mexican oregano vs italian oregano

Building on a lifelong passion for cooking and the memories of his dad’s less-than-stellar BBQ, Matthew has learned the ways of the grill through reading, practical application, and a lot of trial and error. STORING: In a cool, dark, dry place, well sealed, for up to 3 months. Oregano is typically used to flavour food which already has strong flavours. Popular Varieties ‘Profussion’ ® oregano – Very hardy, with an intense flavor. Shake up your family’s next meal when you pair a lean cut of beef with home-sliced potatoes fried in a splash of olive oil and garnished with the pungent, yet sweet touch of Mexican oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. In America, it is the flavor that many associate with pizza and pasta sauces. Its evergreen shrub blooms from summer to fall with pink to lavender flowers. Some forms of this herb happen to be particularly potent, so consider the following dos and don’ts of using it to get the best results. Nate Teague is a food writer who has been working in the food industry for the past decade. When a friend brought us a jar of intensely fragrant oregano from travels to Portugal, we became curious about the different varieties of this herb. Its botanical name is, Regular oregano originally came from Greece and is now grown in Italy. It prefers loamy, sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. Get it as soon as Wed, Nov 11. See our guide to dividing perennials to learn more. Do you know which kind you have in your spice cupboard or herb garden?Oregano is generally classified in two categories: Mediterranean and Mexican. Mexican oregano’s flavor profile includes mint and citrus notes as well as hints of licorice and a little earthiness. Notice the difference below. Mexican oregano pairs well with ingredients traditionally found in a Mexican pantry. It is the largest selling herb in the world. Having a fruit bearing plant in your garden can be a plus point of your garden. They are distinct ingredients that have their own uses in the kitchen. It is native to temperate Western and Southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region.. Oregano is a perennial herb, growing from 20–80 cm (7.9–31.5 in) tall, with opposite leaves 1–4 cm (0.39–1.57 in) long. Mexican Oregano Dried 3 oz Great For Mole, Enchiladas,Taco Seasoning, Tamales, Chili, Meats, Soups, Menudo, Carne by Ole Rico. Don’t forget to share this wonderful article if you find this helpful by all means you want. Much like wine, or woods used for smoking, depending on the region it’s grown in, it has a slightly different taste. December. Get it as soon as Tue, Dec 29. Rather than trying to decide a winner, it’s better to keep each option at home and alternate depending on the cuisine. However, Greek oregano is considered by many to be the best for flavor. How to Grow. As a general rule, it’s usually best to reserve each one for their own cuisine. Expect to taste Oregano in the foods of the Mediterranean basin and throughout Latin America. Mexican oregano, however, is a whole different beast. But be aware that not all oreganos are the same. Mediterranean oregano has a robust, savory, peppery flavor, which makes it perfect for use in Greek or Italian cuisines. Mexican oregano is not true oregano but a small bushy shrub with a more delicate flavor than the more common Greek oregano. The Italian is very mild, while Greek has a much more pronounced flavor. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Mexican oregano: is a … Cuisinevault is your online cooking companion offering loads of recipes, tips, hacks and much more. The flavor is milder and sweeter than Mexican oregano. This prized Mediterranian herb contains calories-265 per 100 g, folates-59% DV, pyridoxine-80% DV, vitamin-C- 4% DV, vitamin A-57% DV, vitamin K-518% DV, iron-460% DV, manganese-203% DV, carotene-ß-1007 µg. The herb pairs very well with basil, and together the two act as the foundation of many Italian dishes: pasta sauces, pizza, grilled vegetable and meat dishes, etc. Herbs and Spices December 18, 2020. hirtum). 4.6 out of 5 stars 300. Frontier Co-op Oregano Leaf, Mexican, Cut & Sifted, Kosher | 1 lb. If you are growing Mexican oregano in containers, it’s recommended that you divide the plant every 2-3 years. In areas where it dies to the ground but remains root hardy, new stems arise each spring. Oregano is most characteristic of Italian, Mexican, and Greek cuisine, though it does make frequent appearances in other world cookery. A member of the Lamiaceae or mint family, Mexican oregano has grown in my Zone 8b garden for about 20 years. oregano. As garden plants have benefits and other uses, allergy is also a major drawback of plants for some people. If it were to be prefaced with geography it would be Mediterranean because it grows throughout Italy, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco. It's sometimes called wild marjoram. It is so common in in cuisines in widely-spread parts of the world precisely because it adds that "special something" to such a wide variety of ingredients. Greek oregano is called "rigani," pronounced REE-gah-nee. Mexican oregano is harvested from a flowering plant that is highly drought tolerant. This seasoning also contains basil, thyme, sage, and garlic powder. Since it has a higher essential oil content than Origanum varieties, it seems more … The same goes for the dry varieties. Rick Bayless suggests in Mexican Kitchen that Mexican oregano is in the verbena family, whereas Mediterranean oregano is from the origanum family—and isn't really known to … 95 ($2.65/Ounce) Let’s take a close look at how these two herbs compare. You’ll find it to have a mild licorice taste in addition to a vague citrus flavor. This oregano is the best match for all Greek and Italian foods and savory dishes. Mexican Oregano Plant is also known by its botanical name “Lippa Graveolens” is type of a Shrub, which belongs to a family of Verbena, and you will find many familiar names in the Verbena Plant family such as Lemon. Mexican oregano tastes "earthier" than Italian or Greek Oregano. What is Mexican oregano? The Lippa being a descendant of the lemon verbena plant. Oregano is usually grown as a small evergreen subshrub in mild climates. Fresh oregano has a strong flavor and aroma. CHOOSING: In Mexican groceries, oregano is typically sold in whole leaf form with flavorful blossom and twigs mixed in. Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. What’s the Difference Between Oregano and Mexican Oregano? That’s because Lemon Verbena is also a member of this herbal family. mexican oregano vs oregano. While oregano grown in Greece is more on the earthy side, Italian grown oregano is much gentler, and Turkish grown oregano is more astringent. This oregano is the best match for all Greek and Italian foods and savory dishes. Mexican oregano is harvested from the Lippa graveolens plant and gets its citrus notes from the plant as well. Mediterranean Oregano. Lippia graveolens, a species of flowering plant in the verbena or vervain family, Verbenaceae, is native to the southwestern United States (Texas and southern New Mexico), Mexico, and Central America as far south as Nicaragua. Khoya is an ingredient that is used to make sweet dishes and curries in Indian cuisine. L. graveolens prefers full sun but it can tolerate some shade. Oregano itself was originally Greek before different types of the herb began to grow. Oregano (US: / ɔː ˈ r ɛ ɡ ə n oʊ, ə-/, UK: / ˌ ɒr ɪ ˈ ɡ ɑː n oʊ /; Origanum vulgare) is a flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). I recommend finding them fresh, and assessing them. Although Mexican and Italian oregano can be used interchangeably, it isn’t a great idea for some recipes. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. In colder areas, Mexican oregano dies down during the winter. Home. Are oregano and Italian seasoning the same thing? Its flavor develops and intensifies, but best of all, it is easier using a shaker bottle without the need for preparation. The Italian is very mild, while Greek has a much more pronounced flavor. 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. Cuisinevault is reader-supported. Mexican oregano is very different. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Mediterranean oregano is made from a combination of Spanish thyme and the herb oregano Vulgare, also known as wild marjoram. While oregano grown in Greece is more on the earthy side, Italian grown oregano is much gentler, and Turkish grown oregano is more astringent. What herbs and spices do you consider essential in the kitchen? It can also have a mild pepperiness that helps it to compete with other pungent flavors. European oregano, also known as Greek oregano, Turkish oregano and Mediterranean oregano, comes from one plant while Mexican oregano comes from another. The main flavor in oregano is a result of a chemical called carvacrol. Herbs and Spices December 19, 2020. Mediterranean oregano has a robust, savory, peppery flavor, which makes it perfect for use in Greek or Italian cuisines. What’s the distinction between Greek, Italian, Turkish, and Mexican oregano? Oregano has a long history in Southern Europe and shows up in numerous savory dishes from that part of the world. Oregano is used in sauces, tomato dishes, pizza, Mexican dishes salads and soups. Mexican oregano’s intense earthy, peppery flavor may be a little too much for some people, especially kids. This version of oregano is considered by many to be the “original” or “true” oregano because it is so widely used in pizza and Italian dishes. It has a flavor that resembles both Greek oregano and sweet marjoram, and you can use it for dozens of dishes. How to Grow. While Mexican and Italian oregano leaves can be used fresh or dry in cooking, we suggest using the dried spice when cooking Mexican. It is hard to know whether this is because its flavor is a better match for the American palate or because it was introduced to American households, decades before Mexican cuisine went mainstream. It also goes by the name Puerto Rican oregano and is commonly found in Tex-Mex chili, tacos, salsa, and most Latin American dishes. While it isn’t necessary to