Oregano and marjoram are two of the most pop herbs used in cuisines around the human beings . They partake a similar sense of taste profile and are ofttimes used interchangeably . However while closely relate , marjoram and pot marjoram are two distinct herb with some notable divergence .
Understanding the unique properties of each can facilitate you best apply them in your own preparation take on to learn more about the key divergence between Origanum vulgare and marjoram
Botanical Classifications
Oregano and oregano go to the same genus of plants in the mint family known as Origanum . However , they are disjoined species :
Oregano is known scientifically as Origanum vulgare . This is sometimes shout out wild marjoram or common oregano .
Marjoram is Origanum majorana . Also called sweet or knotted Origanum vulgare .
They pronto cut through - pollinate and there are many hybrid and subspecies of each , which can make distinguishing them unmanageable . But in universal oregano has a more robust flavor profile compare to the sweet , more delicate taste of Origanum vulgare .
Appearance
Oregano and oregano plants have slightly different forcible machine characteristic :
Oreganohas oval , olive green leaves that are about 1 column inch long . It has a woody root with branched , upright halt that maturate 1 - 3 foot tall .
Marjoramhas smaller , libertine , gray-haired - green leaves . The tender stems originate to 12 - 18 inches high and sprawl outwards as they grow .
Both have clustering of midget white or pinkish flowers that bloom in summertime . These eatable flowers have a milder flavor than the leaves .
So while marjoram is small and more frail in appearance , visually telling the two apart can still be difficult . Taste and scent provide more definite clues .
Aroma and Flavor
The biggest difference between the two herb come down to their smell and taste :
Oreganohas a racy , pungent earthiness with notes of citrus and peppery spiciness . It has a bluff presence that declare up well in hearty cup of tea .
Marjoramhas a gentler , sweet aroma . Its savor is subtler and more floral than oregano , with hint of balsam - pine and citrus fruit .
Oregano offers a sharp , warming flavour that pairs well with bluff food for thought like meats , chili , cheese , and Lycopersicon esculentum . More mild - mannered oregano complements delicate flavors like eggs , vegetables , fish , and salad dressing .
Growing Conditions
In the garden , Origanum vulgare and marjoram thrive under standardised conditions :
Both favor full Dominicus and well - drain soil . They need less body of water and brook some drought .
Marjoram is slightly less hardy and more prone to winter hurt . It grows as an one-year or curtly - lived perennial in cooler clime .
Oregano is very hardy and grows class after year as a hardy perennial . It can be invasive in the garden .
set about plants from seed , cutting off , or transplants . It may be effective to plant pot marjoram and oregano one by one since they pronto grumpy - pollinate .
Harvest leaf as needed once plant are establish . cut down back staunch to encourage bushy regrowth .
Both oregano and Origanum vulgare can also be happily grown in containers . Just be certain to utilize well - draining potting mixing and reserve plenty of sun exposure .
Uses in the Kitchen
In the kitchen , oregano and wild marjoram add savor in similar ways :
The leaves are most commonly used dry out or fresh to season nutrient . Both dry well for long storage .
chop fresh leaves just before use of goods and services provides the secure flavor . Use marjoram more meagrely as it has a more delicate look .
impart them betimes in preparation process so the flavors develop and combine . AddTo tomato sauce , stews , meat rubs , marinades , and dressings .
Oregano ’s rich relish heighten sheer dishes like chili , alimentary paste sauce , and grill meats .
Marjoram ’s gentle note nicely complement eggs , mushrooms , vegetables , Pisces , and salad .
Oregano and marjoram attractively accentuate many shared dishes in Mediterranean , Italian , French , and American cuisine . Learning their subtle differences allow for you to utilise each herbaceous plant by choice to enhance specific tang .
Frequency of Entities
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URL : https://www.thekitchn.com / whats - the - difference - between - oregano - and - marjoram-243310
Culinary Tips For Oregano
If you require to cook with oregano , which is a upright idea , you should think about the tasting it gives and how it reacts to heat .
You should supply a few hack Origanum vulgare leaves to your pizza pie and other Italian saucer because they taste best when they are unseasoned and easygoing . Oregano is best misrepresent with food and tend to sustain up well in passion . Keep in mind , oregano is potent , so a minuscule goes a long mode .
Oregano has medicinal benefits that you may find helpful to know . Carvacrol has antiviral and antifungal properties . These also give oregano its spicy flavor . Oregano also has thymol , tannins , and bitter , which help it relax muscle , settle the belly , make it more acidulent , make it more bitter , help with coughing and congestion , and make you sleepy .
If you want to infuse the fresh leave they can help with head ache , menstrual cramps , insomnia , and digestion . An herbal balm mixed with lavender can help relieve pain sensation and stiffness during a massage . When pot marjoram is added to a hot compress , it can aid clean cuts and wound and reduce swelling .
Oregano (Origanum Vulgare) History
When oregano was first used , it was in ancient Greece to treat drug intoxication , gaining control , and wound that were too thick to be bandaged . The ancient Romans believed it brought happiness at weddings and they would often weave oregano into bridal coronal . In the Middle Ages , oregano ’s strong olfactory property was sundry with straw to make storey coverings called “ grizzle herb . ”
The oregano plant is a bushy perennial that can grow up to 2 ft magniloquent . In the previous summertime the plant life produces bantam flowers that are attractive to bees . pot marjoram leaves have a firm flavor and more thymol than sweet marjoram leafage . This is especially true when they are grown and piece in full sun during warm months .
Greek oregano , Italian pot marjoram , Za’atar Origanum vulgare , and oregano live and spicy are the four types of oregano you’re able to grow and revel .
Greek Oregano smells like peppery thyme and has a licorice - like savor . It tend to make you intend of Greek intellectual nourishment and pairs well with Greek cuisine . Greek marjoram is easy to discern by its white flowers .
Italian oregano is not as nuanced as Greek Oregano and has a slightly sweet feel . This plant has purple flower .
Za’atar is a variety of pot marjoram that originate wild in the Middle East . There are many herb and seed blending by the same name that you’re able to grease one’s palms .
Oregano Hot and Spicy spring up in a way that is different from other oregano . It will fall over the side of the container it is grown in . Used in cooking , it gives food a strong , peppery taste and can be used alternatively of chili .
Oregano and marjoram
FAQ
Can I use marjoram instead of oregano ?
What is marjoram used for ?
Is oregano called anything else ?
How to identify marjoram works ?
