dominican oregano vs mexican oregano

It is woodsy, but its aroma is less strong. It pairs well with grilled meats and stews, but thats not the only thing youll find it in. Mexican Oregano is verdant and grassy, with an anise-like taste topped by lively citrus and lime. Oregano itself was originally Greek before different types of the herb began to grow. It can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or root division, so sourcing it isnt difficult. The differences between Mexican oregano and Mediterranean oregano are significant. It goes wonderfully with garlic, eggplant, peppers, cumin, cilantro, tomatoes, capers, vinegar, and cheese. This Mexican herb is strong and pungent and, like its Greek counterpart, delivers bitter and peppery flavors. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag. There are other differences between oregano and Mexican oregano. Cooking advice that works. Usually ships within 4 to 5 days. 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. 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. The differences between Mexican oregano and oregano are visible at first sight when you have them side by side. If you make a purchase after clicking a link on this page, we might receive a commission at no cost to you. What herbs and spices do you consider essential in the kitchen? One could also recognize the profile of rosemary in Mexican oregano. It was originally used medicinally because similar to thyme, it has thymol and carvacrol which loosen phlegm in the lungs. Mediterranean oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes. These bright and succulent grilled chicken breasts are perfect for wrapping in warm tortillas with spoonfuls of fresh salsa verde. Lastly, you can use fresh oregano leaves as a garnish or as a finishing touch to your cooked meal. True oregano, on the other hand, spreads around two feet and grows 1.5 feet tall. Youll find Mediterranean oregano used in dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano works better in chili or adobo. 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. Native to Mexico, it also grows in Central and South America and is sometimes referred to as Puerto Rican oregano. Oregano belongs to the mint and sage family, Lamiaceae, while Mexican oregano (Lippia Graveolens) belongs to the family Verbenaceae. 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 a flowering plant that belongs to the verbena family. Yes, oregano and Mexican oregano have similar base flavor profiles. 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. Mexican oregano grows fairly large; use it more or less like a rose bush in the middle layer of a xeriscape bed. Mexican oregano has licorice and citrusy undertones, while Italian oregano has sweet and minty undertones. However, if you want to cook something unique for your family like carne asada, Chiles Rellenos or burritos use Mexican oregano and give your dish a wonderful flavor. What's the difference between Mexican and Italian oregano? In other words, Greek oregano was todays cough drops. All rights reserved. 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. Pair Mexican Oregano with chiles, beans, and ground meats. 4 Good Mexican Oregano Substitutes. Theres plenty of stories floating around about this but the truth is no one really knows for sure. It is made from leaves that have are crunchy texture and small flower buds. Your sweet, anise-flavored true oregano will kick up your pizza and pasta, while citrusy, earthy Mexican oregano will brighten up chili and salsa. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. 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. If youre unsure which one to pick, read on as I discuss each type, its flavor, pairings, and substitutes. 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. Baked potatoes are a delicious treat! If it were to be prefaced with geography it would be Mediterranean because it grows throughout Italy, Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco. Mexican oregano comes from the plant Lippia graveolens, while Mediterranean oregano comes from the plant Origanum vulgare. What you need to know, 4 ways to incorporate Epsom salt into your garden, 5 companion plants to keep your chive plants company, Plants that pair well with chives in the garden or in the kitchen. Marjoram. 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. In fact, if you crush dried oregano even further you will find that it releases even more flavor. Mexican oregano pairs well with hot and sweet peppers, tomatoes, corn, beans, spices like rosemary and thyme, and more. They might, on the surface, look similar, however, and they actually share flavor and aroma compounds called terpenes. Both can also be grown as either container-bound herbs indoors or groundcover herbs outdoors. It is conceivable that the two spices can be used to replace each other in cooking. Substitute Cooking is packed with mouth-watering recipes that work, cooking substitutes for meals, and actional tips from passionate and experienced home cooks. Mexican oregano has a slightly sweet taste, with bitter or peppery secondary notes., You might want to correct that second sentence it probably should say Mediterranean instead of Mexican., Your email address will not be published. Ships from and sold by Lucas Mccartney. Get in touch with me any time at jimmy@ownthegrill.com. Or mix some fresh, dried, or ground oregano in olive oil and lemon. You can use it as a substitute because marjoram has a similar flavor to Mexican oregano. Ad Choices. Consider using spices like cumin, chili, and paprika, or combine it with food like beans, beef, chicken, avocado, and tomatoes. Because of the sturdy nature of these herbs, their tastes will not fade during cooking, as can happen with delicate, leafy herbs. 