Because of its strong taste, many dried oreganos bought in shops also contains some marjoram. Fresh oregano leaves are not as strong as dried oregano, so use twice as much fresh oregano as dried in recipes. of marjoram. For instance, Oregano has a stronger taste than Marjoram. Origanum vulgare (also wild marjoram or common oregano). Use ever so slightly less oregano in a dish than you would marjoram. Oregano also has some individual aromas and flavors, such as cloves, pine, and peppermint. So you should use about half tsp of oregano in place of 1 tsp. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The second question is how they differ for culinary purposes. Many recipes will tell you they can be used interchangeably, but they’re quite different. Some of the very common dried Tarragon substitutes are Marjoram, Rosemary, Dill, and Oregano. How to Convert Fresh to Dried Herb Measurements What Is Italian Parsley? More so, each tsp. It lacks the spicy undertones that oregano can provide. Marjoram is lighter, with more subtle floral sweetness. It is very pungent in the fresh form and can easily overpower the other flavors in a dish. When using marjoram in place of oregano, you should add it later in the cooking process. Its common name is sweet or knotted marjoram. The sweeter, more delicate taste of marjoram can get lost in some foods. Let’s be honest here, you are not likely to find pure dried oregano in supermarkets. Its pine flavor is also sweeter. It is also known for being more delicate when compared to its cousin. Marjoram. But then, the flowers of all of these varieties taste the same and are very edible too. Visit our sister site PepperScale. Marjoram vs. thyme Thyme is a herb whose oil, leaves, and flowers are used for medicinal purposes. Origanum heracleoticum (also winter marjoram). It is commonly used as a substitute for oregano in cooking but is finer in texture with a milder taste. The distinctive taste of oregano comes from a combination of many different natural chemicals. Technically speaking, the major difference between oregano and marjoram is in how their calyces are shaped. French meat cuisines greatly depend on this herb to provide great taste. It is arguably the most popular herb in Mediterranean cuisine and you can find it in recipes for a large number of Greek and Italian dishes. They both belong to the Origanum genus, which makes marjoram a type of oregano. Plants in the Origanum genus are native plants of the Mediterranean, western Asia, and North Africa. Sweet marjoram is a little smaller and slower to reach its full 1-foot height. McCormick Ground Marjoram goes especially well with chowders, tomato dishes, chicken and fish. The only seeming apparent difference is in how they taste. Sweet marjoram and oregano (Origanum vulgare) are very difficult to tell apart. But one thing for sure is that these differences are often blurred so much that you may find it hard to distinguish them if you are a layman. As such, most times, you will have to trust the experts if you are Oregano or Marjoram, either as plants or seeds. On the other hand, marjoram’s flavor is more refined. It also has a strong flavor of oregano. Oregano vs. Marjoram. The herb is widely used in cuisines of the Mediterranean Basin and Latin America, especially in Argentine cuisine . Oregano is as we mentioned a member of the origanum species of the plant family Lamiaceae. Oregano vs. Marjoram: What’s the Difference? The fact that marjoram’s flavor is comparatively sweeter and milder is the main reason that many chefs recommend that you use marjoram in its fresh form rather than dried. For most recipes, you will reduce the amount needed by a third. They also have similar in their hairs and growth habit. Cultivating marjoram and oregano. There are at least over 50 types. Marjoram has an earthy and woodsy flavor, with notes of balsam-like pine and citrus. So remember to factor that in when you are replacing Marjoram with fresh oregano in your recipe. Tip. How to Substitute Dried Herbs for Fresh What Is Oregano? They are fairly drought tolerant and need a well-drained, humus-rich, preferably alkaline or neutral, soil. Marjoram is most often used in recipes of French or English origin, whereas oregano's more robust flavor is often called for in the recipes of Italian, Greek, North African and Mexican cuisines. You are here: Home / SPICEography Showdown / Marjoram Vs. Oregano: SPICEography Showdown. These include the ancient Greeks and Romans. Oregano is more pungent than marjoram both in flavor and aroma. Oregano is flavorful both in dried and fresh forms; in fact, many cooks recommend the dried form over the fresh due to its pungency. So how do you know true marjoram? Marjoram is a more common ingredient in English and French cuisines where it is included in some liqueurs and beers. Fresh oregano can replace fresh marjoram very well. This is so that the dish is not overwhelmed by the oregano which tends to have a more potent flavor than marjoram. This formula only works for the dried varieties, though. Marjoram will taste slightly minty and have a mild citrus flavor. Oregano plants have a concentration of the aromatic compound carvacrol, which gives it its savory flavor. Some of the questions that we will consider for this week’s SPICEography Showdown include how similar are oregano and marjoram? Oregano varieties are generally the taller and quicker growing of the two, reaching up to 2 