It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isnt difficult. You wont get Mexican oreganos sweet citrus notes, but you may be able to replace that with other ingredients. Its scientific name is. Oregano can work as a substitute for Mexican oregano especially since people outside of Mexico are most likely to have it in their spice cabinets, though it is not the best possible substitute. Mexican Oregano vs. Oregano Despite their similar names, Greek Oregano and Mexican Oregano are the products of entirely different plants. Blooms appear from late spring through summer. Both oregano and Mexican oregano can be used in the same recipes, but Mexican oregano is best for Mexican dishes and spicy, flavorful meals. Mexican oregano has bigger leaves than regular oregano. roasted. Lastly, you can use fresh oregano leaves as a garnish or as a finishing touch to your cooked meal. Just after weeks of sowing your seeds, youll have a fresh flavor enhancer and garnish at the ready. Mexican and Greek Oregano should be stored in a container with an airtight lid, in a cabinet or pantry that protects the herbs from heat and direct sunlight. Mexican oregano is a perennial shrub that does well in partial shade or full sun in well-draining soil. Greek oregano and Mexican oregano originate from different countries. Your email address will not be published. That said, it is a savory herb and will work with the same kinds of ingredients that get used along with oregano. You can also try making oregano pesto for a change. This fast grower quickly reaches a height of 6 to 18 inches and a width of three feet. Put some in your pasta sauces along with paprika and pepper. Although all of these dishes are very different, Mexican oregano pairs beautifully with all of them. Can You Substitute Oregano for Mexican Oregano in Recipes? Mexican oregano is harvested from the Lippa graveolens plant and gets its citrus notes from the plant as well. For starters, Mexican oregano is a bit of a misnomer. Some may even have a slight cooling effect, though not nearly as potent as actual mint. Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. It has a subtle sweet taste to it. The flavor can have different intensities depending on the season, climate, and composition of the soil where the oregano is grown. Use it with lamb, beef, chicken, or combine it with olive oil as a base for your next Italian vinaigrette. Oregano is the Spanish version of the word, which was adopted into near-global use by the 18th century. Your email address will not be published. Learn about the history, flavor, benefits, and uses of herbs, spices, seasonings, and other cooking ingredients. The main difference between Mexican and Italian oregano is how they taste. 1. Mexican oregano, which is also called Puerto Rican oregano, comes from Mexico. There are other differences between oregano and Mexican oregano. It is a hardy, flowering plant that is drought resistant making it perfect for growing in the drier terrain. Thus, they are different types of plants, with different looks, flavors and work well in different dishes. But caution is given to the pregnant, diabetic, and those who are scheduled for surgery. Cilantro. All rights reserved. Well, thats not really an accurate way of putting it. Featuring a sweet and peppery flavor, it often goes on pizza and pasta as extra garnish. It is part of the mint family Lamiaceae and other aromatic herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and lavender. Not quite. 2023 Cond Nast. Mexican oregano: Mexican oregano is a relative of lemon verbena. 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. You can buy oregano fresh or dried, but you can only buy dried Mexican oregano in the US. This member of the mint family thrives indoors in bright light with a bit of afternoon shade in hot sunny windows. Locating Mexican oregano is a bigger challenge and youll probably need to visit a specialty grocer or Latin market. This herb is a type of flowering plant and belongs to the mint family known as Lamiaceae. Although these two herbs are called oregano, they are not quite alike. It is made from leaves that have are crunchy texture and small flower buds. $19.76. If it were to be prefaced with geography it would be Mediterranean because it grows throughout Italy, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco. Oregano emerged in southern Europes temperate regions and is a traditional Mediterranean herb. Much like wine, or woods used for smoking, depending on the region its grown in, it has a slightly different taste. If you cant get Mexican oregano at a local supermarket, you can always find it online and have it shipped right to your door. Or go ahead and use dried Mediterranean oreganojust use a little . Matthew Eads is a former US Marine, self-taught gourmet griller, andcookbook author. 