How could such a simple basic herb get to complicated?! There's regular, Greek, Italian and more, and variations too numerous to mention. I started some Greek from seed, but then don't know what it will look like or the flavor. I need to add to and/or replace a couple of oregano containers for market, and want a 'good' one. I picked up some Italian Oregano at HD that is nice, and outdoes the others with fragrance.
While out foraging at the garden center picked up some nice marjoram. There were 2 trays, different suppliers, and markedly different in look and aroma. I lost most of my marjoram this year with the cold.
Greek oregano is the one that is usually sold on the spice shelf. Italian oregano has a milder flavor and aroma at least to me. Marjoram is sweeter than oregano and less bitter and does not have a strong scent.
Want to get more complicated there is also false oregano that has a much stronger flavor and gives me a headache if I have it in my car with me. False oregano comes in regular and variegated forms.
False oregano is not related to oregano at all and is a succulant and gets pretty rampant. Plectranthus amboinicus also called Cuban oregano
https://www.starrenvironmental.com/image ... s&o=plants
Then there is Mexican oregano. Also a different plant species. There are two kinds in the same family
Lippia graveolens and lippia micromera. Graveolens have a larger leaf. They have other names like Spanish thyme or Jamaican thyme. These plants are in the verbena family and are shrubs.
https://massspectrumbotanicals.com/shop/ ... icromeria/
https://www.morningsunherbfarm.com/produ ... cts_id=191
There is also Turkish oregano which I have never seen.
This link compares the differences in flavor.
https://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-diff ... erra-93923
Want to get more complicated there is also false oregano that has a much stronger flavor and gives me a headache if I have it in my car with me. False oregano comes in regular and variegated forms.
False oregano is not related to oregano at all and is a succulant and gets pretty rampant. Plectranthus amboinicus also called Cuban oregano
https://www.starrenvironmental.com/image ... s&o=plants
Then there is Mexican oregano. Also a different plant species. There are two kinds in the same family
Lippia graveolens and lippia micromera. Graveolens have a larger leaf. They have other names like Spanish thyme or Jamaican thyme. These plants are in the verbena family and are shrubs.
https://massspectrumbotanicals.com/shop/ ... icromeria/
https://www.morningsunherbfarm.com/produ ... cts_id=191
There is also Turkish oregano which I have never seen.
This link compares the differences in flavor.
https://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-diff ... erra-93923
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ElizabethB
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 2105
- Joined: Sat Nov 24, 2012 12:53 am
- Location: Lafayette, LA
Susan - Some times too many options can be confusing. Call me tacky. When I shop for herbs I pinch a little bit of a leaf and taste it. If I like it buy it. If not I leave it.
I love fresh herbs. I use them fresh and dry them for use in the off season. I know what I like. If you do not like the taste don't buy it.
If it taste good buy it if not leave it.
I love fresh herbs. I use them fresh and dry them for use in the off season. I know what I like. If you do not like the taste don't buy it.
If it taste good buy it if not leave it.