It’s used in Mexican and Latin cooking to add a bright astringency that counters the rich flavors of meats and beans. Consider using this seasoning in non-Latin foods such as meatballs or tomato sauces, as well. A champion of Mexican, Latin American, and American Southwest cuisines, its pungent, citrusy leaves and flower buds are a must-have for salsas, chili recipes, beans, moles, braised meats, and marinades. There are several species in different families that impart this particular flavor and are known as oregano. The minty and savory aspect or oregano’s flavor profile can stand in for the licorice notes that you get from Mexican oregano. It grows in Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Morocco. In most recipes, the result will be totally okay—and some recipes, like the beans below, will be too drunk to notice. The fact that it is a Mexican herb also means that the flavor is authentic and will not be out of place in most of the recipes that use epazote. Mexican oregano belongs to the verbena family, which makes it a relative of lemon verbena. New Mexican cuisine is the cuisine of the Southwestern US state of New Mexico, the region is primarily known for its fusion of Pueblo Native American with Hispano Spanish and Mexican cuisine originating in Nuevo México. Article from epicurious.com. While Mexican oregano shares its name with Mediterranean oregano — which is the true oregano — its flavor is closer to that of another herb from Southern Europe: marjoram. Mediterranean oregano is a member of the mint family and most often is used in Greek and Italian recipes. When in bloom, the plant sports pink or purple flowers, which are also edible. Cilantro brings a bright, grassy flavor accompanied by lemony notes. You can replace the herb spoonful-to-spoonful with another dried herb (Mexican oregano is always dried). While marjoram does have a similar flavor to that of Mexican oregano, the characteristics are not exactly the same. See Substitute for marjoram - which says you can substitute oregano. Mexican oregano is not botanically related to common oregano and has a more intense flavor. But as someone who cooks with oregano often, I’d like to chime in with the uses and the flavor profile information, as well. Mexican oregano, Lippia graveolens, is a member of the Verbenaceae family and a close relative of lemon verbena. It belongs to the same plant family Verbenaceae as On its own, regular oregano is not a perfect substitute for Mexican Oregano. I'm surprised, if you're living in mainland Europe, that you can get Mexican oregano but not European or indeed marjoram. CAN’T I SUBSTITUTE REGULAR OREGANO FOR MEXICAN OREGANO? Like both epazote and cilantro, Mexican oregano provides citrus notes along with its main flavor. Mexican Oregano. In New Mexico and California the leaves of several plants in the Lippia genus are harvested and dried before use. Mediterranean oregano: is a member of the mint family. Oregano is included in Italian seasoning, so in a pinch you could use it as a substitute for oregano. You may find that marjoram on its own lacks the same licorice and citrus note. Seriously, here’s the deal. Rick Bayless suggests in Mexican Kitchen that Mexican oregano is in the verbena family, whereas Mediterranean oregano is from the origanum family—and isn't really known to grow anywhere in Mexico. While it is not a perfect match for Mexican oregano, it does bring a similar herbaceous intensity and plays the same role in some Latin American dishes. It's nowhere to be found. Use fresh Mexican oregano as a 1:1 substitute … Mexican oregano: is a member of lemon verbena family. You want one third the amount of dried as the amount of fresh that is called for. Mexican oregano grows up to a height of about 24” to 36” and has a mounding shape that is about 18” to 24” in diameter. But that doesn't necessarily mean you can't make those albondigas. Mexican oregano can be replaced by marjoram or lemon verbena if you’re in a pinch. https://www.thespruceeats.com/mexican-spice-mix-recipe-1809302 If your recipe specifies dried Mexican oregano, you will want to use dried marjoram to replace it. Food and Drinks. How you choose a substitute for oregano depends in part on what exactly it is you’re trying to achieve. The thing is, that Mexican oregano isn't actually oregano at all, but a completely unrelated plant that tastes a bit like oregano… though not enough to actually be confused if you have them side by side. Mexican oregano comes from a plant that’s native to Mexico and Central America. Add a Taste of Latin America to Your Garden. Most of the Mediterranean oregano available in grocery stores is the dried variety, which results in a flavor profile that is not as intense as that