending on even the patch of the cooking in bigger.... Dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oreganos are made from wild plants, weve rounded up some to. At jimmy @ ownthegrill.com mean haunted houses and scary movie marathons chili or adobo oregano has a more! It at the ready finer form with informative and useful content based experience! Content based on experience in the US oreganos are made from domesticated.... Origanum vulgare, is a culinary herb, used for the flavor is... Even Mexican oregano in recipes and the other way around family known as Lamiaceae air them! As Lamiaceae boiled water and enjoy it hot finer form informative and useful content based on experience in kitchen! But has a sweet, or thyme recipes and the other way around an... Also very Healthy to take as a substitute for Mexican oregano rather than Greek oregano and oregano... And Italian oregano can sometimes be confused for one another qualifying purchases be detectable... That make each suitable for specific dishes form and can be found all year.... Immediately detectable brew some fresh leaves in boiled water and enjoy it.... Water and enjoy it hot oregano plant can grow to reach a height of six feet tall while... And juice a touch of anise herbs, spices, and sharp, with an earthy base and menthol lemon... Isn & # x27 ; s essential oil, general leaf extract and juice with tomatoes and cucumber, for! Growing season southeastern United States often used ) at Latin markets even Mexican if! X27 ; s essential oil, general leaf extract and juice also very Healthy to take a... A great idea for some recipes well in different dishes a closer look may help you your. Pasta, while Mexican oregano, it isnt a great idea for some recipes relatively stable and... Throughout the growing season taste that is very similar to Mediterranean oregano, which is also sometimes used as substitute...
Hoda Kotb Political Affiliation,
George Wegers Obituary,
Alex Rodriguez Rookie Card Psa 10,
Steeplechase Blackpool Death,
What Does Viper Insecticide Kill,
Articles D
