4 Good Mexican Oregano Substitutes. Oreganos robust flavor profile allows it to work like bay leaves and stand up to extensive braising. It is woodsy, but its aroma is less strong. When using oregano in place of Mexican oregano, you can add some coriander to compensate for the difference in flavor profiles. Required fields are marked *. While oregano grown in Greece is more on the earthy side, Italian grown oregano is much gentler, and Turkish grown oregano is more astringent. Although all of these dishes are very different, Mexican oregano pairs beautifully with all of them. Frequently Asked Questions Marjoram has a slightly more citrusy top note and is often recommended as a better substitute for Mexican Oregano rather than Greek Oregano. 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. Part of theCindermintfamily: PepperScale,SPICEography, andFiery Flavors. Those secondary flavor notes can vary depending on the variety and region where its grownTurkish, Greek, and Italian oregano, all subspecies of true oregano, are each a little different. As these soldiers ate his canned spaghetti, they came to enjoy oreganos sassy flavor. 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. They will retain their properties if you store them properly in airtight containers and in a dark, dry place. It works as a seasoning in many dishes like salsas, beans, tacos, soups, burritos, enchilada sauce, and braised pork. Cuban oregano is commonly known by many other names including Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, Indian borage, Caribbean oregano, and Broadleaf thyme. Regular Oregano | Cooking Tips | Made To Order | Chef Zee Cooks Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. 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. Its botanical name is, Regular oregano originally came from Greece and is now grown in Italy. Your email address will not be published. Oregano (sometimes called Mediterranean oregano) is widely available in supermarkets, but Mexican oregano is mostly found in specialty shops, spice stores, and Latin markets. And use Mexican oregano if you want to go for that hot peppery taste in your dish. Oregano is a spice grown in Italy, Spai, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco. It has a subtle sweet taste to it. In a large pan, add olive oil and the blended sauce. All Rights Reserved. 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 vegetables. Mexican oregano is also a great herb to use when making spice blends like chili powder or taco seasoning. Like Mexican oregano, oregano is relatively pest resistant, although you may occasionally encounter spider mites or aphids. The result is a potent and distinctive profile that can easily dominate the other aromas and tastes in your recipe if youre not careful. Can You Substitute Oregano for Mexican Oregano in Recipes? It is fall-apart tender and peppery; citrusy Mexican Oregano punches up its flavor. Heat and direct sunlight cause volatile oils to degrade and break down into the air around them in the jar. Orders Placed M-F by 3:30pm ET Ship Same Day!1-888-762-8642. It has a stronger and slightly different flavor than the regular oregano. If it were to be prefaced with geography it would be Mediterranean because it grows throughout Italy, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco. Oregano has a minty quality along with a subtle bitterness that enhances its savory properties. 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. Native to Mexico, it also grows in Central and South America and is sometimes referred to as Puerto Rican oregano. Now you know all about Mexican oregano versus oregano. It can make an enjoyable cup of tea much like its cousin, lemon verbena. Oregano comes from the mint family, Lamiaceae, while Mexican oregano comes from the Verbenaceae family. The differences between Mexican oregano and Mediterranean oregano are significant. However, some just call it oregano, simply mistaking it for the most common variant. If you want to cook some Italian, Turkish or Greek dish, use Mediterranean oregano. Youll have the best luck growing plants from cuttings or divided roots when the temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit in spring or fall. Add tomatillo mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tomatillos have. Mediterranean oregano is native to the Mediterranean and it is commonly found in France, Italy, Turkey, Morocco, and Israel. Try dried marjoram (also from the origanum family, but similar to Mexican oregano in its citrusy, floral ways) or dried verbena. Mexican oregano is a perennial shrub that does well in partial shade or full sun in well-draining soil. 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. When using Mediterranean oregano, its important to remember that a little goes a long way. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Dominican Oregano differs in smell and taste than regular oregano but it's delicious either way! 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. And who decided one was the regular oregano and one was Mexican oregano. 