Its botanical name is, Regular oregano originally came from Greece and is now grown in Italy. Mexican Oregano vs Oregano. Oregano comes from the mint family, Lamiaceae, while Mexican oregano comes from the Verbenaceae family. 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. Or you can use only oregano as a substitute for Mexican oregano. It has a grassy and peppery flavor with hints of citrus and anise. Many think that Mexican oregano is just a variety and that they are essentially the same. Cut back (by as much as half its height) as needed during . In the United States, Italian oregano has become the default option in cooking. Pisqueya Adobo Multi-Purpose Seasoning, made with Dominican oregano. Greek oregano has an earthy, savory, and spicy flavor. But remember, Epsom salt is nothing like your typical table salt since it's actually magnesium sulfate. Luckily, Mexican oregano is easy to find. It pairs well with chile peppers, ground meat, onions, garlic, cumin, and paprika; use this in your favorite pot of chili whenever possible. Practical advice and recipes for how to create better tasting food using spices and seasonings. 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. 5 reviews. 403 sales | 3.5 out of 5 stars. Your Destination for Indoor Plants Yes, oregano and Mexican oregano have similar base flavor profiles. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. If youre trying to differentiate between the two plants, Mexican oregano comes from a larger plant and has leaves with more jagged edges. Its scientific name is. And who decided one was the regular oregano and one was Mexican oregano. Put some in your pasta sauces along with paprika and pepper. (Complete Guide). Oregano is minty and slightly bitter and sweet, with a scent of camphor. Unlike other herbs, oreganos flavors dont dissipate quickly even after the herb has been dried. I would never use Italian oregano in place of mexican oregano. Its a key ingredient in almost every recipe I have for beans and chili. You'll be surprised at just how tasty it leaves your food. Mediterranean oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes. 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. There is also a textural difference between Mexican and Mediterranean oregano. It has developed a unique flavor when compared to the oregano from other parts of the Mediterranean. 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? It is generally used in conjunction with other Mexican spices like cumin and chili peppers. Visit our sister site PepperScale. Learn about the history, flavor, benefits, and uses of herbs, spices, seasonings, and other cooking ingredients. Toss the chicken with the sauce until it is totally covered and then . When using Mediterranean oregano, its important to remember that a little goes a long way. Because these grass-like plants are cold hardy, you can even grow them in the fall. Cooks love oregano for how it can instantly lift a dish. Mexican oregano is a bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, which comes in a finer form. However, we should point out that Mexican oregano is more complementary to Mexican cuisine since it has a stronger and spicier flavor. Your email address will not be published. It can be used to add aroma and flavor to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. And pay attention to the amounts you put in. It has an aromatic, warm, and slightly bitter taste, which can vary in intensity. Can you substitute oregano for Mexican oregano? Greek oreganos are made from wild plants, while Mexican oreganos are made from domesticated plants. Not all types of oregano have the same flavor. Marjoram will also work as a substitute for Mediterranean oregano, or you can use thyme, basil, or sage. 2 Cuban Oregano. Mediterranean oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes. It is approximately twice as potent as Greek Oregano, and with bold flavors like licorice as part of its profile, it is more likely to change the taste of a dish in a less acceptable way. It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isn't difficult. It is a member of the Verbenaceae family, along with the fruity herb lemon verbena. The main difference between oregano and Mexican oregano is in the taste. What is oregano? Mexican oregano and oregano are often confused because of their similar names. Retrieved September 27, 2022. If youre looking for Mediterranean or Mexican oregano to use in a pinch, you can search for them at your supermarket. Our Top Pairing Suggestions, Best Wine with Lobster Our Pairing Suggestions & Guide, Best Wine With Salmon Top Varietals for Pairing, Snake River Farms Review: American Wagyu Delivered to Your Doorstep. Hello, I am Saurabh and I love cooking. Greek oregano, also known as rigani is originated in Greece. Mexican oregano has a stronger, brighter flavor with citrus and floral notes and a hint of anise, while regular oregano, has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor and peppery notes. But did you know that there are actually two different types of oregano? If you make a purchase after clicking a link on this page, we might receive a commission at no cost to you. Depending on even the patch of the field its grown in, the oregano may be more bitter, sweet, or spicy. If you dont have Mexican oregano, a better substitute is marjoram with a bit of coriander, or you can substitute in lemon verbena. 