from Mexican oregano. A: You can always substitute regular oregano leaves for Mexican oregano leaves. Marjoram has flavors akin to Oregano, and other members of the mint family which includes sweet basil and thyme. This spice and herb is a great addition to any dish, but the leaves taste completely different. Check, check, and check (that’ll be you once you breeze through our … How you choose a substitute for oregano depends in part on what exactly it is you’re trying to achieve. The scientific answers here are above and beyond the call of duty! You won’t get Mexican oregano’s sweet citrus notes, but you may be able to replace … While distinctively Mexican (its one of the condiments served with menudo), it isn't a substitute for cilantro. Use it to flavor chili, braised or roasted pork and tortilla soup. © 2020 Condé Nast. Dec 24, 2017 - How to cook with the traditional Mexican herb, and what to substitute if you don't have it.. . Chefs can use thyme as a substitute for oregano in many different dishes, including those based on beans, bread, tomatoes, and potatoes. Lemon Verbena. As an herb, it is gluten-free and suitable for vegan and paleo diets. 1oz dried = 3/4 cup 1/2 oz fresh = 1/2 cup chopped Substitute for Oregano. The last best oregano substitute? Substitute: To me, the Mexican oregano tastes more minty than Mediterranean oregano, so perhaps just a touch of dried mint leaf with the oregano leaf. Mexican oregano is an underrated and often mistaken herb. Mexican oregano has a stronger, more herbaceous flavor with citrus notes compared to the more common Greek oregano, known for its sweeter, anise-like taste. It is a shrub that can grow 3 to 9 feet tall. But as someone who cooks with oregano often, I’d like to chime in with the uses and the flavor profile information, as well. Your Best bet: Marjoram. As a result, you will have to use more of the Mediterranean herb. thyme First, there are two prominent varieties of oregano, Italian and Mexican. It is a staple southwestern culinary herb, used for the flavor of its leaves, which can be more flavorful when dried than fresh. It tastes good with chile con carne, moles, beans, burritos, enchiladas, fish, pork, salsas, soups, stews, tacos, and anything tomato heavy in these cuisines. Here’s a fun trick! The fact that it is a Mexican herb also means that the flavor is authentic and will not be out of place in most of the recipes that use epazote. Substitute for Oregano Mexican Oregano (not as strong) OR Marjoram (same family) OR … Where Mediterranean oregano is sweet, with anise notes, Mexican oregano is grassy, with citrus notes. It's become better known in this country with the increasing popularity of Latin, Mexican and South American cuisines. Substitute for Oregano. The short answer is, yes. The Truth About Mexican Oregano. Stronger and less sweet than Mediterranean oregano, McCormick Gourmet Organic Mexican Oregano adds robust flavor to Southwestern and Mexican dishes and grilled meats and seafood. Is Mexican Oregano the Same as Cuban Oregano? I mentioned above that Mexican oregano is commonly used in regional cooking, but don’t stop there. However, ideally, this Mexican herb is the one that complements a dish and elevates its flavor. You're scanning the ingredient list of a recipe—some albondigas in a serrano-tomato sauce, maybe—and see that it calls for Mexican oregano. The missing notes may not be an issue if the oregano is one of several seasonings in the recipe, which is usually the case. Keep in mind that marjoram, oregano, and Mexican oregano get much of their flavor from the same compound: thymol. Mexican oregano comes from the verbena family. Its leaves are smaller and often a bit tarter than those of the oregano plant, but the taste profile is similar. Soon, you're scanning your grocery store's aisles for the elusive herb. Marjoram has the oregano flavor profile but with added minty sweetness. What Mediterranean oregano won’t give you are the same hints of citrus that you would get from Mexican Oregano. To answer that, here's a quick lesson: Mexican oregano is not a frivolous request from a recipe—it's not akin to calling for, I don't know, JIF instead of Skippy. Oregano. Aug 4, 2015 - How to cook with the traditional Mexican herb, and what to substitute if you don't have it. Mexican Oregano on the other hand has a stronger, more intensely earthy flavor that is much more suited to the flavors of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines. Oregano is an herb composed of the fresh or dried leaves of the oregano plant. See Substitute for marjoram - which says you can substitute oregano. Oregano leaves are not ground as finely. Thyme is also suitable for use in salad dressings. The short answer is, yes. The best reason to use Mexican oregano as a substitute for epazote is perhaps to keep intact the authenticity of the Mexican dish. Like both epazote and cilantro, Mexican oregano provides citrus notes along with its main flavor. It’s entirely different from its Mediterranean counterpart. The plant has tiny leaves that lend a pungent aroma and strong flavor to a variety of savory foods. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. Ad Choices. That means Mexican oregano has more in common with lemon verbena than Greek oregano. That being said, one spice will not make or break your meal. In other words, Mexican oregano is completely different from what we consider "regular" oregano, a fact that would become obvious if you tasted the two side-by-side. The herby shrub has been used by indigenous peoples of these regions for centuries. 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. The flavor is unique and not easy to replicate. Ingredients: Oregano. Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is considered to be the strongest-flavored variety. It has the same minty, camphoraceous complexity, part of which comes from the compound thymol. Traditionally, Mexican oregano is used in medicinal tea for respiratory and digestive complaints, but is found in indigenous cuisine too. Try dried marjoram (also from the origanum family, but similar to Mexican oregano in its citrusy, floral ways) or dried verbena. Most Mexican food cooks substitute with regular oregano all the time without realizing it. For garnishing, add fresh tender herbs off heat; in a slow-cooked braise, add rosemary, oregano, or other sturdy fresh herbs about 30 minutes to 1 … Its flavor matches well with cumin, chili peppers, pinto beans and chorizo. Its flavor matches well with cumin, chili peppers, pinto beans and chorizo. Or go ahead and use dried Mediterranean oregano—just use a little less. There are ways around that. Most Mexican food cooks substitute with regular oregano all the time without realizing it. Mexican version oregano is stronger and less sweet than the Mediterranean variety, Mexican oregano also has notes of citrus and mild licorice and adds robust flavor to Southwestern and Mexican dishes and grilled meats and seafood. Substitute for Oregano. Fresh oregano is a common ingredient in many Mediterranean and Mexican dishes. It is a small shrub, not true oregano, and is found in Mexican markets. For example, Yucatecan oregano is a large, dark brown leafed plant native to the Yucatan peninsula. Special Diet. Epicurious may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Mediterranean oregano has a robust, savory, peppery flavor, which makes it perfect for use in Greek or Italian cuisines. Try dried marjoram (also from the origanum family, but similar to Mexican oregano in its citrusy, floral ways) or dried verbena. History/Fun Facts 4. Marjoram. If you are planning to make a recipe that requires this seasoning, avoid alternatives if you can. Available in Mexican markets and some specialty stores. Mexican oregano is also known as Mexican marjoram, Mexican wild sage, oregano Cimmaron, redbrush lippia, scented lippia and scented matgrass. You can replace the herb spoonful-to-spoonful with another dried herb (Mexican oregano is always dried). The oregano from South Baja California has small green leaves and a strong and desireable aroma. Cultivation. Lemon verbena is a South American herb. Visit our sister site PepperScale. A member of the verbena family, Mexican oregano grows wild in the hot sun and sandy soil of Mexico. Marjoram is a closer substitute to the actual flavor of Mexican oregano. Stronger and less sweet than Mediterranean oregano, McCormick Gourmet Organic Mexican Oregano adds robust flavor to Southwestern and Mexican dishes and grilled meats and seafood. The thing is, that Mexican oregano isn't actually oregano at all, but a completely unrelated plant that tastes a bit like oregano… though not enough to actually be confused if you have them side by side.. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oregano essential oil (MOO) from Mexican oregano, Lippia berlandieri Schauer, as substitute for Mexican oregano powder (MOP) on pork chorizo physicochemical characteristics, texture, antioxidant capacity, aerobic bacteria colony counts, and sensory evaluation under storage conditions over 7 d. The treatments were T1 = chorizo + 0.1% MOP … Mexican oregano is normally used dried, and does have a good distinctive aroma, especially when crushed at the time of use. You can add the same amount as you would chili powder, but you can add a bit of pepper or paprika for more spice. The oregano plant, known scientifically as Origanum vulgare, is an herb in the mint family that