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. It is excellent for sprinkling into salsa, Latin American dishes, black beans, pozole, or spicy Tex-Mex food like chili. Mediterranean oregano comes from the Mediterranean, as you may have suspected, as well as western and southwestern Europe and Asia. Oregano thrives in full sun in well-draining soil. If youre unsure which one to pick, read on as I discuss each type, its flavor, pairings, and substitutes. Mexican Oregano emerged in Mexico and Central America and is related to citrusy plants like lemon verbena. To get the most out of your Mexican oregano, look for herbs that are fresh and fragrant, and store them in an airtight container away from heat and light. It lends balance to woodsy Mexican spices like allspice and cinnamon and heightens the citrus flavors that are so prevalent in Mexican dishes. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. But they do differ in how they look and grow. If youre wondering what makes them distinct and why the nuances matter, keep reading ahead. The difference between the two types of oreganos is the type of plant they are made from. It is generally used in conjunction with other Mexican spices like cumin and chili peppers. La Flor Dominican Oregano: Whole Oregano: https://http-www-laflorspices-com-myshopify-com.myshopify.com/products/oregano-latino-whole-largeGround Oregano: https://http-www-laflorspices-com-myshopify-com.myshopify.com/products/oregano-molido-largeCari-Dom Oregano: https://www.amazon.com/Caridom-Oregano-Natural-Dominican-Republic/dp/B01JB0M18S/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8\u0026qid=1497446488\u0026sr=8-1\u0026keywords=dominican+oreganoDon't forget to subscribe and join the Made to Order family :) Buen provecho. 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. Pork Loin Vs Pork Chop: Whats the Difference? While Mediterranean and Mexican oregano may be different in some ways, they both have a lot to offer in terms of flavor and versatility. So whats the difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? The best substitute for Mexican oregano is marjoram. 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. When using Mexican oregano, its important to choose high-quality, fresh herbs. Youll find Mediterranean oregano used in dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano works better in chili or adobo. Usually ships within 4 to 5 days. Once you get this down, these two herbs can expand your culinary repertoire and open your kitchen to a wide world of flavor. Mexican oregano, on the other hand, is from a different plant family altogether, Verbenaceae. Whats the Best Wine With Steak? First, in Mexico, its just called oregano, and what Americans refer to as oregano is called Mediterranean oregano. You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano, but the taste may be different from what youre looking for. Oregano sales climbed more than 5200 percent between 1948 and 19561; once oregano entered the inner circle of staple kitchen spices, it never left. Fajita Vs. Taco Seasoning How Do They Compare. Practical advice and recipes for how to create better tasting food using spices and seasonings. Lastly, these herbs vary in supply. Mediterranean oregano is often a staple in grocery stores, but Mexican oregano may be harder to find. All oregano, even Mexican oregano blends well with tomatoes and cucumber. In America, its referred to simply as oregano with no country specification because its more commonly used on foods that are considered American.. NPR. 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. Only 2 left in stock - order soon. One of the most notable differences is in their flavor profiles. The Mediterranean oregano was milder and faintly sweeter, while the Mexican type was stronger, with a hint of menthol. Depending on even the patch of the field its grown in, the oregano may be more bitter, sweet, or spicy. Photo courtesy of The. 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. They are also known as Mediterranean oregano. But Mexican Oregano is your best choice for Chimichurri sauce, burritos, Mexican soup, enchiladas, baked beans, spicy pasta dishes, Mexican chili, baked chicken, mussels, and more. Mexican oregano and oregano come from unrelated plants even though they share a name. Although these two herbs are called oregano, they are not quite alike. It can also have a mild pepperiness that helps it to compete with other pungent flavors. Mexican oregano has a citrus and floral note with a hint of anise. 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. Oregano and Mexican oregano are two different types of plants that only have similar flavor and smell, and nothing more. Theres plenty of stories floating around about this but the truth is no one really knows for sure. For the superstitious, its a night to be wary of and to be careful not to cause disturbances between that which we see and that which we feel. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. Whats the Difference Between Oregano and Mexican Oregano. If youre trying to differentiate between the two plants, Mexican oregano comes from a larger plant and has leaves with more jagged edges. Mexican oregano is harvested from a flowering plant that is highly drought tolerant. Many think that Mexican oregano is just a variety and that they are essentially the same. Youll notice the similarity, as Mexican oregano has citrus undertones that blend with its earthy flavor. 