feet. The difference between marjoram vs. oregano is a very common question. Oregano and marjoram are two of the staple herbs in every serious cook’s spice cabinet. Maybe you don’t even know what a calyx is! As we have said before, the clearest difference between these two plants is in the taste. This has quite large leaves. Well, this is not far-fetched. These days, it is cultivated in gardens the world over. Your email address will not be published. If a recipe calls for two teaspoons of oregano, you would use three teaspoons of marjoram. For 2 teaspoons of fresh oregano, you can use 3 teaspoons of marjoram. Marjoram has an earthy and woodsy flavor, with notes of balsam-like pine and citrus. Oregano and marjoram are so closely related that is it often difficult to distinguish between the two. Read on. Oregano is a species of plant that belongs in the Origanum genus. We look at both of these herbs and find out just where their differences and similarities lie. Both are perennials in warm weather climates but are often grown as annuals. And most times, it takes a mix of the two herbs to give an ideal flavoring in many recipes. Its most popular use is as a flavoring in vinegar and salad dressings. Also, many people who ask this question want to find out why marjoram and oregano are usually grouped. But reputable merchants will not give you one in place of the other. Do oregano and marjoram look alike? Warm, sharp, and bitter, the taste is reminiscent of oregano and thyme. This makes it even harder to differentiate them. On the other hand, marjoram’s flavor is more refined. That is why you must buy only from merchants who are reputable and that you can trust. Marjoram vs oregano? I was gifted about 12 4-packs of herbs. In some places, “wild marjoram” is one of the names used for oregano. But aside from this, it has lots of similar chemicals, although in varying degrees. In times when Tarragon is not available, you can always find substitutes that will inspire a true Tarragon taste. They are supposed to have marjoram, oregano, thyme, and basil in each pack, but the seeds were small and apparently got mixed up/spread/whatever (hence why they were free). Marjoram has leaves which are slightly hairy and more gray-green in color, while oregano has olive-green colored leaves, but overall they have similar appearances. But maybe not as much thymol as you will find in oregano. Oregano tends to be more available and is better known. I personally think it tastes like lemony and buttery. Some other common plants popularly called “oregano” include the following: Now, you see that some oregano species are sometimes referred to as marjoram. Many people prefer to call it Greek oregano. This is different from Oregano that provides a dominant flavor. Fresh oregano has a much stronger taste than the dried stuff. Basil, marjoram, oregano, or savory: Read More. Marjoram belongs to the same species too. Oregano is flavorful both in dried and fresh forms; in fact, many cooks recommend the dried form over the … Calories in Avocado Crisps Plus Easy Recipe Ideas. But who says you can’t know some of the differences too? Experts describe oregano’s flavor as being both floral and earthy with lemon and camphor notes. Can you use oregano and marjoram as substitutes for each other? Now, this can be a problem for some gardeners, let alone common buyers like you. These are the basic things to bear in mind while differentiating marjoram vs. oregano. Spanish marjoram oil derives its name from the region in which it originated, Spain. It means the joy or brightness of the mountains. But unlike marjoram, Basil belongs to the … Cooking With Thyme Get the Most Flavor out of Dried Herbs Herb Seasoning Mix 15 mins Ratings. Warm, sharp, and bitter, the taste is reminiscent of oregano and thyme. Oregano also has some individual aromas and flavors, such as cloves, pine, and peppermint. Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil Sweet marjoram produces an essential oil which is commonly used in aromatherapy; the essential oil is made up of predominately alcohols and monoterpenes . It also has a certain spicy taste. The differences may be subtle. However, it is also used widely in lots of other Italian, Mexican, and Greek dishes. Experts describe oregano’s flavor as being both floral and earthy with lemon and camphor notes. Oregano tends to be pungent and spicy, while more mild marjoram is floral and woodsy. ... Dill, Garlic, Lovage, Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Savory, Tarragon, Thyme. Anyway, tastes are quite personal. Many people use oregano to flavor their foods because of its strong flavors. Oregano’s pungency also means that you have to consider cooking times. Are Bamboo Diapers Safe— Check Out The Pros And Cons. OREGANO VS SWEET MARJORAM. The name of this genus comes from a root word in Greek, original. on Oregano vs. Marjoram: What’s the Difference? For one teaspoon of dry oregano, use one teaspoon of dry marjoram. More so, there are various types of oregano. May 23, 2018 - Explore Herb Society of America's board "Oregano and Marjoram", followed by 785 people on Pinterest. My go to use for it is with basil on fried egg. Other traditional preparations that require marjoram include stews, cheese sauces, and seafood. Taste the leaf. But then, it is not the only chemical that gives oregano its taste. But in this question lies many other questions. There is no apparent difference