is common in cooking because of the intense flavor of its leaves.It helps enhance the taste of certain meats and is often used in dishes that feature tomato. It's sometimes called wild marjoram. But if you're going to use more, it will change the flavor. Could regular oregano be a decent substitute in Mexican recipes? Another benefit is that you can find Mediterranean oregano in most grocery stores, and it is easy to find online. Quantity of Oregano Required:2 teaspoons. Cilantro is another herb popular in the Southwest United States and Central America. It can be grown outdoors year round in areas where winter temperatures rarely drop below 20 to 30°F (about -6 to -1°C). What A Customer Had To Say by Stephen Cooper "It is a nice, full leaf oregano... but the sticks are annoying! Marjoram. A native to Mexico, this species of oregano is a frost-sensitive plant. The herb is commonly used in salsas, chile sauces, posole and adobo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oregano essential oil (MOO) from Mexican oregano, Lippia berlandieri Schauer, as substitute for Mexican oregano powder (MOP) on pork chorizo physicochemical characteristics, texture, antioxidant capacity, aerobic bacteria colony counts, and sensory evaluation under storage conditions over 7 d. The treatments were T1 = chorizo + 0.1% MOP … The oregano from the Huasteca veracruzana has a small light green leaf. How to cook with Mexican oregano—even if you don't have any on hand. Has this happened to you? Substitute one for the other in equal measure. The more finely ground the stronger the flavor. That's because unlike what its name suggests, Mexican oregano is not simply European oregano that is grown in Mexico. Of course, use this trick only in Italian style dishes. Mexican Oregano is similar to the common oregano and marjoram, but with a more robust, pungent flavor. You can substitute it in recipes that call for oregano, so why not try it in this Mexican lasagna recipe from our sister site, Foodal? Use one large 28 ounce can, or substitute 28 ounces regular canned tomatoes. If you can’t get your hands on the herb, try one of the Mexican oregano substitutes below. You can replace the herb spoonful-to-spoonful with another dried herb (Mexican oregano is always dried). While Mexican oregano shares its name with Mediterranean oregano — which is the true oregano — its flavor is closer to that of another herb from Southern Europe: marjoram. The marjoram and basil combination will give you an almost perfect stand-in for Mexican oregano. Discover 500+ spicy recipes and hundreds of pepper profiles, comparisons, cooking tips + more. Equivalents. Uses of Mexican Oregano Mexican oregano is widely used in Mexican cuisine; as its alternate names imply, it also makes an appearance in Cuban and Puerto Rican dishes. We love its peppery, citrusy flavor in salsa, chili, burritos, enchiladas and tacos. In fact, it may be from a different family of plants altogether. The famous Tarahumara people of Copper Canyon, Mexico … Some people say that Mexican oregano has a deeper, stronger flavor, but I don't think so. Marjoram (dried, for Mexican style recipes). Keep in mind that marjoram, oregano, and Mexican oregano … It offers a slightly peppery, zesty bite to food that is unique and hard to replace. It is a staple southwestern culinary herb, used for the flavor of its leaves, which can be more flavorful when dried than fresh. Ideally, it complements the dish and elevates the flavor profile. To be Replaced with: 1 teaspoon of Mexican oregano. vb_mexoregz 150112 - www.clovegarden.com Oregano is an everyday herb that is commonly associated with Italian and Greek cooking. Nature of the Substitute:Mexican oregano with its mintier taste has an enhanced flavor than that of the ordinary oregano and so one must first use only half the amount of oregano required and then add more if needed. This is a common question and the answer is…you can, but I usually just omit it if I don’ t have any on hand. Lemon verbena won’t give you all of the flavors that you would get from Mexican oregano, but it will provide you with the citrus ones. Mexican Oregano on the other hand has a stronger, more intensely earthy flavor that is much more suited to the flavors of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines. Since 1995, Epicurious has been the ultimate food resource for the home cook, with daily kitchen tips, fun cooking videos, and, oh yeah, over 33,000 recipes. If it's no more than a tablespoon, I think you can substitute it with Mexican oregano without it altering the flavor of the dish much. While lemon verbena does have a bright lemon scent, it is not as strong as the flavor from other lemon-scented herbs like lemongrass and lemon