Mexican oregano is not the same as Cuban oregano. The two herbs come from different plants and have different flavor profiles. The leaves of Cuban oregano have a scent that is a mixture of oregano, thyme, and turpentine. The flavor of Cuban oregano is similar to oregano, but with a stronger mint flavor.
What is another name for Mexican oregano?
Mexican Oregano, Oregano Cimarrn, Hierba Dulce. There are many common names for this tenacious little shrub, including Mexican oregano, oregano cimarrón, hierba dulce, and redbrush lippia to name a few.
What is another name for Cuban oregano?
Coleus amboinicus
While its primary common name makes it sound like this plant comes from the Caribbean island, Cuban oregano is a plant known by many other names as well, including Mexican mint, Spanish (or French) thyme, and Indian borage.
What is the difference between Cuban oregano and oregano?
Let’s start with what it is not. Cuban oregano isn’t actually oregano, or even mint, thyme, or borage. It is an herb that is perennial in tropical regions but most commonly grown as a container plant elsewhere. It has fragrant, velvety leaves edged in white, and trumpet-shape flowers in pink, white, and lavender.
Is Cuban oregano same as Mexican mint?
Cuban oregano is botanically known as Plectranthus amboinicus or its synonym Coleus amboinicus, and is an unusual member of the mint family. Cuban oregano is commonly known by many other names including Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, Indian borage, Caribbean oregano, and Broadleaf thyme.
What is close to Mexican oregano?
Marjoram
Marjoram is a closer substitute to the actual flavor of Mexican oregano. In fact, it is sometimes called Mexican marjoram or Mexican wild sage. If you miss the citrus notes of the spice, you can add a pinch of coriander.
How do you use Cuban oregano?
They can be used in a salad or put in a blender with other ingredients for a marinade, pesto, or salsa. It even neutralizes the heat of hot peppers to some degree. Cuban Oregano is used as an ingredient in stuffing, in soups & stews, and to flavor black beans. Beer and wine recipes have called for Cuban Oregano.
Does Cuban oregano repel mosquitoes?
Less mystical and more practical, Cuban oregano can be used to keep mosquitoes away. Just rub the leaves on the skin as a natural insect repellent.
Is Cuban oregano same as Vicks plant?
Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) is an herb of ambiguous origin and many names. Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, and Indian borage are just a few; some people even call it “Vicks plant,” because its camphor and menthol aroma is similar to the cough salve.
How do I use Cuban oregano for a sore throat?
You may also use Cuban oregano leaves in the form of a heating compress. To do this, obtain several leaves of the herb, heat them up and apply them in the form of a compress to cure sore throat.
Which variety of oregano is best?
Greek oregano
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.
Which oregano plant is best for cooking?
The Mediterranean oregano is the best type for cooking because it has a robust, woody flavor. This type is essential for Italian and Greek cuisine, but it can also be used in various other applications in the kitchen.
Is Cuban oregano invasive?
Prune and shape to keep it tamed – Cuban Oregano’s habit, while not invasive at all, can be somewhat sprawly. Cuban Oregano won’t survive a winter outdoors here, but protected in a container over the winter, may survive to thrive again. This herb is a winner!
Is Cuban oregano plant edible?
Cuban Oregano Uses
Modern applications use it as a substitute for Mediterranean oreganos, either dried or fresh. The leaves may be dried and crushed to add to meat dishes. Fresh leaves, in small amounts, are used in soups and stews, and in stuffing for poultry and other meat.
Why is it called Cuban oregano?
Contrary to its name, Cuban oregano (plectranthus amboinicus) does not originate from Cuba, but it rather added to “jerk” seasoning blends, salsas, and bean dishes for local cuisines in Cuba, Philippines, and India. However, its smell closely resembles that of true oregano, giving off a strong menthol or camphor scent.
Can I grow Cuban oregano indoors?
Like other coleus, Cuban oregano won t tolerate temperatures below 40 degrees. If you want to grow this herb outdoors, put it in a pot buried in a shady part of the garden so it can be brought indoors before the first frost. You can also grow it indoors as a tropical houseplant.
What makes Mexican oregano different?
Mexican oregano has similar undertones or base flavor as Mediterranean oregano but that’s where the flavor similarities stop. You’ll find it to have a mild licorice taste in addition to a vague citrus flavor. It is generally used in conjunction with other Mexican spices like cumin and chili peppers.
What is Mexican oregano used for?
Mexican oregano is used to liven many recipes — meat dishes, salsas, pickling recipes (like onions or jalapeños), enchilada sauces, or even tea. It is sold in different grinds from whole leaves to completely ground.
Can you use oregano instead of Mexican oregano?
One ingredient won’t make or break a recipe, but oregano and Mexican oregano offer different flavors. You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano, but the taste may be different from what you’re looking for.
What are the benefits of Cuban oregano?
Cuban oregano leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat sore throats, colds, coughs, nasal congestion, infections, rheumatism and even flatulence. The home gardener will find Cuban oregano is an easy-to-grow plant that does well in pots and containers.
Is Cuban oregano bitter?
Bitter, peppery, and juicy when raw, it develops luscious sweetness when cooked, and its fragrance is unmistakable—an intense cross between oregano and sage.