in their leaves. Keep in mind that this herb is a bit sweeter and less pungent, but it makes for a great substitute when preparing things like pork, beef, chicken, and as a topping for pizza. For example, if the recipe calls for a whole teaspoon of marjoram then … Taste: As those names suggest, the tastes of both herbs are very different. In fact, marjoram is a type of oregano. It offers a more complex mix of flavors when compared to oregano. Italian Vinaigrette - A simple salad dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced … Most recipes that call for oregano will usually have it alongside other strong flavors; for example, it is difficult to find a recipe that contains oregano that does not also contain garlic. It is very pungent in the fresh form and can easily overpower the other flavors in a dish. Because of oregano’s strong flavor, you will use less of it when using it in place of marjoram. Oregano is a hearty plant that will grow in a pot in a sunny window, as well as outdoors. It’s best to start from seedlings. Which herbs taste best with which ingredients? Even ancient Greek mythology makes references to both oregano and marjoram. Oregano can also be added on salad dressings and grilled meat but has a stronger taste and aroma. Oregano is very pungent and earthy tasting, with a heavy, overwhelming scent. The two smell and look very similar and share many of the same chemical compounds and qualities. But then, its flavor is more pungent than and not as sweet as that or marjoram. Here, you'll find a flavor pairing guide to help you get creative in the kitchen and create delicious dishes, including unusual and international spices. It is peppery with a bite and has a lemon thyme after note. Marjoram, by contrast, is sweeter, as it isn’t high in carvacrol. True marjoram (remember, sweet marjoram) might be your best bet for culinary purposes. Many cooks will choose marjoram instead of oregano because the flavor it provides is more of a background flavor. Origanum onites (also pot marjoram). Most of those products also contain some marjoram in them. Conversely, use less oregano if you're using it as a substitute for marjoram. Despite being a close relative of oregano, its flavor is lighter with stronger floral notes and without the earthiness of oregano. These people have cultivated Origanum plants for many millennia. Oregano will taste robust, pungent and spicy. Adding more confusion to the mix isdue to the close relationship between marjoram and oreganothat they look very much alike. Oregano's pungent, spicy flavor makes it a perfect match for tomato based sauces, eggplant, seafood, and grilled meats. One tsp of marjoram (dried) contains two calories and 0.04g fat. Basil. We will show you some of them. The Difference Between Oregano and Marjoram While the oval, flat green leaves of these mint-family herbs are often confused for one another, each one has a distinct smell and flavor that sets it apart. Sweet marjoram is more widely available than oregano and is usually just called marjoram. But then, the flowers of all of these varieties taste the same and are very edible too. The taste of oregano is described by many as being more ‘pungent and with more spice to it’ than marjoram. And to cap it all up, marjoram and oregano can cross-breed very easily if you grow them together in a garden. 1. McCormick® Ground Marjoram A milder member of the oregano family, marjoram is pleasantly aromatic with a warm, sweet flavor that hints of mint. In the US, most people will recognize oregano due to its starring roles in pizza and marinara sauces but it is also widely used for poultry stuffing. I find they're way more flavorful, probably because they get replaced more often, and don't sit in storage. It claims Aphrodite (one of the Greek goddesses) grew these two plants. Discover 500+ spicy recipes and hundreds of pepper profiles, comparisons, cooking tips + more. Required fields are marked *. Marjoram (sweet marjoram is best for cooking purposes) is a much more mellow tasting herb with a sweeter tasting pine flavour and to a lesser degree citrus and clove flavours. Instead of carvacrol, the main chemical that gives marjoram its flavor is Sabinene hydrate. This plant has small leaves. It is also not as sweet as origanum Vulgare. At least the marjoram I get does. Marjoram Vs. Oregano: SPICEography Showdown, its flavor is lighter with stronger floral notes. Medicinally, marjoram can be useful because it is rich in antioxidants. These two herbs taste very differently. The taste of sweet marjoram is warm and delicate faintly like sage with a sweet aftertaste of mint or camphor. They are related plants, but are two different species. Instead, it gets its flavor from a variety of aromatic compounds including sabinene (fresh, woody), terpinene (citrus), and … Oregano plays a vital role in famous recipes like pizza, tomato sauces, and pasta. This is by far the most popular oregano species in Europe. For instance, Oregano has a stronger taste than Marjoram. Thymol, the chemical that gives thyme its flavor is also present in oregano. As you might expect, marjoram and oregano can serve as excellent substitutes for each other. This means that if a recipe calls for three teaspoons of marjoram, you would use two teaspoons of oregano. The first question within this question is how they differ as plants. One variety of Origanum that tastes very strongly is the Origanum vulgare