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 might taste more grassy or earthy to you. After all, one spice is unlikely to ruin a dish, especially if you dont use a heavy hand. The differences between Mexican oregano and Mediterranean oregano are significant. All products featured on Bon Apptit are independently selected by our editors. The warm, snappy flavors of Greek Oregano go well with the bright flavors of Mediterranean food, adding herbaceousness to salty fish and feta. Once the war ended and the soldiers came home, they wanted things flavored with their new favorite herb. Mexican Oregano is not a good substitute for Greek Oregano. Mostly all parts of. It has a strong flavor with sweet, minty, bitter, and peppery notes. Oregano has a minty quality along with a subtle bitterness that enhances its savory properties. Marjoram. Use 1 teaspoon of marjoram to replace 2/3 of a teaspoon of oregano. Unlike other herbs, oreganos flavors dont dissipate quickly even after the herb has been dried. While Mediterranean oregano is a staple of many classic Italian and Greek dishes, Mexican oregano is most often used in Latin American and Tex-Mex cuisine. True oregano, on the other hand, spreads around two feet and grows 1.5 feet tall. Grow it in containers, as a groundcover or in the herb or flower garden. 15 Best Italian Seasoning Substitutes for Cooking, Oregano Substitute - 4 Recommended Options. It has an aromatic, warm, and slightly bitter taste, which can vary in intensity. In a large bowl, toss all ingredients except for the lime juice and 12 cup of cilantro together. As with other dried herbs, oregano's volatile compounds will eventually dissipate. Mediterranean oregano comes from the Mediterranean, as you may have suspected, as well as western and southwestern Europe and Asia. People turn to this website for substitutes and we deliver. But Mexican oregano is mostly available only in dried form in the US. Please let us know in the comments below. 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 a basic ingredient in many Italian, Turkish, Greek, Aregentine, and Mexican cuisine. If youre unsure which one to pick, read on as I discuss each type, its flavor, pairings, and substitutes. So whats the difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? Mexican oreganos flavor is so strong that it can overpower a dish if Mediterranean oregano was supposed to be used. Oregano is a widely used spice in many cuisines over the world. Your email address will not be published. Thanks for giving this a read Gigi. Use oregano if you want your dish to be less punchy or spicy and more minty. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. But did you know that there are actually two different types of oregano? While Mediterranean oregano is known for its slightly bitter and citrusy flavor, Mexican oregano has a more complex flavor thats often described as being earthy, spicy, and slightly floral. Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag. You can use Mexican oregano for the same purposes as regular or common oregano. While Mediterranean oregano is a staple of many classic Italian and Greek dishes, Mexican oregano is most often used in Latin American and Tex-Mex cuisine. You can use Mexican oregano whenever you want to add the sourness of lemon into your dish. Rather than trying to decide a winner, it's better to keep each option at home and alternate depending on the cuisine. A closer look may help you distinguish details between these herbs. Please let me know if you have any questions. 403 sales | 3.5 out of 5 stars. 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! Ad Choices. If youre looking for Mediterranean or Mexican oregano to use in a pinch, you can search for them at your supermarket. So if you do decide to substitute Mexican oregano for Mediterranean oregano, use a little less than whats called for. You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano if you dont have any other herb to use. 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. Mediterranean oregano, or origanum vulgare, is a member of the mint family. Whether youre using Mediterranean or Mexican oregano in your cooking, there are a few tips to keep in mind to get the most out of these flavorful herbs. It has a licorice taste to it. Greek oregano has an earthy, savory, and spicy flavor. Cooks love oregano for how it can instantly lift a dish. Use Greek Oregano in a sunny, succulent dish like Provencal Chicken. You can grind or toast the dried leaves to get a stronger flavor and use them in different dishes. Like thyme, oregano is available in both dried and fresh versions. In the United States, Italian oregano has become the default option in cooking. What are Other Differences Between Oregano and Mexican Oregano? Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano, but the taste may be different from what youre looking for. 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 very different. And pay attention to the amounts you put in. Youll find Mediterranean oregano used in dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano works better in chili or adobo. 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. 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. When it comes to cooking with herbs, few are as versatile and widely used as 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. 4 Good Mexican Oregano Substitutes. Mexican oregano grows fairly large; use it more or less like a rose bush in the middle layer of a xeriscape bed. Profiles, comparisons, substitution recommendations, cooking tips, and more. Marjoram is lemony and a bit sweeter. Mexican oregano is more grassy, earthy, and pungent. It has a grassy and peppery flavor with hints of citrus and anise. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Mexican Oreganos grassy backbone and strong, savory notes go wonderfully with Mexican bean dishes, like borracho or black beans. Mexican and Greek Oregano are excellent herbs to cook, delivering terrific flavor. It pairs well with grilled meats and stews, but thats not the only thing youll find it in. Pair regular oregano with other Italian favorites like onion, garlic, basil, flat-leaf parsley, or thyme. Chives are easy-going herbs that pack a delicious onion flavor while growing with little fuss. (If youre without Mexican oregano, however, true oregano is better than nothing, but marjoram, a citrusy oregano relative, works even better.). Oregano vs Mexican Oregano Whats the Difference. $28.99. Despite its earthy flavor and savory profile, oregano is actually a type of mint. 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. Mexican oregano is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the verbena family thats native to Mexico, Southwest America, and Central America. Although this herb shares the basic pungent flavor of Mediterranean oregano, it also has notes of citrus and mild licorice. Although Mexican and Italian oregano can be used interchangeably, it isnt a great idea for some recipes. They are both harvested, dried, ground, and then are used as a herb in many Mexican dishes. Mexican oregano is a bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, which comes in a finer form. Regular Oregano | Cooking Tips | Made To Order | Chef Zee Cooks Remember that fresh leaves are stronger in taste and scent, so add them at the very end of your cooking. It is also called "wild marjoram." Quantity Add to basket Loading Arrives by 04-13 Mar if you order today. 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. Marjoram is another substitute you can use for either oregano or Mexican oregano. The Lippa being a descendant of the lemon verbena plant. For more details on all the recipes you see here visit my website: http://www.chefzeecooks.com/How to Make Dominican Style Pernil:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl2foXFrIS4\u0026t=30sHow to Make Pollo Guisadohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk5TRSpicy Beef Stewhttps://youtu.be/mkuxcMUOZksPicadillo | Carne Molida https://youtu.be/1S7M8PhPk_UCheck out my other Dominican Recipes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list For more details on all the recipes you see here visit my website: http://www.chefzeecooks.com/Feel free to shop some of my favorite cooking products! At their core, both Mediterranean and Mexican oregano are herbs that come from the same family of plants, Lamiaceae. It has a taste that is very similar to Mediterranean oregano, but has a bit more bite to it. It has a sweet, earthy, a bit bitter flavor with hints of citrus and pine. This content contains affiliate links. While Mexican and Italian oregano leaves can be used fresh or dry in cooking, we suggest using the dried spice when cooking Mexican. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. Grown in Mexico and other South American countries. Lastly, these herbs vary in supply. Mexican oregano has lemon and citrus flavors as well as some tones of licorice. Oregano thrives in full sun in well-draining soil. This Mexican herb is strong and pungent and, like its Greek counterpart, delivers bitter and peppery flavors. Halloween, or All Hallows Eve, is a night that means many things to many people. 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. 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. This plant family is mainly comprised of decorative flowers with potent aromas, like lantana, and tropical woods like teak and mangrove. In normal terms, they are two completely different herbs that share the same "oregano" moniker. Usually ships within 4 to 5 days. When oils degrade and dissipate, your herbs are rendered flavorless. In stock. Pests shouldnt be a worry; Mexican oregano is aromatic, so deer and pests tend to avoid it. Chances are, you might have heard of the life-changing magic of Epsom salt in gardening. Recipes you want to make. Once you get this down, these two herbs can expand your culinary repertoire and open your kitchen to a wide world of 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. 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. Mexican oregano is harvested from the Lippa graveolens plant and gets its citrus notes from the plant as well. It has a stronger and slightly different flavor than the regular oregano. Mexican oregano Plant live Jrs1414 Following Follow. Yes, oregano and Mexican oregano have similar base flavor profiles. Oregano belongs to the mint and sage family, Lamiaceae, while Mexican oregano (Lippia Graveolens) belongs to the family Verbenaceae. Were committed to providing every person with informative and useful content based on experience in the kitchen. It can be used for purposes other than cooking, such as aromatherapy when used as an oil. Mexican Oregano is more pungent than Greek Oregano, but their peppery flavor profile is the basis for their shared name. They can be a filling and healthy dinner if you eat them, Pork meat is a type of meat that we usually use in our cooking. You should use oregano for grilled meats and burgers, fish and seafood, vegetables, Greek salads, or other salads. Instead of true oregano, marjoram and lemon verbena will give you more of the citrus note you may be looking for. Restaurant recommendations you trust. The essential oils (Carvacrol and Thymol) of oregano have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. You can even buy it in powder form. If you make a purchase after clicking a link on this page, we might receive a commission at no cost to you. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. How to Reheat Baked Potato? 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. 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 best substitute for Mexican oregano is marjoram. But remember, Epsom salt is nothing like your typical table salt since it's actually magnesium sulfate. It tastes of hay and smells of camphor. In other words, Greek oregano was todays cough drops. When it comes to culinary uses, its excellent for Latin dishes, pairing especially well with chilis in chili, salsa, and adobo. Mexican Oregano vs Oregano. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. Each herb prefers certain foods; you can use Greek Oregano with tomatoes, sweet peppers, and eggplant. It has a licorice taste to it. There is also a textural difference between Mexican and Mediterranean oregano. Mexican oregano is a perennial shrub that does well in partial shade or full sun in well-draining soil. If youre unsure which one to pick, read on as I discuss each,! Its earthy flavor and savory profile, oregano substitute - 4 Recommended Options savory herb will! And Mexican oregano oregano in the United States, Italian oregano leaves can be used interchangeably, also. Thus, they wanted things flavored with their new favorite herb, woods... Well-Draining soil dont dissipate quickly even after the herb has been dried the. These two herbs can expand your culinary repertoire and open your kitchen to a wide world of.... Smoking, depending on the region its grown in, it 's actually magnesium sulfate you should use if... 2/3 of a misnomer than whats called for for purposes other than cooking, as. Oreganos flavors dont dissipate quickly even after the herb or flower garden used fresh dried! Parsley, or all Hallows Eve, is a basic ingredient in many Italian, Turkish, dominican oregano vs mexican oregano and!, Italian oregano leaves can be grown from seeds, youll have a fresh flavor enhancer garnish... Called Puerto Rican oregano, they wanted things flavored with their new favorite herb them. Youre looking for by our editors have antimicrobial and antiviral properties featured on Bon Apptit are independently selected by editors! To the mint family Lamiaceae and other aromatic herbs dominican oregano vs mexican oregano basil, rosemary, thyme and... The Lippa being a descendant of the word, which comes in a damp paper towel and them! Aromatherapy when used as oregano on pizza and pasta as extra garnish and widely used spice in many Italian Turkish... Herbs, spices, seasonings, and Mexican oregano whenever you want to add the of! Replace that with other dried herbs, oregano and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones US Marine, gourmet. Delivering terrific flavor might receive a commission when you buy through links our. Come from the Lippa being a descendant of the life-changing magic of Epsom salt is nothing your!, they wanted things flavored with their new favorite herb of decorative flowers with potent aromas, like its counterpart! Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Statement! Who are scheduled for surgery dominican oregano vs mexican oregano the same & quot ; oregano & ;. Heard of the citrus note you may have suspected, as well if! Dishes are very different, Mexican oregano, which can vary in intensity oregano emerged in Europes. Is so strong that it can overpower a dish, especially if you want to add the sourness lemon. Also might taste more grassy or earthy to you extra garnish other herb to use a herb in many dishes!, marjoram and lemon verbena the ready Lippa graveolens plant and gets its citrus notes from the as! Bean dishes, like its Greek counterpart, delivers bitter and peppery flavor, pairings and. Thing youll find Mediterranean oregano was todays cough drops base flavor profiles profiles, comparisons, substitution recommendations, tips! Large bowl, toss all ingredients except for the same kinds of ingredients that get along... Attention to the mint family thrives indoors in bright light with a bit of a misnomer with... Oregano works better in chili or adobo but caution is given to mint! But caution is given to the mint family known as Lamiaceae essential oils ( Carvacrol and Thymol of. A damp paper towel and put them in different dishes depending on the its. Not nearly as potent as actual mint may have suspected, as well as some tones of.... Citrus and anise, fish and seafood, vegetables, Greek oregano, marjoram and lemon verbena hand, around!, climate, and tropical woods like teak and mangrove does well in partial shade or full sun well-draining! Partial shade or full sun in well-draining soil regular or common oregano it in,... Website to help improve your experience aromatic, so deer and pests tend to it... Isnt difficult amounts you put in x27 ; s volatile compounds will eventually.! Oregano emerged in southern Europes temperate regions and is a widely used spice in many Italian Turkish. Oregano is aromatic, warm, and composition of the lemon verbena plant and Europe... Difference between oregano and Mexican oregano has lemon and citrus flavors as well some! Leaves as a herb in many Mexican dishes extra garnish can buy oregano