You can use marjoram instead of Mexican oregano in sauces, soups, poultry, vegetables, and many other dishes. 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. Oregano is pungent, earthy, minty, and slightly bitter. Both oregano and Mexican oregano can be used in the same recipes, but Mexican oregano is best for Mexican dishes and spicy, flavorful meals. This herb is a type of flowering plant and belongs to the mint family known as Lamiaceae. Its botanical name is, Regular oregano originally came from Greece and is now grown in Italy. I created Own the Grill for one simple reason I love sharing the experience of food and outdoors with others. 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 used anytime, during any season, and in two forms: fresh or dry. When oils degrade and dissipate, your herbs are rendered flavorless. You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano if you dont have any other herb to use. This herb can quickly overpower other flavors in a dish, so its best to use it sparingly. The two types of oregano are even native to different parts of the world: True oregano is native to most temperate climates in western and southwestern Europe and Asia, as well as most Mediterranean countries, while Mexican oregano comes from (surprise, surprise) Mexico, Guatemala, and some parts of South America. The main difference between oregano and Mexican oregano is in the taste. 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. 1. It can also have a mild pepperiness that helps it to compete with other pungent flavors. Fajita Vs. Taco Seasoning How Do They Compare. Marjoram will also work as a substitute for Mediterranean oregano, or you can use thyme, basil, or sage. You can also try making oregano pesto for a change. Mexican oregano, on the other hand, is from a different plant family altogether, Verbenaceae. 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. It has even been used to flavor beer and cider. Mexican oregano is typically leggier with leaves that have jagged edges, while true oregano usually features smaller, more clustered leaves with smoother edges. We suggest using this option when you're cooking with other ingredients that won't be overpowered; for everything else, Italian oregano is our seasoning of choice. When using oregano in place of Mexican oregano, you can add some coriander to compensate for the difference in flavor profiles. It tastes of hay and smells of camphor. Mexican oregano pairs well with hot and sweet peppers, tomatoes, corn, beans, spices like rosemary and thyme, and more. If you need to replace Mexican oregano, try marjoram instead of Mediterranean oregano. Can You Use Water Instead of Milk for Pancakes? Unsurprisingly, used fresh or dried, it pairs well with the flavors of traditional Latin American cuisine. Mexican oregano has a floral, citrusy taste with a touch of anise. You can use it as a substitute because marjoram has a similar flavor to Mexican oregano. Mexican oregano has similar undertones or base flavor as Mediterranean oregano but thats where the flavor similarities stop. Updated on October 30, 2022 .entry-meta { display: flex; align-items: center; }. Cooks love oregano for how it can instantly lift a dish. Orders Placed M-F by 3:30pm ET Ship Same Day!1-888-762-8642. The differences between Mexican oregano and oregano are visible at first sight when you have them side by side. You can grind or toast the dried leaves to get a stronger flavor and use them in different dishes. There are over 40 types of oregano. But when you smell and taste them side by side, the differences become more apparent. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Substitute Cooking 2023 - All Right Reserved. Oregano has a minty quality along with a subtle bitterness that enhances its savory properties. Your email address will not be published. Cuban oregano is botanically known as Plectranthus amboinicus or its synonym Coleus amboinicus, and is an unusual member of the mint family. Alternatively, it's easy to find online. Oregano sales climbed more than 5200 percent between 1948 and 19561; once oregano entered the inner circle of staple kitchen spices, it never left. Thats why it has the same flavor and scent as oregano. Oregano is widely available in the US, but Mexican oregano is usually available only in specialty shops. Pair Mexican Oregano with chiles, beans, and ground meats. So whats the difference between oregano and Mexican oregano? We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. The edible foliage is strongly aromatic, and deer tend to avoid it. Research suggests it bears anti-inflammatory effects. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. If it were to be prefaced with geography it would be Mediterranean because it grows throughout Italy, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco. Its flavor profile is versatile enough that it can work in many savory dishes. Depending on even the patch of the field its grown in, the oregano may be more bitter, sweet, or spicy. While there are many similarities between the two types of oregano, there are also some key differences that set them apart. Oregano can work as a substitute for Mexican oregano especially since people outside of Mexico are most likely to have it in their spice cabinets, though it is not the best possible substitute. It has a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor. 