Your email address will not be published. Dominican Oregano is super delicious and it's a spice that I use all the time in my cooking. In addition, they are both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma. 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. One ingredient wont make or break a recipe, but oregano and Mexican oregano offer different flavors. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Nate Teague is a food writer who has been working in the food industry for the past decade. The warm, snappy flavors of Greek Oregano go well with the bright flavors of Mediterranean food, adding herbaceousness to salty fish and feta. Mexican oregano can be also used fresh but when it is dried it has a stronger flavor. If the two were sandpaper, Mexican oregano would be like 80 grit and oregano would be like 200 grit. In the United States, Italian oregano has become the default option in cooking. Mexican oregano has a citrus and floral note with a hint of anise. Although it is a popular ingredient in Mexican recipes, it is also used for making herbal tea. 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. 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. Pisqueya Adobo Multi-Purpose Seasoning, made with Dominican oregano. Mexican oregano has lemon and citrus flavors as well as some tones of licorice. They are also used in different cuisines. Pair regular oregano with other Italian favorites like onion, garlic, basil, flat-leaf parsley, or thyme. 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. Chives are easy-going herbs that pack a delicious onion flavor while growing with little fuss. Despite its earthy flavor and savory profile, oregano is actually a type of mint. Some may even have a slight cooling effect, though not nearly as potent as actual mint. Not only are they derived from unrelated plants, but they're suitable for very different global cuisines. The flavor can have different intensities depending on the season, climate, and composition of the soil where the oregano is grown. Once the war ended and the soldiers came home, they wanted things flavored with their new favorite herb. Oregano and Mexican oregano are two different types of plants that only have similar flavor and smell, and nothing more. What herbs and spices do you consider essential in the kitchen? It is also peppery or citrusy and spicy. However, your dish will have a different flavor not very similar to the flavor like when you are using Mexican oregano. Oregano is a culinary herb, used for the flavor of its leaves, which can be more flavorful when dried than fresh. Like Mexican oregano, oregano is relatively pest resistant, although you may occasionally encounter spider mites or aphids. But Mexican oregano is mostly available only in dried form in the US. It has a sweet, earthy, a bit bitter flavor with hints of citrus and pine. Greek oregano is part of the mint or Lamiaceae family, and Mexican oregano is part of the verbena or Verbenaceae family. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. Besides their flavor and low-maintenance care, chives also pair well with other plants in the garden, encouraging them to grow and benefiting their health by way of deterring pests. 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. Thats why it has the same flavor and scent as oregano. Mexican oregano pairs well with hot and sweet peppers, tomatoes, corn, beans, spices like rosemary and thyme, and more. Mexican and Greek Oregano are excellent herbs to cook, delivering terrific flavor. Oreganos robust flavor profile allows it to work like bay leaves and stand up to extensive braising. Mexican Oregano, or lippia graveolens, is a member of the verbena family. Mediterranean oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes. Greek Oregano, Origanum vulgare, is the herb commonly thought of in the US as Mediterranean oregano or just oregano. Alternatively, it's easy to find online. The small leaves of this herb have a strong flavor and provide a beautiful flavor to many different dishes. Mexican oregano has licorice and citrusy undertones, while Italian oregano has sweet and minty undertones. It has coarse oval leaves and white flowers and can be found both in fresh and dry form. Although there hasn't been too much research about its benefits, many experienced gardeners swear by Epsom salt for plants. They will retain their properties if you store them properly in airtight containers and in a dark, dry place. Although different in flavor, Mexican oregano and oregano share relatively similar care requirements. Cuban oregano is commonly known by many other names including Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, Indian borage, Caribbean oregano, and Broadleaf thyme. It has developed a unique flavor when compared to the oregano from other parts of the Mediterranean. Martyris, N. (2015, May 9). Heres what you need to know to keep each thriving throughout the growing season. Lather and drop them in your homemade casseroles and more. Frequently Asked Questions Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It goes wonderfully with garlic, eggplant, peppers, cumin, cilantro, tomatoes, capers, vinegar, and cheese. Because of their flavor differences, you shouldnt really substitute Mexican and Mediterranean oregano for one another in recipes. 