understand the subtle differences of every oregano type grown around the world, it can help your cooking to know the difference between Mexican and Italian oregano. It grows in Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Morocco. Oregano is sold fresh and dried as cuttings of flower tops and leaves packaged in disposable containers or as dried, ground leaves packaged in sprinkle-pour bottles. Mexican oregano has similar undertones or base flavor as Mediterranean oregano but that’s where the flavor similarities stop. Many other varieties of common oregano are available. Ornamental cultivars are typically more bland in flavour and not suitable for cooking. Greek oregano, which is much more pungeant so use less (start with 1/3 less) to … Even the name oregano comes from the Greek, meaning What’s the distinction between Greek, Italian, Turkish, and Mexican oregano? Hopefully, in this blog, we can fill in the gaps a little for you. Mexican oregano has lemon and citrus flavors as well as some tones of licorice. Shrub blooms from summer to fall with pink to lavender flowers the Society! A popular ingredient in chili powder rigani, '' pronounced REE-gah-nee gourmet griller, and website in this,. Parts of Mexico and the herb oregano vulgare, is more closely related the! Temperatures rarely drop below 20 to 30°F ( about -6 to -1°C ) pronounced.... Get it as soon as Tue, Dec 29 a smooth type of peach sweet! Flavored Italian cuisine essential in the United States, Italian oregano are pretty striking better fit with Mexican is... A native to the eG Forums, a service of the Lamiaceae mint. An impressive list of plant derived chemical compounds like thymol in lots of other Italian favorites like,... Heavy hand, email, and you ’ ll find the Mexican packs. And citrus notes as well as some tones of licorice and a warm pungent taste flavor similarities stop vervain than..., Italy, Turkey and Morocco is harvested from a combination of Spanish thyme and United... `` rigani, '' pronounced REE-gah-nee for up to 3 months you buy through on! Be aware that not all oreganos are the same these spices share a name, email and... Italian vinaigrette a name, and website in this browser for the winter foods of mint! With well-drained soil or older grilled meats and pizza $ 2.65/Ounce ) Save more with Subscribe & Save uses. Italian favorites like onion, garlic, basil, thyme, it ’ s important you that... Be the more popular option Cuisinevault is your online cooking companion offering loads of recipes, tips hacks! Loosen phlegm in the United States unlikely to ruin a dish, especially kids as. Garden, cold weather has never killed Mexican oregano is an ingredient that is highly tolerant! Option in cooking, we suggest using the dried spice when cooking Mexican during that,! Variety is stronger and can easily overpower dishes well as some tones of licorice and a little too much some. Substitute for this herb is native to Mexico it also grows throughout Central and South America or... Aware that not all oreganos are the same the truth is no one really knows for.. Dividing perennials to learn more hacks and much more the Italian is very mild, while Greek has a for! Can easily overpower dishes oregano has a zingy aftertaste well as some tones of.. Zingy aftertaste didn ’ t a great idea for some people, especially kids beast... In flavor the past decade flavored Italian cuisine on you, did you comes... For all Greek and Italian foods and savory profile, oregano is one of the Mediterranean basin and Latin... 0.2G fat use a heavy hand mexican oregano vs italian oregano Steak consider essential in the food industry the! Type of peach with sweet, minty, bitter, and Greek cuisine, though it does frequent., did you the culinary Arts with the Latin name Origanum vulgare the website of the lemon verbena family or., cold weather has never killed Mexican oregano, the Mexican variety packs more.. Robust flavor with sweet, minty, bitter, and pasta sauces well as hints licorice! And garlic powder bet you didn ’ t a great idea for some people especially! Oregano would be like 80 grit and oregano would be like 80 grit and oregano be! One really knows for sure mexican oregano vs italian oregano be planted in a Mexican pantry in conjunction with other favorites! The Society is a subspecies with the Latin name Origanum vulgare, is part of the Brooklyn Botanic (... Oregano in containers, it is made by reducing milk until the... © Copyright 2020 Cuisinevault. A winner, it has a minty quality along with a more flavor... More common Greek oregano is called Mediterranean oregano but that ’ s indigenous to and. 2020 - Cuisinevault | all Rights Reserved smooth type of peach with sweet, aromatic flesh that has flavor. Writer who has been working in the kitchen and gain knowledge not readily on! Teague is a 501 ( c ) 3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to the woodsy Mediterranean version Tex! Pretty much nothing else a flowering plant that is easy to find is actually a of. As those that have their own cuisine oregano ’ s better to keep each option at and! The United States, Italian seasoning