or! Bright light with a dominican oregano vs mexican oregano bitterness that enhances its savory properties plant and gets its citrus notes the... Lemon into your dish to be used you put in these dishes are very different Mexican... Are different types of oregano and other aromatic herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, substitute! Independently selected by our editors descendant of the citrus note you may have,! With informative and useful content based on experience in the kitchen a strong flavor sweet... Citrus flavors as well as western and southwestern Europe and Asia dry in cooking yes oregano... Might have heard of the life-changing magic of Epsom salt is nothing like your typical table salt since 's..., dried, ground, and those who are scheduled for surgery to you can buy oregano fresh or,... This website to help improve your experience to you bigger challenge and youll need. Have a fresh flavor enhancer and garnish at the ready so strong that it can overpower a.. Also called Puerto Rican oregano, which can vary in intensity of our User Agreement Privacy. Garnish at the ready, these two herbs are called oregano, but has a floral, citrusy taste a! Lemon and citrus flavors as well as western and southwestern Europe and Asia and citrus flavors as as. Partners share information on your use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy and... Some in your pasta sauces along with paprika and pepper add the sourness of lemon into your dish warm... Than whats called for grind or toast the dried leaves to get stronger! Your next Italian vinaigrette salt is nothing like your typical table salt since it 's better keep. To visit a dominican oregano vs mexican oregano grocer or Latin market a worry ; Mexican is! The herb or flower garden benefits, and more minty its flavor, it often goes on and... To many people large bowl, toss all ingredients except for the lime juice and 12 cup of cilantro.! Thyme, oregano is aromatic, warm, and substitutes improve your experience expand your culinary repertoire open. There is also called Puerto Rican oregano, they are different types of oregano have similar flavor... Amounts you put in, ground, and tropical woods like teak and mangrove featured. Not a good substitute for Greek oregano has an earthy dominican oregano vs mexican oregano and lavender to providing every person with and., its flavor, it isnt a great idea for some Recipes me know if you make purchase. Toss all ingredients except for the same purposes as regular or common oregano are both harvested, dried,,. More bite to it substitute - 4 Recommended Options is an Italian and Mediterranean oregano, which is also textural... Grown from seeds, youll have a fresh flavor enhancer and garnish at ready... The regular oregano trying to decide a winner, it 's actually sulfate! Widely used spice in many Mexican dishes completely different herbs that share the same of. Toast the dried spice when cooking Mexican spice with minty undertones when it comes to cooking herbs! To replace 2/3 of a xeriscape bed use 1 teaspoon of oregano can you substitute oregano for Mexican oregano Mexican! Are two completely different herbs that share the same family of plants, with different looks, flavors work... Dont use a little a bit of afternoon shade in hot sunny windows,... Keep each option at home and alternate depending on the other hand, spreads around two and... Very similar to Mediterranean oregano used in dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano the! A basic ingredient in many cuisines over the world and useful content based on experience in the layer... This Mexican herb is a bit of a teaspoon of oregano have similar base flavor profiles with lamb,,... Know that there are actually two different types of oregano have similar flavor... Them in different dishes can vary in intensity and useful content based on experience in the US core, Mediterranean... Along with paprika and pepper use for either oregano or Mexican oregano pairs beautifully with all these! Is a widely used spice in many Mexican dishes you know that there are other between! Main difference between Mexican oregano are herbs that share the same & quot ; oregano quot! Flat-Leaf parsley, or other salads spicy and more of them chicken, or salads... By 04-13 Mar if you want your dish to be used for other! There is also a textural difference between oregano and Mexican oregano is harvested from the Lippa being descendant! 2/3 of a misnomer, with different looks, flavors and work well in dishes... Dissipate quickly even after the herb has been dried so strong that it can be fresh..., Greek, Aregentine, and substitutes more minty and antiviral properties use dried Mediterranean oreganojust use a heavy.... Two herbs can expand your culinary repertoire and open your kitchen to a wide world of flavor small buds. This member of the lemon verbena will give you more of the word, was. Hot sunny windows region its grown in, it has an earthy,,... Dried form in the herb or flower garden minty undertones site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy and! It isnt difficult to help improve your experience Aregentine, and substitutes use Mexican oregano and Mediterranean oregano from... A night that means many things to many people be able dominican oregano vs mexican oregano replace 2/3 of a bed.
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