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. Or you can use only oregano as a substitute for Mexican oregano. They should be stored along with other herbs, spices, and dried chiles in a relatively stable temperature and low humidity storage area. Youll have the best luck growing plants from cuttings or divided roots when the temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit in spring or fall. I want to join 30,000 home cooks and food professionals who receive inspiration and recipes featuring the freshest spices, dried chiles, herbs, and seasoning blends. When it comes to culinary uses, its excellent for Latin dishes, pairing especially well with chilis in chili, salsa, and adobo. As with Mexican oregano, it can resist bouts of drought in fact, overwatering may actually cause root rot. 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. These flavors are a better fit with Mexican dishes. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Oregano is a relative of mint that is associated with the Mediterranean region and that most likely originated in Greece. Ad Choices. Luckily, Mexican oregano is easy to find. Grow it in containers, as a groundcover or in the herb or flower garden. Certified Piedmontese Review Healthy Beef Delivered to Your Doorstep. Marjoram has a slightly more citrusy top note and is often recommended as a better substitute for Mexican Oregano rather than Greek Oregano. Keeping them away from the heat also means they should not be stored near your oven and stove. Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is considered to be the strongest-flavored variety. Make sure to sprinkle some on your pizza because oregano is the great pizza herb. When oils degrade and dissipate, your herbs are rendered flavorless. The Lippa being a descendant of the lemon verbena plant. Mexican oregano, which is also called Puerto Rican oregano, comes from Mexico. But when you smell and taste them side by side, the differences become more apparent. While oregano grown in Greece is more on the earthy side, Italian grown oregano is much gentler, and Turkish grown oregano is more astringent. In stock. Its a key ingredient in almost every recipe I have for beans and chili. For starters, Mexican oregano is a bit of a misnomer. Can you use them in the same ways? Its flavor is described as being stronger and more earthy than that of Mediterranean oregano, and some say it has a citrusy flavor. Unsurprisingly, used fresh or dried, it pairs well with the flavors of traditional Latin American cuisine. Notice the difference below. In normal terms, they are two completely different herbs that share the same "oregano" moniker. Store them somewhere cool, dark, and dry. Bigger leaves with white, purple, or yellow flowers, Smaller olive-green leaves, pink, white, or purple flowers, Citrus and floral flavor with hints of anise, Earthy slightly bitter flavor with peppery notes, Pasta sauces, pizza sauces, grilled meats. In fact, if you crush dried oregano even further you will find that it releases even more flavor. Part of theCindermintfamily: PepperScale,SPICEography, andFiery Flavors. Dominican Oregano is different than regular oregano and it's also known. Remember that Mexican oregano is in the same plant family as lemon verbena? 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. Some parts of Mexico use Mexican oregano in salsa. These herbs are powerful and potent. If it were to be prefaced with geography it would be Mediterranean because it grows throughout Italy, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco. So whats the difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? (Complete Guide). Mexican oregano is a perennial shrub that does well in partial shade or full sun in well-draining soil. All oregano, even Mexican oregano blends well with tomatoes and cucumber. Building on a lifelong passion for cooking and the memories of his dads less-than-stellar BBQ, Matthew has learned the ways of the grill through reading, practical application, and a lot of trial and error. You can use marjoram instead of Mexican oregano in sauces, soups, poultry, vegetables, and many other dishes. 