Mexican oregano 15 grams

What is Mexican oregano?

Actually, Mexican oregano is a bit of a misnomer. The traditional, and for many “true” oregano used in Mediterranean cuisine is part of the mint family and closely related to marjoram. Mexican oregano, on the other hand, is part of the verbena family. These two plants are unrelated, but share some flavor and aroma compounds. These elements make the two types of oregano smell and taste similar upon first encounter with the sense of smell.

If you smell and taste the two types of oregano side by side, the differences become clear. True oregano is slightly sweet with peppery notes that probably originate from the oregano’s roots in the mint family. These flavor notes can vary depending on the variety and the region where the oregano is grown. Turkish, Greek and Italian oregano, all subspecies of true oregano, are each slightly different. Some may even have a slight cooling effect, though not nearly as potent as pure mint.

Mexican oregano, on the other hand, is lighter in flavor with floral and citrus notes, and a hint of anise. These flavors are characteristic of most herbs in the verbena family.

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! – Mexico, Guatemala and some parts of South America.