Can I substitute regular oregano for Mexican oregano?

A: You can always substitute regular oregano leaves for Mexican oregano leaves. It won’t be quite as pungent, but it’ll do the trick. Mexican oregano does add a citrus note to recipes as well, so you may wish to introduce that flavor by including a few pinches of ground coriander.

Is Mexican oregano really 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.

Is Mexican oregano the same as Italian oregano?

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.

What type of oregano is best for cooking?

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.

Is there another name for 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.

What does fresh Mexican oregano look like?

Mexican oregano comes from the Lippia graveolens plant, an herb that is related to lemon verbena. The plant has oval-shaped green leaves and small white flower and its flavor is pungent with a slightly citrus note.

Is Cilantro Mexican oregano?

Cilantro. Just like the Mexican oregano, this familiar herb is popular in the Southwest United States and Central America. Cilantro is mainly used in Mexican dishes like this corn and bean tacos recipe. The Mexican herb will give you a more darker and robust flavor.

What can I use instead of Mexican oregano?

You can replace the herb spoonful-to-spoonful with another dried herb (Mexican oregano is always dried). Try dried marjoram (also from the origanum family, but similar to Mexican oregano in its citrusy, floral ways) or dried verbena. Or go ahead and use dried Mediterranean oregano—just use a little less.

Is Mexican oregano edible?

Mexican oregano is a delicious, leafy herb that is frequently used in Mexican cuisine. More flavorful than its European cousin, it can be grown as an annual and easily harvested and stored for year round use.

Which oregano is edible?

Golden oregano: (Origanum vulgare var. aureum) is an edible variety with gold colored foliage. Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is commonly used in southern European and Middle Eastern recipes. Its flavor is similar to that of Greek oregano, but milder and less spicy.

How can you tell Mexican oregano?

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 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.