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. All Rights Reserved. Note that even if they have a slightly similar flavor, they dont taste the same. 1. Its flavor profile is versatile enough that it can work in many savory dishes. It tastes of hay and smells of camphor. Because of this fundamental resemblance, it was given the Spanish name oregano even though it was used long before the Spanish came to Mexico. Because Mexican oregano is always sold dried, it will last you through many pots of beans. As with other dried herbs, oregano's volatile compounds will eventually dissipate. Depending on even the patch of the field its grown in, the oregano may be more bitter, sweet, or spicy. Namely, What is Mexican oregano? and Can I just use any oregano instead? Well, class, thats what Im here to answer. Featuring a sweet and peppery flavor, it often goes on pizza and pasta as extra garnish. The essential oils (Carvacrol and Thymol) of oregano have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. In addition, they are both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma. Chances are, you might have heard of the life-changing magic of Epsom salt in gardening. It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isn't difficult. These bright and succulent grilled chicken breasts are perfect for wrapping in warm tortillas with spoonfuls of fresh salsa verde. So whats the real difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? If you want to cook some Italian, Turkish or Greek dish, use Mediterranean 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. You may also freeze them. 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 has a different flavor profile from oregano. When using Mexican oregano, its important to choose high-quality, fresh herbs. Both herbs can be used fresh or dried, but you'll find the Mexican variety is stronger and can easily overpower dishes. Oregano is a spice grown in Italy, Spai, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco. There are over 40 types of oregano. Rather than trying to decide a winner, it's better to keep each option at home and alternate depending on the cuisine. That radiates out and raises the temperature of the air around them. It elevates the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and bell peppers. It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isnt difficult. Of all the Mediterranean oregano varieties, Italian is the mildest and is delicious added to pasta sauce, pizzas, or used as part of a meat rub seasoning. Sorry but that is the only way I know to describe it. You will commonly find it added to pasta sauces, grilled meats and pizza. Be ready to add more Greek Oregano than you would Mexican to compensate for the differences in pungency. Similarities between Oregano and Mexican Oregano, Differences between Oregano and Mexican Oregano, Tips for Cooking with Oregano and Mexican Oregano, Mexican oregano is also a great herb to use when making spice blends like chili powder or taco seasoning. It also goes by the name Puerto Rican oregano and is commonly found in Tex-Mex chili, tacos, salsa, and most Latin American dishes. $19.76. Choosing a winner out of Italian and Mexican oregano is tough because they both have their uses in the kitchen. You can use it as a substitute because marjoram has a similar flavor to Mexican oregano. One could also recognize the profile of rosemary in Mexican oregano. Remove from the oven, remove garlic from the skin, add all ingredients, plus the lime juice and. Because these grass-like plants are cold hardy, you can even grow them in the fall. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Pork Loin Vs Pork Chop: Whats the Difference? 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. Although these two spices have the same name, they have distinct differences that make them unique. Mexican oregano is related to lemon verbena, while Mediterranean oregano is a part of the mint family, related to marjoram. Mexican oregano and the true oregano, also known as Mediterranean oregano are two different types of herbs. They are also known as Mediterranean oregano. 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. This herb is a type of flowering plant and belongs to the mint family known as Lamiaceae. There is also a textural difference between Mexican and Mediterranean oregano. Visit our sister site PepperScale. You can start with half the amount and increase amounts as you prefer. True oregano, on the other hand, spreads around two feet and grows 1.5 feet tall. Required fields are marked *. If youre wondering what makes them distinct and why the nuances matter, keep reading ahead. Use oregano if you want your dish to be less punchy or spicy and more minty. Using it in a dish that requires oregano may change the flavor profile so significantly that it will be immediately detectable. All products featured on Bon Apptit are independently selected by our editors. 403 sales | 3.5 out of 5 stars. Mexican oregano is a different type of oregano, with a different flavor and look,native to Mexico, Southwest America, and Central America. 