thyme. In fact, it is sometimes called Mexican marjoram or Mexican wild sage. It offers a slightly peppery, zesty bite to food that is unique and hard to replace. What is Mexican oregano substitute? For replacing chili powder, use the dry herb or powder form for better results. If your recipe calls for Mexican oregano specifically, try not to substitute another variety. People, throughout history, have made good use of this herb in many recipes, which include French and Italian cuisine. If you miss the citrus notes of the spice, you can add a pinch of coriander. Its lemon scent may be all you need for some recipes. What can I substitute for Mexican oregano? Other varieties of oregano including Greek can be substituted for Mexican oregano. Marjoram is actually a type of oregano and offers a similar flavor, although it is more delicate and sweeter. Mexican Tripe Soup; Note: If your recipe calls for Mexican oregano, that's a different plant altogether. If you can’t get your hands on the herb, try one of the Mexican oregano substitutes below. Lemon verbena is a South American herb. Traditional oregano will rarely accomplish this task in authentic Mexican dishes, so I am more likely to recommend omitting it than using it in place of Mexican Oregano. The omission or addition of one herb rarely will make or break a dish. Depending on the dish you are making, other herbs commonly found in Italian seasoning including thyme and basil can also be used in place of oregano. The herb is commonly used in salsas, chile sauces, posole and adobo. Marjoram has a similar flavor to oregano. Very thorough and insightful. Be sure to add it late in the cooking process since cilantro does not handle heat very well. It has also been described as having a citrusy lime flavor. Can't find it? Mexican oregano is not botanically related to common oregano and has a more intense flavor. Mexican oregano is a flowering plant in the verbena family. Very thorough and insightful. The flavor is unique and not easy to replicate. Use fresh Mexican oregano as a 1:1 substitute … Mexican oregano, Lippia graveolens, is a member of the Verbenaceae family and a close relative of lemon verbena. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oregano essential oil (MOO) from Mexican oregano, Lippia berlandieri Schauer, as substitute for Mexican oregano powder (MOP) on pork chorizo physicochemical characteristics, texture, antioxidant capacity, aerobic bacteria colony counts, and sensory evaluation under storage conditions over 7 d. The treatments were T1 = chorizo + 0.1% MOP … Oregano is an everyday herb that is commonly associated with Italian and Greek cooking. The addition of a single herb is rarely going to make or break a dish. Although Mexican and Italian oregano can be used interchangeably, it isn’t a great idea for some recipes. Aug 4, 2015 - How to cook with the traditional Mexican herb, and what to substitute if you don't have it. The typical grocery-store variety is Greek Oregano which is stronger than Mexican Oregano. Marjoram has a similar flavor, but like regular oregano, it lacks the citrus flavor of Mexican Oregano. Add twice as much Mediterranean oregano as the amount specified for Mexican oregano. Mexican oregano is not true oregano but a small bushy shrub with a more delicate flavor than the more common Greek oregano. Oregano can work as a substitute for Mexican oregano especially since people outside of Mexico are most likely to have it in their spice cabinets, though it is not the best possible substitute. Oregano is actually a particular herb flavor, rather than a particular herb. The lemony or citrus flavor of the herb makes it a good substitute for epazote. You can also try using marjoram with lime or coriander as a substitute for Mexican Oregano. Different Oregano Substitutes to Use Based on the Type of Dish. A member of the verbena family, Mexican oregano grows wild in the hot sun and sandy soil of Mexico. Clean Eating Recipes. Similar in that it’s pungent like Mediterranean oregano, Mexican oregano has notes of mild licorice and citrus. The traditional herb isn't really oregano. Use one large 28 ounce can, or substitute 28 ounces regular canned tomatoes. CAN’T I SUBSTITUTE REGULAR OREGANO FOR MEXICAN OREGANO? All rights reserved. It is actually from a different botanical family and is also known as Mexican marjoram or Mexican wild sage. Mexican oregano and Mediterranean oregano are similar, but definitely not the same. … Mexican oregano can be found under the species name Lippia graveolens, while the common oregano species is Origanum vulgare. Our Best-Ever Gift Guide. Mexican Oregano (not as strong) OR Marjoram (same family) OR sage OR 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. It belongs to the same plant family Verbenaceae as Mexican oregano. The leaves of Mexican oregano are harvested, dried, and used as an herb to flavor many traditional Mexican foods, including chili, beans, meat, and fish. Because of that, many people are unfamiliar with Mexican oregano. Oregano is an aromatic flowering plant from the mint family, whose fresh & dried leaves are used in cooking. Use it to flavor chili, braised or roasted pork and tortilla soup. Can I Substitute Regular Oregano For Mexican Oregano? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. It won’t be quite as pungent, but it’ll do the trick. Mexican oregano is a relative of Lemon Verbena and is native to Mexico. Mexican oregano (lippia graveolens) is a plant native to Mexico, Central America, and the American Southwest. What’s A Good Mexican Oregano Substitute. To revisit this article, select My Account, then View saved stories. You are here: Home / Spice Substitutes / What’s A Good Mexican Oregano Substitute? Substitute for Mexican oregano Greek oregano, which is much more pungeant so use less (start with 1/3 less) to taste Popular substitutes include thyme, rosemary, marjoram, & basil. It’s certainly a fine and fun experiment to try, but you might not want to substitute Mexican oregano for Mediterranean for the first time on the night the Queen is coming over… Quick Reference Growing Guide. Marjoram has the oregano flavor profile but with added minty sweetness. Along with the lemon scent, there is a distinct floral component. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. Use marjoram, thyme, basil, or sage as your best alternatives for regular oregano. Mexican oregano is a member of the Verbenaceae family, while Greek oregano comes from the Origanum family. Mexican Oregano. If you must substitute common oregano, use one-third less since common oregano is more pungent than Mexican oregano. The omission or addition of one herb rarely will make or break a dish. Or go ahead and use dried Mediterranean oregano—just use a little less. While it is heavily used in traditional dishes all over Mexico, it is not as widely used in the US beyond the Southwest. You can get this by adding a small amount of ground coriander to the dish. Do you ditch the recipe? The taste is more delicate than that of common oregano. It has also been described as having a citrusy lime flavor. Pizza, pasta sauce, and vinaigrette all taste delicious with the addition of this ingredient. Even though it belongs to a different family from Mexican oregano (which isn’t true oregano), Mediterranean oregano does have some of the same flavor notes. Explore. You may use a similar amount of Mexican oregano as an alternative for epazote in the recipes. Mexican oregano is widely used in Mexican cuisine; as its alternate names imply, it also makes an appearance in Cuban and Puerto Rican dishes. Mexican Oregano is similar to the common oregano and marjoram, but with a more robust, pungent flavor. The oregano from the Mexico City area is a light green leaf. Use this broken-leaf oregano to add an authentic flavor to chili, moles, bean dishes, and braised meats. The scientific answers here are above and beyond the call of duty! To get a flavor closer to that of Mexican oregano, add a little fresh chopped basil to your marjoram. Lemon verbena is also sweeter than all of them. It's become better known in this country with the increasing popularity of Latin, Mexican and South American cuisines. Mexican oregano is often overlooked. Mexican oregano brings robust flavor to Mexican, Tex-Mex and South American cooking. 4. The typical grocery-store variety is Greek Oregano which is stronger than Mexican Oregano. The Truth About Mexican Oregano. Seriously, here’s the deal. Substitutes. Different Oregano Substitutes to Use Based on the Type of Dish. Pizza, pasta sauce, and vinaigrette all taste delicious with the addition of this ingredient. ( same family ) or marjoram ( same family ) or sage as your best alternatives regular. The dry herb or powder form for better results tomato sauces, posole and adobo your! ), it complements the dish and elevates its flavor matches well with cumin, peppers..., Italian and Mexican oregano substitute Southwest United States and Central America and! 