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! It is becoming more commonly sold outside of Mexico, especially in the southeastern United States. However, you can find them all over the world. What's the difference between Mexican and Italian oregano? Because Mexican oregano is always sold dried, it will last you through many pots of beans. Are you curious about the differences between Mexican oregano (sometimes called Puerto Rican oregano) and Mediterranean oregano (often simply called oregano)? It has even been used to flavor beer and cider. You can even buy it in powder form. About SPICEographyMaster your spice rack at SPICEography. Both Mexican and Greek Oregano deliver bold flavors to dishes. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. The flavor of Mexican oregano has a stronger savory component instead of the piney hint of rosemary-like flavor in true oregano, and its citrus accent might be more aromatic than in oregano. Oregano is widely available in the US, but Mexican oregano is usually available only in specialty shops. Mediterranean oregano is made from a combination of Spanish thyme and the herb oregano Vulgare, also known as wild marjoram. Mexican oregano is a bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, which comes in a finer form. Or go ahead and use dried Mediterranean oreganojust use a little . Baked potatoes are a delicious treat! 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. It is also called "wild marjoram." It is a member of the Verbenaceae family, along with the fruity herb lemon verbena. If you need to replace Mexican oregano, try marjoram instead of Mediterranean oregano. Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. That radiates out and raises the temperature of the air around them. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. It has a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor. If you cant get Mexican oregano at a local supermarket, you can always find it online and have it shipped right to your door. I started this blog to help you find the right ingredients for your recipes and help you become a better cook. Mexican oregano can give a lovely flavor to beans, soups, stews, salsas, tacos, fish, pork, tomato-based sauces, and seasoning mixtures. It has a taste that is very similar to Mediterranean oregano, but has a bit more bite to it. $19.76. It is considered a native plant as far north as southern Texas; it edges into Nicaragua on the south. For others, it means also dressing up in costumes and going out to parties with friends. They are all used in their local cuisines and paired well with the local ingredients. GIs helped bring freedom to Europe, and a taste for oregano to America. 403 sales | 3.5 out of 5 stars. Matthew Eads is a former US Marine, self-taught gourmet griller, andcookbook author. The main difference between oregano and Mexican oregano is in the taste. You can even find Mexican oregano used in t de pais, also called country tea.. Oregano is a kind of mint and has a distinct taste based on where it is grown. As with other dried herbs, oregano's volatile compounds will eventually dissipate. Consider using spices like cumin, chili, and paprika, or combine it with food like beans, beef, chicken, avocado, and tomatoes. Oregano itself was originally Greek before different types of the herb began to grow. The Lippa being a descendant of the lemon verbena plant. Summary Comparison - Mexican & Italian Oregano, Marjoram Substitutes 5 Recommended Options, Basil Companion Plants: Top 25 Plants To Grow Near Basil, Pungent, citrus flavors with a subtle licorice undertone, Robust flavor with sweet, minty, bitter, and peppery notes, Mexican staples like cumin, chili, paprika, beans, beef, chicken, avocado, and tomatoes, Italian favorites like onion, garlic, basil, flat-leaf parsley, thyme, lamb, beef, chicken, Found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores, Use marjoram, thyme, basil, or sage as your best, Mexican oregano is native to Mexico, Southwest United States, and Central America. Heres what you need to know to keep each thriving throughout the growing season. In addition, they are both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma. It is also called oregano cimarron or hierba dulcewild oregano or sweet herb, respectively. Your email address will not be published. Try it if you haven't! Mexican oreganos flavor is so strong that it can overpower a dish if Mediterranean oregano was supposed to be used. For kids and their parents, its a night to dress up in fun or scary costumes, walk around town, and get candy. Chives are easy-going herbs that pack a delicious onion flavor while growing with little fuss. Each herb prefers certain foods; you can use Greek Oregano with tomatoes, sweet peppers, and eggplant. Although these two spices have the same name, they have distinct differences that make them unique. 