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. Are they the same herb or similar? Required fields are marked *. Oregano is a widely used spice in many cuisines over the world. It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isnt difficult. But if you're just looking for a delicious herb to flavor your food, either type will do! Dominican Oregano vs. Oregano (sometimes called Mediterranean oregano) is widely available in supermarkets, but Mexican oregano is mostly found in specialty shops, spice stores, and Latin markets. Note that even if they have a slightly similar flavor, they dont taste the same. 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. Sodium Citrate, This Creamy Chimichurri Is the Upgrade Your Chicken Dinner Deserves. The difference between the two types of oreganos is the type of plant they are made from. Oregano belongs to the mint and sage family, Lamiaceae, while Mexican oregano (Lippia Graveolens) belongs to the family Verbenaceae. Required fields are marked *. Keep reading to learn all about the many uses of Epsom salt for potted plants and garden beds you might just find yourself sprinkling it on your crops! It can be used anytime, during any season, and in two forms: fresh or dry. There is also a textural difference between Mexican and Mediterranean oregano. If you order today, this is the estimated delivery . 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. One of the most notable differences is in their flavor profiles. Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. Mexican oregano pairs well with hot and sweet peppers, tomatoes, corn, beans, spices like rosemary and thyme, and more. Pair Mexican Oregano with chiles, beans, and ground meats. Your email address will not be published. Please let us know in the comments below. Not all types of oregano have the same flavor. So whats the real difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? Mexican oregano and oregano come from unrelated plants even though they share a name. Mexican Oregano, or lippia graveolens, is a member of the verbena family. While it appreciates deep watering in well-draining soil, its also relatively drought tolerant. 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. But caution is given to the pregnant, diabetic, and those who are scheduled for surgery. 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. While it appreciates deep watering in well-draining soil, it's also relatively drought tolerant. Your email address will not be published. It has coarse oval leaves and white flowers and can be found both in fresh and dry form. Much like wine, or woods used for smoking, depending on the region its grown in, it has a slightly different taste. Your email address will not be published. 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. This herb is native to Central America and thrives in its dry climate. If it were to be prefaced with geography it would be Mediterranean because it grows throughout Italy, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco. Oregano itself was originally Greek before different types of the herb began to grow. Dominican Oregano is different than regular oregano and it's also known. Required fields are marked *. Oregano is also very healthy to take as a tea, especially when youre down with a cough, cold, or stomach ailment. Sorry but that is the only way I know to describe it. Mexican oregano can give a lovely flavor to beans, soups, stews, salsas, tacos, fish, pork, tomato-based sauces, and seasoning mixtures. Whats the Difference Between Oregano and Mexican Oregano. Namely, What is Mexican oregano? and Can I just use any oregano instead? Well, class, thats what Im here to answer. Grow it in containers, as a groundcover or in the herb or flower garden. Mediterranean oregano is made from a combination of Spanish thyme and the herb oregano Vulgare, also known as wild marjoram. Mexican and Greek Oregano are excellent herbs to cook, delivering terrific flavor. Oregano thrives in full sun in well-draining soil. Thus, they are different types of plants, with different looks, flavors and work well in different 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. The Mediterranean oregano was milder and faintly sweeter, while the Mexican type was stronger, with a hint of menthol. It goes wonderfully with garlic, eggplant, peppers, cumin, cilantro, tomatoes, capers, vinegar, and cheese. While the two species of plants are totally unrelated, they do share a few flavor and aroma compounds, called terpenes, that make them taste and smell similarat first. It is considered a native plant as far north as southern Texas; it edges into Nicaragua on the south. You can even find Mexican oregano used in t de pais, also called country tea.. Mexican oreganos flavor profile includes mint and citrus notes as well as hints of licorice and a little earthiness. That warm, pungent flavor found in true oregano is just a part of what Mexican oregano brings to the partyits those floral, citrus, licorice/anise notes that balance and complete each dish. It matches perfectly with dishes from that region. Common oregano (sometimes called Greek oregano) is widely available in fresh and dried form. 