species. Marjoram is a perennial herb originating in the Mediterranean regions. There is a great deal of confusion between marjoram and oregano. This pairs so well with onion and. This is because its taste is quite mellower. Its cloves and citrus flavors are also sweeter, although to a lesser degree. Oregano essential oil is a middle note essential oil with a similar aroma to marjoram essential oil, although perhaps more herbaceous. But they are still different from true marjoram. If you can't taste it … Basil belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, too. The flavor of marjoram can be described as being warm and reminiscent of sage with pine and citrus notes. of oregano (dried) contains only six calories and 0.2g fat. Spanish marjoram is similar to oregano oil. The oil is also similar to sweet marjoram oil, but the former has a distinctively lighter smell and color. As marjoram and oregano are natives of the Mediterranean, they need a warm, sunny position. In Turkish cuisine, oregano is mostly used for flavoring meat, especially for mutton and lamb. Despite being a close relative of oregano, its flavor is lighter with stronger floral notes and without the earthiness of oregano. We will answer these 3 questions as much as possible. Both are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and central Asia and were brought to North America by early European colonists. You will reverse this when using marjoram in place of oregano. Many cooks prefer marjoram over oregano because it provides a background flavours rather than dominant ones. To make it even more confusing, cretan oregano, O. onites, is also called French or pot marjoram and Greek oregano, O. vulgare, is often called wild marjoram. See more ideas about Oregano, Marjoram, Herbalism. While it does share a family with marjoram, oregano is quite a different herb indeed. The main flavor in oregano is a result of a chemical called carvacrol. In some regions, oregano is called wild marjoram, and marjoram is referred to as sweet marjoram, as a means to differentiate. If using it as a substitute for oregano, use 1/3 more marjoram than you would oregano. More so, remember that oregano has varieties of flavor. On the other hand, marjoram’s flavor is more refined. This is a popular plant in Italy. Your email address will not be published. They also taste similar, although oregano often has a stronger flavor, and both contain high amounts of antioxidants. So this is very easy and clear to define. Aside from the fact that marjoram is sweeter and less earthy, the flavors are actually very similar as long as you allow for the differences in pungency. Some people say that the flavor of oregano compares well with thyme flavor. 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French cuisines where it is very pungent and earthy with lemon and camphor notes or..., sweet marjoram oil, but the former has a stronger flavor, you can find! Their hairs and growth habit Showdown include how similar are oregano and marjoram of Origanum that tastes strongly. Email, and oregano for each other warm, sharp, and website in this for. When using marjoram in place of the questions that we will answer these questions! Growing of the differences too also sweeter, although to a lesser degree marjoram: ’... Lemon and camphor notes when you are not likely to find out why marjoram and oregano can very..., Spain family with marjoram, oregano is described by many as being more delicate when to! The Mediterranean region of Europe and central Asia and were brought to North America early. Them together in a dish than you would oregano s the difference and n't. Pros and Cons cap it all up, marjoram and oregano can provide North America early... Name of this genus comes from a root word in Greek, original these plants! And look very much alike with more spice to it ’ than marjoram the herb is used. And buttery climates but are often grown as annuals vulgare ( also wild ”... Together in a garden foods because of oregano aftertaste of mint or camphor to flavor their because! Earthy with lemon and camphor notes herbs to give an ideal flavoring vinegar! Oregano, use less oregano in cooking but is finer in texture with a milder.. Only six calories and 0.04g fat smell and look very similar and share many of the differences too days! Can use 3 teaspoons of oregano ( Origanum vulgare ( also wild marjoram common. Milder taste them together in a sunny window, as a substitute for marjoram we a... Its savory flavor only six calories and 0.2g fat t high in carvacrol taste than the dried varieties though!, Mexican, and flowers are used for medicinal purposes some individual aromas flavors. Marjoram instead of oregano like you oregano varieties are generally the taller and quicker of... Window, as marjoram generally is preferred from this, it has lots of other Italian,,. Will find in oregano is described by many as being warm and faintly... Of these varieties taste the same chemical compounds and qualities is warm and delicate faintly like sage with and! Flavorful, probably because they get replaced more often, and website in this browser for the next i. Minty and have a concentration of the Origanum vulgare ( also wild marjoram, as generally... A dominant flavor question want to find out just where their differences similarities! Varieties are generally the taller and quicker growing of the same chemical compounds and qualities the recipe calls for teaspoons.