What is the difference between Mexican oregano and regular oregano?

They are from different plant families and have different tastes and aroma. Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. Mexican oregano has lemon and citrus flavors as well as some tones of licorice. These flavors are a better fit with Mexican dishes.

Where do you get Mexican oregano?

Luckily, Mexican oregano is easy to find. In the U.S. it’s 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. So grab a jar when you see one!

Can you use regular oregano instead of Mexican oregano?

A: You can always substitute regular oregano leaves for Mexican oregano leaves. It won’t be quite as pungent, but it’ll do the trick. Mexican oregano does add a citrus note to recipes as well, so you may wish to introduce that flavor by including a few pinches of ground coriander.

Is marjoram the same as Mexican oregano?

Marjoram is the best Mexican oregano substitute. Marjoram is a better substitute for Mexican oregano than even Greek oregano is because the flavor profile is more similar. According to Isabel eats Mexican Oregano is sometimes referred to as Mexican Marjoram or Mexican wild sage.

Is Mexican oregano the same as Italian oregano?

Each plant comes from completely different families which explains why their flavor is different. 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.

What type of oregano is best for cooking?

Greek oregano tends to be the most savory and earthy, while Italian is milder and Turkish is more pungent. Used fresh or dry, Mediterranean oregano is the choice for dishes from this region, tomato sauces, pizzas, grilled meats, and other dishes with strong flavors.

What can you substitute for Mexican oregano?

dried marjoram
You can replace the herb spoonful-to-spoonful with another dried herb (Mexican oregano is always dried). Try dried marjoram (also from the origanum family, but similar to Mexican oregano in its citrusy, floral ways) or dried verbena. Or go ahead and use dried Mediterranean oregano—just use a little less.

Is Cuban oregano the same as Mexican oregano?

Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is a relative of lemon verbena, not oregano. Cuban oregano (Coleus amboinicus) is a succulent that tastes and smells somewhat like oregano and makes a good houseplant. It is used like oregano in Cuban cuisine.

What can I replace Mexican oregano with?

marjoram

Is there another name for Mexican oregano?

Mexican oregano is known to many by various names such as Mexican marjoram, wild oregano, and even Mexican wild sage. However, some just call it oregano, simply mistaking it for the most common variant.

Is Mexican oregano the same as Cuban oregano?

Which oregano is edible?

Golden oregano: (Origanum vulgare var. aureum) is an edible variety with gold colored foliage. Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is commonly used in southern European and Middle Eastern recipes. Its flavor is similar to that of Greek oregano, but milder and less spicy.