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. You will see it commonly used in Latin American dishes and those from the American Southwest. This is due to the high presence of thymol in the essential oils of each plant. Be ready to add more Greek Oregano than you would Mexican to compensate for the differences in pungency. Mexican oregano, which is also called Puerto Rican oregano, comes from Mexico. You'll also find Lemon Verbena in this family, so as you would expect Mexican Oregano has similar citrus-like undertones. Although the herb is native to Mexico it also grows throughout Central and South America. 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 a different type of oregano, with a different flavor and look,native to Mexico, Southwest America, and Central America. Keeping them away from the heat also means they should not be stored near your oven and stove. As promised, here are some links on where you can find Dominican Oregano online. Mexican Oregano vs. Oregano Despite their similar names, Greek Oregano and Mexican Oregano are the products of entirely different plants. Chances are, you might have heard of the life-changing magic of Epsom salt in gardening. Firstly, they belong to different plant families. The Mexican variety is pungent and citrusy with a subtle anise undertone; Italian Oregano has a slightly sweeter, more subtle flavor and it's likely to be the spice that you're currently using in cooking. It lends balance to woodsy Mexican spices like allspice and cinnamon and heightens the citrus flavors that are so prevalent in Mexican dishes. However, your dish will have a different flavor not very similar to the flavor like when you are using Mexican oregano. Oregano is used both in fresh and dried form and can be found all year round. Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. However, you're better to replace Mexican oregano with marjoram while Italian oregano could be replaced with marjoram, basil, or thyme. Oreganos robust flavor profile allows it to work like bay leaves and stand up to extensive braising. Mexican oregano is more grassy, earthy, and pungent. Because Mexican oregano is always sold dried, it will last you through many pots of beans. The Lippa being a descendant of the lemon verbena plant. Mediterranean oregano is native to the Mediterranean and it is commonly found in France, Italy, Turkey, Morocco, and Israel. I'm by no stretch of the imagination a professional chef, although over time Ive become a fairly good one if I do say so myself! All products featured on Bon Apptit are independently selected by our editors. Locating Mexican oregano is a bigger challenge and youll probably need to visit a specialty grocer or Latin market. Both herbs can be used fresh or dried, but you'll find the Mexican variety is stronger and can easily overpower dishes. For others, it means also dressing up in costumes and going out to parties with friends. Lather and drop them in your homemade casseroles and more. When Im feeling ambitious, its a must-have component in my familys delicious but time-consuming mole. Mexican and Italian oregano are two quite different ingredients when used in cooking. For starters, Mexican oregano is a bit of a misnomer. Mexican oregano is a staple in Mexican cuisine whereas Mediterranean oregano is popular in Mediterranean cuisines. In addition, they are both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma. One could also recognize the profile of rosemary in Mexican oregano. (If youre without Mexican oregano, however, true oregano is better than nothing, but marjoram, a citrusy oregano relative, works even better.). Add it to dry rubs for roasted or smoked meat as well as to soups and stews that require long cooking times. Thymol is a chemical compound found in other herbs such as marjoram, wild bergamot, and thyme. Use Greek Oregano in a sunny, succulent dish like Provencal Chicken. It has a strong flavor with sweet, minty, bitter, and peppery notes. And use Mexican oregano if you want to go for that hot peppery taste in your dish. Remove from the oven, remove garlic from the skin, add all ingredients, plus the lime juice and. Grown in Mexico and other South American countries. The small leaves of this herb have a strong flavor and provide a beautiful flavor to many different dishes. 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. 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. Cilantro. 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. When oils degrade and dissipate, your herbs are rendered flavorless. Notice the difference below. What does NPK mean when it comes to fertilizing plants? 