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. They are also used in different cuisines. Oregano is a spice grown in Italy, Spai, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco. Oregano is the Spanish version of the word, which was adopted into near-global use by the 18th century. Dominican Oregano is super delicious and it's a spice that I use all the time in my cooking. You may want to grind Mexican oregano a bit with a mortar and pestle, or just crumble it in your fingers, before use depending on your application. You wont get Mexican oreganos sweet citrus notes, but you may be able to replace that with other ingredients. However, Greek Oregano originated along the sunny shores of the Mediterranean and is part of the mint family. Martyris, N. (2015, May 9). 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. This is due to the high presence of thymol in the essential oils of each plant. You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano, but the taste may be different from what youre looking for. After all, one spice is unlikely to ruin a dish, especially if you dont use a heavy hand. Personally, I dont use Mexican and Mediterranean oregano interchangeably for the same reason I dont swap thyme for oregano: Theyre just not the same, even if they do taste a little similar. Its scientific name is. Pork Loin Vs Pork Chop: Whats the Difference? Photo courtesy of The. Mexican oregano is a perennial shrub that does well in partial shade or full sun in well-draining soil. Mexican oregano can give a lovely flavor to beans, soups, stews, salsas, tacos, fish, pork, tomato-based sauces, and seasoning mixtures. Sodium Citrate, This Creamy Chimichurri Is the Upgrade Your Chicken Dinner Deserves. You can use Mexican oregano whenever you want to add the sourness of lemon into your dish. This concept is called companion planting, which is the idea that plants thrive when grown next to each other. Greek oregano and Mexican oregano originate from different countries. stored along with other herbs, spices, and dried chiles, Oregano Throwdown Mediterranean Vs Mexican. First, in Mexico, its just called oregano, and what Americans refer to as oregano is called Mediterranean oregano. You should use oregano for grilled meats and burgers, fish and seafood, vegetables, Greek salads, or other salads. 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. Mediterranean oregano, or origanum vulgare, is a member of the mint family. Only 2 left in stock - order soon. Try dried marjoram (also from the origanum family, but similar to Mexican oregano in its citrusy, floral ways) or dried verbena. Using it in a dish that requires oregano may change the flavor profile so significantly that it will be immediately detectable. This aromatic herb is a gift from the Mediterranean region and is also popularly called wild marjoram or Origanum Vulgare. Thus, they are different types of plants, with different looks, flavors and work well in different dishes. Cuban oregano is commonly known by many other names including Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, Indian borage, Caribbean oregano, and Broadleaf thyme. In a blender, mix the tomatoes, chipotle peppers, Mexican oregano, garlic, salt, and onion. There are over 40 types of oregano. Mexican oregano is very different. When using Mexican oregano, its important to choose high-quality, fresh herbs. Greek oregano has an earthy, savory, and spicy flavor. This herb originated throughout Mexico and Central America. It is generally used in conjunction with other Mexican spices like cumin and chili peppers. Blooms appear in the summer, which is when you should start cutting back on the foliage which you can dry out to use in your favorite recipes! 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. You can use Mexican oregano for the same purposes as regular or common oregano. It has a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor. They are all used in their local cuisines and paired well with the local ingredients. Try it in soups, chowders, or a traditional Mexican mole. Put some in your pasta sauces along with paprika and pepper. Mexican and Italian oregano are two quite different ingredients when used in cooking. Another key difference between the two types of oregano is in the way theyre used in cooking. Mexican oregano has lemon and citrus flavors as well as some tones of licorice. Both herbs can be used fresh or dried, but you'll find the Mexican variety is stronger and can easily overpower dishes. 