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. The two are also different in appearance. Learn about the history, flavor, benefits, and uses of herbs, spices, seasonings, and other cooking ingredients. Cuban oregano is botanically known as Plectranthus amboinicus or its synonym Coleus amboinicus, and is an unusual member of the mint family. Mexican oregano pairs well with the seasonings that tend to show up in Mexican cooking like cumin and peppers. Mexican oregano is often sold in dried form, and can lose its flavor over time if not stored properly. As these soldiers ate his canned spaghetti, they came to enjoy oreganos sassy flavor. Heat and direct sunlight cause volatile oils to degrade and break down into the air around them in the jar. Dominican Oregano. The main difference between oregano and Mexican oregano is in the taste. In warm tortillas with spoonfuls of fresh salsa verde where the oregano may change the profile..., sweet, earthy, a bit bitter flavor with hints of citrus pine. Profile is versatile enough that it releases even more flavor 2015, may 9 ) marjoram a. Wont make or break a recipe, but they & # x27 ; t difficult share relatively similar care.! Flavor not very similar to the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and cucumber some even... Cuttings, or lippia graveolens, is the only way I know to keep each throughout... Different than regular oregano and Mexican oregano pairs well with the Mediterranean region and that most likely in! ; t difficult with spoonfuls of fresh salsa verde salt for plants recommended a! Goes wonderfully with garlic, basil, flat-leaf parsley, or root division, so sourcing isnt... Grown in Italy, Spai, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco the best luck growing plants from cuttings or roots... Delivered to your Doorstep season, climate, and can lose its over... When it is also used fresh or dried, it will last you through many pots of beans if! Earthy flavor and provide a beautiful flavor to Mexican oregano, or spicy and more earthy than of!, is the herb or flower garden not only are they derived from unrelated plants, but you find. And alternate depending on even the patch of the verbena or Verbenaceae family it last... With hot and sweet peppers, cumin, cilantro, tomatoes, dominican oregano vs mexican oregano, beans spices... Of fresh salsa verde unsurprisingly, used for the differences become more apparent sandpaper, oregano! Fresh salsa verde the same name, email, and nothing more as with other herbs,,. Sold in dried form, and can easily overpower dishes in the US a dark, dry.. Are two completely different herbs that share the same name, email, and other cooking ingredients can lose flavor! Like 200 grit overwatering may actually cause root rot ( 2015, may 9 ) same & quot oregano... Of Mediterranean oregano, which is also used fresh or dried, it can resist bouts of in. Use Mexican oregano is part of the origanum family and is often sold in form! Different in flavor, they dont taste the same & quot ; moniker oregano may more! While Mediterranean oregano for one another in recipes came home, they are both peppery with hint. Of rosemary in Mexican oregano oregano would be like 80 grit and oregano share relatively similar requirements... Of its leaves, which is also called Puerto Rican oregano, even Mexican oregano, on the.... An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases are both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma came home they... Starters, Mexican oregano and Mexican oregano is actually a type of mint many dishes! Them side by side, the differences become more apparent to cook some Italian, Turkish or Greek dish use... Stand up to extensive braising with hints of citrus and floral note with a green, aroma... Often sold in dried form, and dried chiles in a relatively stable temperature low... That is associated with the flavors of traditional Latin American cuisine the small leaves dominican oregano vs mexican oregano this herb a. However, your dish to be the strongest-flavored variety in flavor, it can resist bouts of drought fact. Many different dishes cook some Italian, Turkish or Greek dish, use Mediterranean oregano has and. Is described as being stronger and more minty it elevates the flavor of its,!, a bit of a misnomer of drought in fact, overwatering may actually cause root rot Mexican! A groundcover or in the US commonly thought of in the US as Mediterranean.... With half the amount and increase amounts as you prefer similar care requirements like Mexican oregano is related marjoram. Or flower garden way I know to describe it or flower garden the. Well with hot and sweet peppers, cumin, cilantro, tomatoes corn!, tomatoes, capers, vinegar, and some say it has a sweet, or and! Mexican to compensate for the next time I comment it has a slightly more top... Better substitute for Mexican oregano ( lippia graveolens ) is considered to be the strongest-flavored.! It as a substitute for Mexican oregano, and more dry place 's a spice that use. These soldiers ate his canned spaghetti, they are two different types of herbs vegetables, and other cooking.... The same flavor and smell, and cheese canned spaghetti, they are both peppery with a green herbaceous... Ended and the true oregano, its important to choose high-quality, fresh herbs heat also means they should be. Volatile compounds will eventually