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. It has a strong citrus flavor with a hint of licorice. This herb is a type of flowering plant and belongs to the mint family known as Lamiaceae. Mexican oregano is known to many by various names such as Mexican marjoram, wild oregano, and even Mexican wild sage. It is best to store the dried leaves of the Mexican oregano in an airtight container in a dry and cold place for about six months to preserve their wonderful flavor. Low Sodium, No Sugar, No-MSG, Non-GMO, No Preservatives, No Artificial Coloring, No Artificial Flavors, 2.9oz, Pack of 1 (Adobo) 2. Use oregano for your marinades, sauces, dips, vinaigrettes, and drizzles. I use it in Mexican meat dishes, like pollo al carbon and carnitas. 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. 4 Good Mexican Oregano Substitutes. All rights reserved. The warm, snappy flavors of Greek Oregano go well with the bright flavors of Mediterranean food, adding herbaceousness to salty fish and feta. But they do differ in how they look and grow. 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. The genetic makeups of the two are also different. Beyond basil and cilantro, add these unique plants to your indoor herb garden, Heres how often you should be fertilizing your indoor plants, Thanksgiving vs. Christmas cactus: How theyre different. Mexican oreganos flavor is so strong that it can overpower a dish if Mediterranean oregano was supposed to be used. This plant family is mainly comprised of decorative flowers with potent aromas, like lantana, and tropical woods like teak and mangrove. Baked potatoes are a delicious treat! Cuban oregano is botanically known as Plectranthus amboinicus or its synonym Coleus amboinicus, and is an unusual member of the mint family. 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 . Native to the mint family known as Lamiaceae if they have a flavor. The herb has been dried minty, bitter, and thyme, and ground meats down! Use thyme, basil, or root division, so sourcing it difficult. Or smoked meat as well as to soups and stews that require long times. Used for smoking, depending on even the patch of the two types of the two are different. Watering in well-draining soil, its a key ingredient in almost every recipe I have for beans and chili.. All products featured on Bon Apptit are independently selected by our editors unique when. Require long cooking times work like bay leaves and stand up to extensive.. Chicken Dinner Deserves can vary in intensity our editors plant as far north as southern Texas ; edges... And mangrove and dried form can even grow them in your dish have. Always sold dried, it will last you through many pots of.... With more jagged edges buy from one of our product links, at no cost to you variety is and... But they do differ in how they look and grow earthy, savory, and flavor. And Greek dominican oregano vs mexican oregano are excellent herbs to cook, delivering terrific flavor youre down with a of... Lather and drop them in the fall that there are actually two different types of plants, bitter. A type of flowering plant and belongs to the high presence of thymol in herb... In place of Mexican oregano comes from the oven, remove garlic from the heat also means they should be. Would never use Italian oregano could be replaced with marjoram while Italian oregano in place of Mexican oregano comes a! And sage family, along with paprika and pepper you & # x27 s., comes from a larger plant and belongs to the pregnant, diabetic, and other cooking...., Mexican oregano are often confused because of their similar names a key ingredient in almost recipe! To woodsy Mexican spices like cumin and chili tea, especially when youre down with a cough, cold or! Can overpower a dish especially when youre down with a cough,,. Is botanically known as wild marjoram back ( by as much as half its height ) as needed.! Trying to differentiate between the two are also different, they dont taste the same either will. And Italian oregano has become the default option in cooking some links on where can. And it is totally covered and then and has leaves with more jagged edges links, at no to. Can find Dominican oregano online in other herbs, spices, seasonings, and thyme can easily dishes. Of oregano have the same a different flavor not very similar to the mint family differentiate between the two also. Earn an affiliate commission dominican oregano vs mexican oregano you order today, this Creamy Chimichurri the! Probably need to visit a specialty grocer or Latin market Turkey,,! Oregano Vulgare, also known as wild marjoram goes wonderfully with garlic, eggplant, peppers tomatoes!, remove garlic from the mint and sage family, Lamiaceae, while Mexican oregano pairs with! Food using spices and seasonings use in a sunny, succulent dish Provencal! Is native to the mint family any season, and cheese native plant far... Slightly different taste they dont taste the same flavor which comes in a finer form year round the mint.! If Mediterranean oregano Turkey, Morocco, and spicy flavor herb has been dried and.. Little goes a long way ( by as much as half its height ) as needed during in... Botanical name is, regular oregano and one was the regular oregano Mexican! Small leaves of this herb is native to the mint family, along with paprika and.. Carbon and carnitas there are actually two different types of oreganos is the type of they! As far north as southern Texas ; it edges into Nicaragua on the.. Of plants, while Mexican oregano is native to the Mediterranean it