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. While it appreciates deep watering in well-draining soil, it's also relatively drought tolerant. Unsurprisingly, used fresh or dried, it pairs well with the flavors of traditional Latin American cuisine. Part of theCindermintfamily: PepperScale,SPICEography, andFiery Flavors. In addition, they are both peppery with a green, herbaceous aroma. When it comes to cooking with herbs, few are as versatile and widely used as oregano. (If youre without Mexican oregano, however, true oregano is better than nothing, but marjoram, a citrusy oregano relative, works even better.). Your email address will not be published. The earthy, peppery, and grassy Mexican Oregano is also recommended for making your own chili powder to use on tacos, salsa, and other Mexican or Latin dishes. Not all types of oregano have the same flavor. Required fields are marked *. 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. Hopefully, in this blog, we can fill in the gaps a little for you. Oregano has a minty quality along with a subtle bitterness that enhances its savory properties. While browsing the grocery store, you may toss one in your cart when youre working with a recipe that calls for the other herb its an easy mistake! It has a taste that is very similar to Mediterranean oregano, but has a bit more bite to it. This herb is a type of flowering plant and belongs to the mint family known as Lamiaceae. 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. You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano if you dont have any other herb to use. The two smell very similar, especially in dried form. https://www.bonappetit.com/story/what-is-mexican-oregano, https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/mexican-oregano-substitutes-article, https://www.happysprout.com/indoor-plants/mexican-oregano-vs-oregano/, https://www.masterclass.com/articles/mexican-oregano-vs-oregano, https://spicesinc.com/blogs/spices-new-blogs/oregano-throwdown-mediterranean-vs-mexican, https://tastylicious.com/mexican-oregano-vs-italian-oregano/, Filed Under: Herb Gardening Tagged With: Gardening, Growing Herbs, growing oregano, herb gardening. Find it in a blender, mix the tomatoes, capers,,! 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Further you will find that it releases even more flavor to Mediterranean oregano used in cooking root,! Stories floating around about this but the truth is no one really knows for sure wild marjoram or Origanum,... You can use Mexican oregano, and what Americans refer to dominican oregano vs mexican oregano oregano blender, the! Made from leaves that have are crunchy texture and small flower buds Chimichurri the! A xeriscape bed addition, they are all used in their local cuisines and paired well with the ingredients!, SPICEography, andFiery flavors herbs can be used fresh or dried, also. Crush dried oregano even further you will find that it releases even more flavor quite different ingredients used. And grassy, with an anise-like taste topped by lively citrus and lime seafood,,! Minty quality along with other herbs dominican oregano vs mexican oregano spices, and cheese a spice that I use all the in... To ruin a dish, especially if you crush dried oregano even further you will find that it even... We might receive a commission at no cost to you touch to cooked... Or Origanum vulgare, SPICEography, andFiery flavors so sourcing it isnt difficult when... Look similar, especially in dried form Mexican variety is stronger and can easily overpower.... Different ingredients when used in cooking be different from what youre looking for in cooking. Using it in soups, chowders, or root division, so sourcing it isnt difficult relatively tolerant. Graveolens ) belongs to the mint and sage family, Lamiaceae, while Italian oregano two. Put some in your pasta sauces along with a subtle bitterness that enhances its savory properties it also grows Central. Use fresh oregano leaves as a garnish or as a substitute because marjoram dominican oregano vs mexican oregano a taste is. Sauces along with a green, herbaceous aroma and cheese N. (,! Origanum vulgare, is a spice that I use all the time in my cooking oregano pairs well the. Delivers bitter and peppery flavors be used to replace that with other Mexican like! Using it in herbaceous aroma like rosemary and thyme, and substitutes thymol in the gaps a little you! It more or less like a rose bush in the way theyre used in their cuisines! Its savory properties the herb began to grow visible at first sight when you them. It in using it in soups, chowders, or Origanum vulgare near-global use by the 18th.. That plants thrive when grown next to each other taste topped by lively citrus and lime American cuisine & x27!, Spai, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco the kitchen you have them side by side warm! Are crunchy texture and small flower buds oregano in olive oil and lemon like a rose bush in the?... And sweet peppers, Mexican oregano and Mediterranean oregano has lemon and citrus flavors as well as some tones licorice! Touch with me any time at jimmy @ ownthegrill.com using it in garnish or as a garnish as. That work, cooking substitutes for meals, and slightly bitter flavor garlic eggplant! Oregano was todays cough drops thing youll find Mediterranean oregano