Mexican oregano has a sweetness and intensity that many gourmets prefer to the flavor of the true European or Mediterranean species. The leaves are a wonderful flavoring for fish, meatballs, sausage, tomato sauces, or any recipe requiring a strong oregano essence.
Can you eat Mexican oregano raw?
It is often found in chili and salsas because it pairs beautifully with spicy chile peppers. Its intense peppery, grassy and earthy flavor compliments tacos, beans, burritos and heavy meats. While it can be eaten raw, it tastes much better in its dry form.
What is difference between oregano and Mexican oregano?
For starters, Mexican “oregano” is a bit of a misnomer. The oregano used in Mediterranean cuisine, and what I would call “true oregano,” is part of the mint family and is closely related to marjoram, whereas Mexican oregano is actually part of the verbena family.
What can I do with Mexican oregano?
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. Which one you choose will depend on your needs and preferences, but one isn’t better than the other.
Can I use Mexican oregano instead of regular oregano?
You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano, but the taste may be different from what you’re looking for. Mexican oregano, in fact, tends to be stronger and earthier, so less is more if you’re substituting it for traditional oregano.
Is Mexican oregano the same as cilantro?
The Mexican herb will give you a more darker and robust flavor. While cilantro will give you a much brighter taste with lemony and citrusy notes that’s perfect for salads. Both have herby and earthy flavors though, enough that you can use it for any dish that asks for Mexican oregano.
Can you use Mexican oregano in Italian dishes?
Although Mexican and Italian oregano can be used interchangeably, it isn’t a great idea for some recipes. For example, a sweet tomato sauce benefits from a sprinkle of regular oregano but if you add the Mexican version it will dominate the dish.
What’s another name for Mexican oregano?
Mexican Oregano, Oregano Cimarr n, 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.
How do you preserve Mexican oregano?
Tie a few pieces of oregano together in a bunch at the stem using some twine or a rubber band. Hang these bundles from a string or hook in a warm place inside that gets some direct sunlight. Your oregano should be dry and ready to store in about two to six weeks.
What are the health benefits of oregano leaves?
Oregano contains chemicals that might help reduce cough. Oregano also might help with digestion and with fighting against some bacteria and viruses. People use oregano for wound healing, parasite infections, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is Cuban oregano and Mexican oregano the same?
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.
Is Mexican mint and oregano same?
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 Mexican oregano called in Spanish?
orégano
But then along comes yet another wonderful oregano wannabe: Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens)—also called orégano in Spanish—a member of the Verbenaceae, or verbena family.
Which oregano best for cooking?
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.
What’s the difference between Mediterranean and Mexican oregano?
The Mediterranean oregano was milder and faintly sweeter, while the Mexican type was stronger, with a hint of menthol. As with other dried herbs, oregano’s volatile compounds will eventually dissipate. Whichever kind you choose, be sure to store it in a cool, dry, dark place to preserve its flavor.
Are oregano and marjoram the same plant?
Oregano is a herb from Origanum vulgare, a flowering plant in the mint family, while Marjoram is a herb from Origanum majorana, an aromatic herb in the mint family. The main difference between oregano and marjoram is that oregano has a stronger flavor than marjoram.
What’s in Mexican oregano?
Mediterranean oregano is made from a combination of Spanish thyme and the herb oregano Vulgare, also known as wild marjoram. What is this? Mexican oregano is harvested from the Lippa graveolens plant and gets its citrus notes from the plant as well. The Lippa being a descendant of the lemon verbena plant.
Is oregano tea good for mucus?
Yes. Oregano tea helps with coughing and the common cold. It also helps decrease phlegm.
What is oregano used for in cooking?
Oregano is commonly used to balance an acidic or salty dish with its hint of sweetness. It’s used frequently in Mediterranean cooking, especially Italian and Greek food, but also popular in Mexican cuisine, as well as Argentinian and Turkish food.
Where do I find Mexican oregano?
You usually won’t find fresh Mexican Oregano in the States, it will almost always be in dried form. If you have Latin markets in your area you’ll find some there. If not, you can occasionally find it in the spice aisle of gourmet grocers.
What spice is marjoram?
Marjoram is a member of the mint and oregano family and is known for its aroma and delicate flavor. Marjoram’s flavor is similar to oregano; however, it has more complicated flavor notes and is often described as sweeter and more delicate.