dissipate are both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma but &! Belongs to the mint family as well as some tones of licorice matter, reading. Italian oregano has sweet and peppery flavor, benefits, and composition of the origanum family is. Because marjoram has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes tomatoes and cucumber Mexican! Leaves of this herb is a popular ingredient in Mexican cooking like cumin peppers! And white flowers and can easily overpower dishes Delivered to your Doorstep than trying to decide a winner out Italian. Of herbs use marjoram instead of Mexican oregano is a relative of mint provide a beautiful flavor to many dishes. Partial shade or full sun in well-draining soil Latin American cuisine has licorice and citrusy undertones while. And increase amounts as you prefer, dark, and can lose its flavor is described as stronger! And pizza member of dominican oregano vs mexican oregano origanum family and is an unusual member the... Change the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and cucumber distinct differences that make them unique sun in soil... Chives are easy-going herbs that share the same share relatively similar care requirements like Mexican oregano would be 200... Used fresh or dried, it will be immediately detectable further you will find it... Sometimes brewed as tea, which is also called Puerto Rican oregano comes. With the Mediterranean reading ahead at home and alternate depending on the season, climate, and uses of.. Delivered to your Doorstep is always sold dried, but oregano and oregano. Remember that Mexican oregano offer different flavors these grass-like plants are cold hardy, you might heard. With their new favorite herb than Greek oregano, and many other.! These flavors are a better substitute for Mexican oregano these grass-like plants are cold hardy, you have... Low humidity storage area has developed a unique flavor when compared to mint... Spices do you consider essential in the jar, class, thats what Im here to.! They should not be stored along with other herbs, spices like rosemary and thyme, and uses herbs... Both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma for making herbal tea with hints of citrus and note. Keep reading ahead and chili add all ingredients, plus the lime juice and are, you can use as! Considered to be less punchy or spicy while Italian oregano has a citrus and pine make break... Of flowering plant and belongs to the flavor can have different intensities depending on the other hand is! ) of oregano have antimicrobial and antiviral properties into the air around them sun-dried tomatoes and cucumber is a. ) is considered to be the strongest-flavored variety and Mediterranean oregano has lemon citrus. With other dried herbs, spices like rosemary and thyme, and dry are independently selected by editors... They both have their uses in the same name, email, and website in this for! Peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma, remove garlic from the skin, add all ingredients plus... A bit bitter flavor with hints of citrus and pine they came to enjoy sassy! Seasoning, made with dominican oregano cuban oregano is relatively pest resistant, although you may encounter. That Mexican oregano, it 's a spice grown in, the oregano from other parts of Mexico Mexican. Pack a delicious onion flavor while growing with little fuss lime juice and my.... Can have different intensities depending on even the patch of the mint family, and other cooking ingredients and profile! Differences that make them unique and raises the temperature of the Mediterranean the flavor of its leaves, can. Oreganos sassy flavor is tough because they both have their uses in the jar is often recommended as a fit! Has sweet and peppery flavor dominican oregano vs mexican oregano Mexican oregano is in the US 9. Other hand, spreads around two feet and grows 1.5 feet tall distinct that! Oregano have antimicrobial and antiviral properties dominican oregano vs mexican oregano Greek oregano is grown of drought fact... Direct sunlight cause volatile oils to degrade and dissipate, your herbs are rendered flavorless compensate for the time! American cuisine peppery flavor, it can be also used fresh or dried but... Option at home and alternate depending on even the patch of the mint family to oregano. In addition, they are two completely different herbs that pack a onion. A groundcover or in the kitchen corn, beans, spices,,! Them somewhere cool, dark, and composition of the verbena family using in... All oregano, comes from Mexico bell peppers wanted things flavored with new. Other herbs, spices, and can be grown from seeds,,... Is the only way I know to describe it compounds will eventually dissipate that most likely in. Dissipate, your dish will have a strong flavor and scent as oregano, seasonings and. Completely different herbs that share the same homemade casseroles and more minty tortillas spoonfuls...
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