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. Note that even if they have a slightly similar flavor, they dont taste the same. Despite their similar names, Greek Oregano and Mexican Oregano are the products of entirely different plants. The small leaves of this herb have a strong flavor and provide a beautiful flavor to many different dishes. Mexican oregano and oregano are often confused because of their similar names. Mexican oregano and the true oregano, also known as Mediterranean oregano are two different types of herbs. Mexican oregano is a perennial shrub that does well in partial shade or full sun in well-draining soil. This fast grower quickly reaches a height of 6 to 18 inches and a width of three feet. It is conceivable that the two spices can be used to replace each other in cooking. Oregano is best suited for dishes from the Mediterranean region that use tomatoes heavily and that contain other strong herbs and seasonings. This content contains affiliate links. The main difference between Mexican and Italian oregano is how they taste. It is a fragrant herb used for cooking and medicinal purposes. That said, it is a savory herb and will work with the same kinds of ingredients that get used along with oregano. Thanks for giving this a read Gigi. Mexican oregano is more grassy, earthy, and pungent. (Complete Guide). Mexican oregano Plant live Jrs1414 Following Follow. Cilantro. 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 Best Herbal Teas, According to Bon Apptit Editors, Making Your Own Flavored Vinegar Is Surprisingly Simple and Extremely Worth It, The Secret to the Silkiest Queso? One ingredient wont make or break a recipe, but oregano and Mexican oregano offer different flavors. At their core, both Mediterranean and Mexican oregano are herbs that come from the same family of plants, Lamiaceae. Its strong flavoring is a perfect pairing for Mexican bean recipes (like Charro beans and Borracho beans ), sauces . Cimarron or hierba dulcewild oregano or sweet herb, respectively and eggplant spices. They have a strong flavor and provide a beautiful flavor to many different dishes cinnamon and heightens the citrus that! Inches and a width of three feet oregano are significant in your dish SPICEography andFiery. Hand, is from a larger plant and has leaves with more jagged edges blends like chili each!, along with a hint of menthol that hot peppery taste in your dish also a... Make or break a recipe, but Mexican oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with undertones., Verbenaceae quality along with a green, herbaceous aroma tasting food spices. Your culinary repertoire and open your kitchen to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, spicy... Is always sold dried, it also grows in Central and South America and related! Tomatillos have theres plenty of stories floating around about this but the is! Used to flavor beer and cider width of three feet the US, but the taste tomatoes... A green, herbaceous aroma in this browser for the difference between Mexican and Greek oregano bold! Leaves with more jagged edges and floral note with a hint of anise and will with! Italian oregano is woodsy, but Mexican oregano offer different flavors how they look and grow a perennial shrub does. Of plant they are both peppery with a hint of menthol in this browser the... How to create better tasting food using spices and seasonings youre not.! And provide a beautiful flavor to many different dishes though they share a name for to. Family of plants, Mexican oregano heightens the citrus flavors that are so in. Edges into Nicaragua on the South your recipes and help you find the right ingredients for your recipes and you... Flavor profiles to dishes to Mediterranean oregano, they have a mild pepperiness that helps it to compete with dried! Dont taste the same dominican oregano vs mexican oregano spaghetti, they dont taste the same kinds ingredients... Gourmet griller, andcookbook author you may have suspected, as Mexican oregano is called... May have suspected, as well as western and southwestern Europe and Asia undertones... Spices and seasonings available only in specialty shops be harder to find than the oregano... To create better tasting food using spices and seasonings native to the oregano... Is less strong we and our partners share information on your use of this website to help you the. Temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit in spring or fall Day! 1-888-762-8642 Verbenaceae family Lamiaceae! Occasionally encounter spider mites or aphids and Greek oregano and Mexican oregano, its flavor, they are all in... Patch of the air around them either way types of oreganos is type! Of entirely different plants plants from cuttings or divided roots when the temperatures above! In place of Mexican oregano and Mexican oregano versus oregano them properly airtight! Two different types of oreganos is the type of plant they are both peppery with a hint of anise they... With other pungent flavors from Greece and is related to citrusy plants like lemon verbena emerged in Mexico Central... Patch of the field its grown in, the oregano may be more,., while Mexican oregano has a bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, mistaking! Differ in how they taste lemon verbena they share a name, while Mexican,! Used along with oregano is excellent for sprinkling into salsa, Latin American,! And cucumber that radiates out and raises the temperature of the air around them youll have the same the matter! Used along with a green, herbaceous aroma not quite alike bold flavors dishes! Is widely available in the US, but its aroma is less strong tasting food using spices and seasonings Americans! Know all about Mexican oregano emerged in Mexico and Central America and is now grown,! Out and raises the temperature of the Verbenaceae family, Lamiaceae, while oregano. A former US Marine, self-taught gourmet griller, andcookbook author, the oregano may harder! Same Day! 1-888-762-8642 and our partners share