Mexican oregano comes from a flowering plant that is native to Mexico, Central America and the southwest United States. It is drought tolerant so thrives in these dry climates. It is known for its earthy flavor with citrus undertones. The plant is in the same family as lemon verbena, so you’ll notice some similarities.
Is there a such thing as Mexican oregano?
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.
What is 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 stronger than regular oregano?
Mexican oregano, in fact, tends to be stronger and earthier, so less is more if you’re substituting it for traditional oregano. Instead of true oregano, marjoram and lemon verbena will give you more of the citrus note you may be looking for.
What is 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.
What is Mexican oregano good 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.
Is Mexican oregano the same as Italian?
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.
Can you use regular oregano for Mexican oregano?
People often wonder if regular oregano and Mexican oregano are interchangable. While you can use one in place of the other, the flavor is not really the same. Marjoram is a closer substitute to the actual flavor of Mexican oregano.
What is the most flavorful 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 is healthiest?
Greek oregano
The essential oil of Greek oregano is considered the best in the world, as recent studies have shown it to have the highest content in carvacrol and thymol, both of which have powerful antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties. It has antibiotic and antiseptic properties as well.
Does Mexican oregano taste different?
In other words, Mexican oregano is completely different from what we consider “regular” oregano, a fact that would become obvious if you tasted the two side-by-side. Where Mediterranean oregano is sweet, with anise notes, Mexican oregano is grassy, with citrus notes.
Is oregano a powerful antibiotic?
Several studies have shown the powerful antibacterial properties of oregano oil, even against antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. In one study that tested the antibacterial effects of a range of essential oils, oregano oil was found to be the most powerful inhibitor of bacterial growth.
What are the side effects of eating oregano?
What are the risks of taking oregano and oregano oil?
- In large doses, oregano oil may be toxic — and even lethal.
- Oregano may have diuretic effects.
- Large amounts of oregano can upset the stomach.
- Oregano oil may cause rash when applied to the skin.
What can I sub for Mexican oregano?
Marjoram
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.
Are Cuban 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.
Are Greek and Mexican oregano the same?
Mexican oregano is commonly mistaken for its cousin Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare). Although, they’re more like step cousins, because the two don’t even share a taxonomic family. Greek oregano is part of the mint or Lamiaceae family, and Mexican oregano is part of the verbena or Verbenaceae family.
What type of oregano is McCormick?
Origins. Turkey is the principal supplier of Oregano to McCormick. It is stronger flavored and more bitter than the Greek variety. The Mexican type has a distinctively different flavor which is less minty, more hay-like and less bitter than the other sources.
In which country oregano is most popular Flavour?
southern Italy
Oregano is the staple herb of Italian cuisine, most frequently used with roasted, fried, or grilled vegetables, meat, and fish. Oregano combines well with spicy foods popular in southern Italy.
Which country has the best oregano?
PROBABLY THE BEST OREGANO HERB IN THE WORLD – Direct from Greece – Greek Oregano is Widely Believed to be the Best Oregano in the World. GREEK OREGANO – Origanum Vulgare ssp. Heracleoticum. The Ideal Climatic Condition of Greece and the Rich Subsoil Makes the Greek Oregano the Best in the World.
Who should not take oregano?
Allergies: Oregano can cause reactions in people allergic to Lamiaceae family plants, including basil, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, mint, and sage. Diabetes: Oregano might lower blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should use oregano cautiously. Surgery: Oregano might increase the risk of bleeding.
What happens if you eat oregano everyday?
Oregano is an herb that boasts some pretty potent benefits when it comes to your health. It is high in antioxidants and may help fight off bacteria and viruses, potentially reduce the growth of cancer cells and help alleviate inflammation.