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. Oregano thrives in full sun in well-draining soil. But Mexican oregano is mostly available only in dried form in the US. 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. Oregano appreciates regular trimming to branch out, so you can cut and use it throughout the growing season. Namely, What is Mexican oregano? and Can I just use any oregano instead? Well, class, thats what Im here to answer. Oregano itself was originally Greek before different types of the herb began to grow. Mexican Oregano emerged in Mexico and Central America and is related to citrusy plants like lemon verbena. Youll notice the similarity, as Mexican oregano has citrus undertones that blend with its earthy flavor. Mediterranean oregano is often a staple in grocery stores, but Mexican oregano may be harder to find. It is also peppery or citrusy and spicy. Youll find Mediterranean oregano used in dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano works better in chili or adobo. Mexican oregano is a bit chunkier than Mediterranean oregano, which comes in a finer form. (Complete Guide). Once you get this down, these two herbs can expand your culinary repertoire and open your kitchen to a wide world of flavor. 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. Greek Oregano is piney, peppery, and sharp, with an earthy base and menthol and lemon undertones. Mediterranean oregano is often used to add depth and complexity to tomato-based sauces, and can also be used to flavor meats, vegetables, and breads. Substitute Cooking is packed with mouth-watering recipes that work, cooking substitutes for meals, and actional tips from passionate and experienced home cooks. Oregano is a relative of mint that is associated with the Mediterranean region and that most likely originated in Greece. Mexican oregano has a different flavor profile from oregano. It elevates the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and bell peppers. Required fields are marked *. Lastly, these herbs vary in supply. 4 Good Mexican Oregano Substitutes. Mexican and Italian oregano are two quite different ingredients when used in cooking. 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. It lends balance to woodsy Mexican spices like allspice and cinnamon and heightens the citrus flavors that are so prevalent in Mexican dishes. This content contains affiliate links. Even though they are classified separately, the two herbs do share a few similar terpenes ( flavor and aroma compounds ). Youve learned about the botany of the two plants as well as their use as culinary herbs, and you know how to substitute them. When it comes to culinary uses, its excellent for Latin dishes, pairing especially well with chilis in chili, salsa, and adobo. Mexican Oregano is not a good substitute for Greek Oregano. Firstly, they belong to different plant families. Mexican oregano is more grassy, earthy, and pungent. Good-quality oregano may be strong enough almost to numb the tongue, but cultivars adapted to colder climates . 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. Try it if you haven't! It is part of the mint family Lamiaceae and other aromatic herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and lavender. Required fields are marked *. As with Mexican oregano, it can resist bouts of drought in fact, overwatering may actually cause root rot. Add tomatillo mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tomatillos have. Or go ahead and use dried Mediterranean oreganojust use a little . Pests shouldnt be a worry; Mexican oregano is aromatic, so deer and pests tend to avoid it. Much like wine, or woods used for smoking, depending on the region its grown in, it has a slightly different taste. It has a licorice taste to it. Mediterranean oregano comes from the Mediterranean, as you may have suspected, as well as western and southwestern Europe and Asia. Required fields are marked *. Although the herb is native to Mexico it also grows throughout Central and South America. Common oregano (sometimes called Greek oregano) is widely available in fresh and dried form. Mexican oregano has lemon and citrus flavors as well as some tones of licorice. Mexican oregano comes from the plant Lippia graveolens, while Mediterranean oregano comes from the plant Origanum vulgare. Whats Are the Best Types of Beer To Have With Steak? Ad Choices. 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. In Stock. Well break the facts down for you so youre well versed in the difference between Mexican versus Mediterranean oregano. They are both harvested, dried, ground, and then are used as a herb in many Mexican dishes. Aroma compounds ) Mexican spices like rosemary and thyme, and then are used as a substitute for oregano! 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