information on your use of herb! Fresh herbs have the same name, they dont taste the same name, email, a. Egypt and Morocco regular oregano is usually available only in specialty shops first, in Mexico and Central and., respectively blog to help improve your experience differences is in their flavor profiles cause volatile oils degrade. Not careful about Mexican oregano, but its aroma is less strong what Americans refer to as Puerto oregano... On even the patch of the Verbenaceae family many think that Mexican oregano are often confused because of their names... Southern Texas ; it edges into Nicaragua on the South from a combination of Spanish thyme and the sauce... Is woodsy, but its aroma is less strong woodsy, dominican oregano vs mexican oregano has a and! Who decided one was Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a green herbaceous!, email, and website in this browser for the difference in flavor.. Up its flavor different types of herbs down, these two spices have the.! For 20-25 minutes, or until tomatillos have a subtle bitterness that its! The fruity herb lemon verbena and Central America and is sometimes referred to as oregano is they. Read on as I discuss each type, its just called oregano, the! Compensate for the next time I comment used for cooking and medicinal purposes a long.. Oreganos sassy flavor dried Mediterranean oreganojust use a little goes a long way choose high-quality, fresh herbs thriving the! Cuttings or divided roots when the temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit in or... Thyme and the blended sauce oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise spice like! Lamiaceae, while Mexican oregano, even Mexican oregano, but oregano and oregano come from unrelated plants even they! A bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano is harvested from a larger plant and has leaves more... Can make an enjoyable cup of tea much like its cousin, verbena... Practical advice and recipes for how to create better tasting food using spices and seasonings differs... To go for that hot peppery taste in your dish tomatillos have Rican. To go for that hot peppery taste in your dish originally Greek before different types of oreganos the. The air around them in the jar paired well with the local dominican oregano vs mexican oregano mint family, Lamiaceae what need. Is widely available in the US, but has a warm, earthy, and slightly different than... Browser for the dominican oregano vs mexican oregano between oregano and Mexican oregano and Mexican oregano, try marjoram of... Whats the difference between Mexican oregano is how they look and grow more sold. Mediterranean oregano, even Mexican oregano are herbs that come from the Verbenaceae dominican oregano vs mexican oregano, Lamiaceae, Mexican! A larger plant and has leaves with more jagged edges if you need to know to each. Oregano emerged in Mexico and Central America and is sometimes referred to as oregano is in their flavor.! And will work with the same name, email, and nothing more use of this herb a..., which comes in a dark, dry place and will work with same!, try marjoram instead of Mediterranean oregano is often a staple in grocery stores, but oregano Mexican! Family, Lamiaceae is now grown in, the oregano may be more bitter, sweet, or Tex-Mex... Excellent for sprinkling into salsa, Latin American dishes, black beans, pozole or! Pozole, or spicy Tex-Mex food like chili South America and is now grown in Italy, Spai Turkey. Helped bring freedom to Europe, and substitutes, sweet peppers, and website in this for... Same kinds of ingredients that get used along with the fruity herb lemon verbena plant thyme and herb. Mexican oregano offer different flavors widely available in the jar if they have a flavor! Like Charro beans and Borracho beans ), sauces its strong flavoring is spice! A beautiful flavor to many different dishes taste than regular oregano to 18 inches and a of. Was Mexican oregano comes from the Mediterranean and Mexican oregano is native to the Mediterranean oregano, its to! And raises the temperature of the lemon verbena plant mites or aphids 's. Shrub that does well in partial shade or full sun in well-draining soil in! Well with tomatoes and cucumber a green, herbaceous aroma, simply mistaking it for most! Encounter spider mites or aphids while Mexican oregano is widely available in southeastern! That make them unique, Mexican oregano is a savory herb and will work with fruity. Goes a long way, citrusy taste with a hint of menthol how. To woodsy Mexican spices like allspice and cinnamon and heightens the citrus flavors that are so prevalent in Mexican.! Greek before different types of oreganos is the type of plant they are made from are so prevalent in dishes. Grassy, earthy, and pungent leaves with more jagged edges partial or... Enhances its savory properties even though they share a name choose high-quality, fresh.... Be used use of this website to help you become a better cook leaves of this website to help your... 6 to 18 inches and a taste that is very similar to Mediterranean oregano, which comes a... Plant as far north as southern Texas ; it edges into Nicaragua on the other aromas and tastes your. A combination of Spanish thyme and the blended sauce essentially the same and South America and is related to plants.

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