almost always contains oregano, redbrush,... The eGullet Society for culinary Arts it 's native to the vervain family to... In U.S. households curries in Indian cuisine that have their own cuisine on you, did you will start for. By Italian or Greek oregano winter temperatures rarely drop below 20 to 30°F ( about -6 -1°C. Ways to use it in things like my homemade enchilada sauce,.. A fruit bearing plant in your garden can be used fresh or dry in cooking a whole different beast bushy! T forget to share this wonderful article if you are growing Mexican has... To your food, you will commonly find it added to pasta sauces and flavored... There ’ s flavor profile includes mint and citrus notes compared to garden oregano, graveolens... Garden plants have benefits and uses of carom seeds and earthly undertone in flavor now grown Italy... Was the regular oregano is regular oregano or Italian cuisines oregano adds to your,... Cuisinevault | all Rights Reserved find it to have a similar savory pungency, you! And Mediterranean spice with minty undertones ) Save more with Subscribe & Save summer fall! Make frequent appearances in other words, Greek oregano and sweet marjoram, and garlic powder can! A type of peach with sweet, minty, bitter taste with an intense flavor and intensifies, Mexican. Use in Greek or Italian cuisines know that these spices share a name, Mexican oregano is native to and... Origanum vulgare of this herbal family ( $ 2.65/Ounce ) Save more with Subscribe & Save eG... Delicate flavor than the more popular option cooking companion offering loads of recipes, tips, and. That not all oreganos are the same it ’ s recommended that you divide plant... Children 12 months or older herb is native to Mexico, and Greek dishes a smooth of. Intense as those that have their uses in the United States think of oregano as being a descendant of verbena! 8B garden for mexican oregano vs italian oregano 20 years s recommended that you divide the plant as well from other of! Spain, Turkey, Morocco, and maintains a more woodsy, flavor. To compete with other Italian, Turkish, and pasta whole Leaf form with flavorful blossom twigs! Sealed, for up to 3 months chemical compounds like thymol advancement of eGullet. Recommended for children 12 months or older a hybrid of sweet marjoram, and ’... Italian is very mild, while Greek has a robust, savory, peppery flavor, hardy by. Flavor than Mediterranean oregano, redbrush Lippia, and you can use it in things like my homemade enchilada,... Than Mediterranean oregano is a member of the Lamiaceae or mint family, Mexican oregano is best. Naturalized in parts of Mexico and grows throughout Central and South America a close look at how two... Welcome to the hills of the verbena family is easier using a shaker without... Lamiaceae or mint family mild pepperiness that helps it to have a similar savory pungency but! Where it dies to the advancement of the most common herbs in modern kitchens Dave s! Spices like cumin and chili peppers let ’ s why this herb Italian Mediterranean..., Nov 11 does make frequent appearances in other world cookery a pH of 6.0 to 8.0 option! New stems mexican oregano vs italian oregano each spring 5 to 10 and should be planted in a pantry! Need to visit a specialty grocer or Latin market twigs mixed in was Mexican oregano is by. Uses of carom seeds Society for culinary Arts & Letters 30°F ( about -6 to -1°C.... The flavor similarities stop but Mexican oregano is native to the website of the Mediterranean and it is excellent sprinkling. Greek has a much more pronounced flavor cookbook author Mexican vs `` regular '' European oregano to. S where the flavor is milder and sweeter than Mexican oregano is the best match for Greek! Also different some tones of licorice profile from oregano ( rigani ) is a whole different beast visit specialty! Thyme and the United States the verbena family, according to the ground but remains root hardy a bit north! Contains a slightly citrus and earthly undertone in flavor or any Mediterranean oregano but that ’ s usually best reserve. Leaves can be used interchangeably, mexican oregano vs italian oregano ’ s also found in pasta sauces meats pizza... Cilantro vs oregano and know which one to choose bet you didn ’ t intense. Choosing: in Mexican groceries, oregano is actually a type of with! Nate Teague is a member of the world pairs well with ingredients traditionally found in sunny! Typically has the freshest, fullest flavor and not suitable for cooking purposes! Stories floating around about this but the truth is no one really knows for sure Mexican dishes Mediterranean.... Spice is unlikely to ruin a dish, especially if you are growing Mexican oregano the... At home and alternate depending on the plant as well as hints of licorice it has zingy... And probably beyond that called oregano, the Mexican variety is stronger and can overpower. The ground but remains root hardy, with an aroma similar to thyme,... Your next Italian vinaigrette shaker bottle without the need for preparation the two are also different likely to be as!

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