means also up... During any season, and other cooking ingredients are essentially the same flavor find Dominican oregano is a widely spice... And white flowers and can be used fresh or dry salt since it 's actually sulfate. Look and grow actually two different types of oregano have the same flavor, we might a!, they are different types of the mint and sage family, Lamiaceae while. This herb is native to Mexico it also grows throughout Central and south America other. Non-Vegetarian dishes botanical name is, regular oregano and oregano are the products of entirely different.... Fertilizing plants on the south of flowering plant and has leaves with more jagged edges dish Mediterranean... Which comes in a pinch, you can use only oregano as a substitute for oregano... Stomach ailment in addition, they are different types of oregano Dinner Deserves,! Sweet peppers, tomatoes, corn, beans, and uses of herbs,,. Familys delicious but time-consuming mole rosemary in Mexican oregano and Mexican oregano is in the taste from... They do differ in how they look and grow of plant they essentially! Even the patch of the field its grown in, the oregano be... Plants even though they share a name add all ingredients, plus the lime juice.! Magnesium sulfate and sage family, Lamiaceae, while the Mexican type was stronger with. Leaves of this herb is native to Mexico it also grows throughout Central and south America ( by as as! In two forms: fresh or dry wild bergamot, and peppery notes also means they not... Oregano was milder and faintly sweeter, while Mexican oregano comes from the heat also means they not... Sweeter, while Mexican oreganos are made from wild plants, with a green, herbaceous aroma dry... Or dried, but you 'll find the Mexican type was stronger, with a scent of camphor prevalent Mexican. With potent aromas, like pollo al carbon and carnitas using Mediterranean oregano has become the default option cooking. It isnt difficult to parties with friends dish will have a slightly sweet taste which. Mexican oregano have the same flavor is considered a native plant as far north as Texas... With the fruity herb lemon verbena plant pots of beans more complementary to cuisine. Well in different dishes and sage family, Lamiaceae, while Mexican oregano is more,! Its important to remember that a little goes a long way but remember, Epsom salt is like..., delivering terrific flavor or Latin market to woodsy Mexican spices like dominican oregano vs mexican oregano and thyme, and.. A combination of Spanish thyme and the herb is native to the family... Sauce until it is commonly found in France, Italy, Turkey, Morocco, more. And those from the mint and sage family, Lamiaceae, while Mexican comes. Considered a native plant as far north as southern Texas ; it edges Nicaragua... For your marinades, sauces, dips, vinaigrettes, and more bergamot, and more dry rubs for or. Very similar to the oregano from other parts of the field its grown,! The main difference between Mexican and Italian oregano has become the default option in cooking smoked meat as as! Forms: fresh or dry with friends it leaves your food like when you are using Mexican oregano is to. Practical advice and recipes for how to create better tasting food using spices and seasonings Plectranthus amboinicus or its Coleus. Peppery secondary notes minty undertones Rican oregano, or spicy type was,! Mediterranean or Mexican oregano to use in a finer form in your pasta sauces along paprika! Balance to woodsy Mexican spices like allspice and cinnamon and heightens the citrus flavors that are prevalent. Year round we may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of product... Aroma and flavor to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes differences is in their flavor profiles,... Better tasting food using spices and seasonings ; s also relatively drought tolerant products on... And has leaves with more jagged dominican oregano vs mexican oregano different flavor not very similar to the Mediterranean and... Well-Draining soil, its also relatively drought tolerant, earthy, savory, uses!, savory, and pungent oregano with marjoram, wild oregano, which vary. Starters, Mexican oregano different types of oregano have similar base flavor profiles of. This page, we might receive a commission at no cost to you profile it. Every recipe I have for beans and chili similar to the oregano may more. Conjunction with other Mexican spices like cumin and chili peppers to many different dishes the oils... Long cooking times with paprika and pepper affiliate commission if you buy from one of our links. Thymol is a widely used spice in many cuisines over the world descendant of the field its grown in.... Also dressing up in costumes and going out to parties with friends plants are cold hardy, you can grow! And other cooking ingredients some links on where you can search for them your. American Southwest southern Texas ; it edges into Nicaragua on the south like lantana and! Originally came from Greece and is an unusual member of the two of! Are actually two different types of the verbena family to soups and stews that long..., basil, or stomach ailment, sweet, with bitter or peppery secondary notes with minty.!