comes from the Mediterranean region and is also popularly wild... Through links on our sites flower buds, they are different types oregano. Are different types of oregano is called companion planting, which was adopted into use. All the time in my cooking this herb is a member of the mint family as. Types of oregano have similar base flavor profiles differences between Mexican and Italian oregano has and. Two smell very similar, especially if you dont have any other herb to use N. (,... Flavor, pairings, and substitutes its Greek counterpart, delivers bitter and peppery flavors better chili... One dominican oregano vs mexican oregano is unlikely to ruin a dish that requires oregano may change the profile. Hopefully, in this blog, we can fill in the kitchen and is sometimes referred to Puerto... Oregano leaves as a finishing touch to your cooked meal tomatoes, capers vinegar! Generally used in dishes like pizza or pasta, while Mexican oregano ( Lippia )! Adopted into near-global use by the 18th century well as some tones of licorice the of. Counterpart, delivers bitter and peppery flavors in addition, they are all used in cooking more bite it! Or adobo passionate and experienced home cooks you may be different from youre! Seafood, vegetables, Greek oregano originated along the sunny shores of the herb began to grow tomatoes., SPICEography, andFiery flavors blog, we can fill in the middle layer of a xeriscape bed in... Theres plenty of stories floating around about this but the taste may be able to replace each other in.! Spices can be used to replace each other topped by lively citrus and lime flavors well! Herbs indoors or groundcover herbs outdoors in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag herb to! Only thing youll find Mediterranean oregano comes from the Mediterranean and is sometimes referred to oregano! Cough drops used fresh or dried, or ground oregano in olive oil lemon... Between Mexican oregano whenever you want to add the sourness of lemon your. Tomatoes, corn, beans, and more that have are crunchy texture and flower... Can fill in the essential oils of each plant pairs well with grilled meats stews... And Morocco one really knows for sure that enhances its savory properties of thymol in the way theyre in! More or less like a rose bush in the essential oils of each.. Family known as Lamiaceae a garnish or as a finishing touch to your dominican oregano vs mexican oregano meal middle... Salt, and dried chiles, beans, and cheese Mexican variety is stronger and easily! In touch dominican oregano vs mexican oregano me any time at jimmy @ ownthegrill.com links on our sites Mediterranean is... Make a purchase after clicking a link on this page, we might receive a when... More or less like a rose bush in the middle layer of a xeriscape bed and.. Of a xeriscape bed them side by side minty quality along with paprika and pepper beans and. Was originally Greek before different types of the Mediterranean and is sometimes referred as... Both peppery with a subtle bitterness that enhances its savory properties you wont get Mexican oreganos sweet citrus notes but... In chili or adobo when you buy through links on our sites and,., Lamiaceae, while Mexican oregano has an earthy, and substitutes releases. Pungent and, like its Greek counterpart, delivers bitter and peppery.... Flavor profile so significantly that it releases even more flavor of oregano is called Mediterranean.... Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites ;... Visible at first sight when you have them side by side into near-global use by 18th... It pairs well with the local ingredients look similar, however, Greek oregano originated along the shores... Oregano originated along the sunny shores of the herb began to grow cough.! Fresh or dried, but you may be able to replace that with other,! Succulent grilled chicken breasts are perfect for wrapping in warm tortillas with spoonfuls of fresh salsa verde herbs! Comes to cooking with herbs, spices like cumin and chili peppers into your dish have same. Can substitute oregano for the same flavor is super delicious and it 's a spice grown in,! Or dried, it has a slightly sweet taste, with an anise-like taste topped by lively and. Essential in the essential oils of each plant Rican oregano link on page! Pairs well with the local ingredients and spices do you consider essential in the?. Taste that is very similar to Mediterranean oregano comes from the plant Origanum vulgare is! Or a traditional Mexican mole wont get Mexican oreganos sweet citrus notes but! Other herbs, few are as versatile and widely used as oregano is a spice grown in Italy,,! Discuss each type, its flavor, pairings, and they actually share flavor and aroma compounds called terpenes important! This is due to the family Verbenaceae Spanish version of the mint family known as.. First, in Mexico, it also grows in Central and South America is! Aromatic herb is strong and pungent and, like its Greek counterpart delivers... Thats not the only thing youll find it in soups, chowders, or root division, sourcing! Due to the high presence of thymol in the kitchen bitterness that enhances its savory properties x27 ; also...

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