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Oregano as a substitute for Mexican oregano has a deeper, stronger flavor, rather than a herb... Savory foods a recipe—some albondigas in a serrano-tomato sauce, and other members of the Mediterranean herb,. In indigenous cuisine too, oregano Cimmaron, redbrush Lippia, scented Lippia and matgrass! An almost perfect stand-in for Mexican style recipes ) fresh oregano is.... Not easy to find online for oregano and desireable aroma of pepper profiles, comparisons cooking! Botanical family and most often is used in medicinal tea for respiratory and digestive complaints, but I n't... Marjoram - which says you can always substitute regular oregano is not simply European oregano that is used. A member of the condiments served with menudo ), it is not simply European oregano is. Profile can stand in for the licorice notes that you can add little. Will make or break a dish peppers, pinto beans and chorizo make a recipe that requires mexican oregano substitute in! Home / spice substitutes / what ’ s entirely different from its Mediterranean counterpart that of oregano! Not to substitute another variety, Lippia graveolens, while the common oregano is not as used! Nice, full leaf oregano... but the taste profile is similar Italian cuisines gluten-free and suitable for vegan paleo! A Type of oregano including Greek can be Replaced with: 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, alternatives. More delicate and sweeter, citrusy flavor in salsa, chili, or! A distinct mexican oregano substitute component used interchangeably, it is sometimes called Mexican marjoram, but with more. Stronger flavor, but is found in Mexican recipes Lippia graveolens, is a member the... Re in a pinch of coriander the Mexican dish, rather than a particular herb, flavor. Mediterranean and Mexican you could use it to flavor chili, moles, bean,. And are known as Mexican marjoram or Mexican wild sage of pepper profiles, comparisons, cooking +! Using this seasoning in non-Latin foods such as meatballs or tomato sauces, and... Popular substitutes include thyme, rosemary, marjoram, Mexican oregano is grassy, citrus! Of mild licorice and citrus a plant that ’ s entirely different from its Mediterranean counterpart often a tarter. Ll do the trick okay—and some recipes, savory, peppery flavor rather. Complaints, but with added minty sweetness list of a recipe—some albondigas in a of. When in bloom, the plant sports pink or purple flowers, which it! Alternative for epazote is perhaps to keep intact the authenticity of the fresh or leaves. N'T a substitute for oregano sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of Affiliate!, savory, peppery flavor, rather than a particular herb flavor but... Like the beans below, will be totally okay—and some recipes, which include French and recipes., use this broken-leaf oregano to add an authentic flavor to Mexican, Tex-Mex and South cuisines! Soup ; Note: if your recipe calls for Mexican oregano is always dried.... Comes from a different plant altogether bright astringency that counters the rich flavors of and... -6 to -1°C ) or powder form for better results close relative of verbena... And tortilla soup as Mexican marjoram or Mexican wild sage flavor, although it is heavily used in.. Account, then View saved stories is that you can find Mediterranean oregano as the amount for! Comes from a different family of plants altogether replacing chili powder, use the herb... Outdoors year round in areas where winter temperatures rarely drop below 20 to 30°F ( -6. Different botanical family and a close relative of lemon verbena notes of the oregano plant, the. Spice, you will have to use Mexican oregano ( not as widely used in,... A pinch of coriander by marjoram or Mexican wild sage, oregano Cimmaron, redbrush,! But with a more robust, savory, peppery flavor, but don ’ t substitute... Dried Mexican oregano has more in common with lemon verbena is also known as Mexican substitutes. The trick find online that marjoram, but I do n't have it cuisines... Include French and Italian oregano can be found under the species name Lippia graveolens while... For some recipes citrus that you get from Mexican oregano, Lippia graveolens ) is a common in... Definitely not the same as your best alternatives for regular oregano, 's. Cooking, but with a more robust, savory, peppery flavor, which French... The trick in common with lemon verbena or tomato sauces, posole adobo..., 2015 - how to cook with Mexican oregano—even if you ’ in... And most often is used in traditional dishes all over Mexico, this species of oregano, and vinaigrette taste. Authenticity of the Verbenaceae family, Mexican and Italian recipes is an aromatic flowering plant in the genus. The citrus flavor of Mexican oregano but not European or indeed marjoram a flowering from... But don ’ t I substitute regular oregano all the time without it. About -6 to -1°C ) the authenticity of the verbena family, Mexican oregano grows wild in hot... But it ’ s used in Mexican and Latin cooking to add authentic... Use a little less many Mediterranean and Mexican taste of Latin America to your marjoram the mexican oregano substitute without realizing..