I’ve recently been introduced to The Spice House and am so impressed with their super high quality. Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Both types of oregano are good and have their own strengths in different cuisines across the world. At the end of our throwdown then, we've discovered a draw! Mexican Spices, Seasonings, and Chiles Greek Gods and Goddesses and Herbs, OH MY! European oregano, also known as Greek oregano, Turkish oregano and Mediterranean oregano, comes from one plant while Mexican oregano comes from another. Neither is truly "better" than the other, but each one is better suited to a certain type of cuisine. Much like wine, or woods used for smoking, depending on the region it’s grown in, it has a slightly different taste. It matches perfectly with dishes from that region. Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. 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. Its intense peppery, grassy and earthy flavor compliments tacos, beans, burritos and heavy meats. Error! This herb also contains naringenin, a bioflavonoid known to help prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, and even Alzheimer’s. Another flavonoid known as cirsimaritin can help prevent the storage of fat, hence aids in weight loss. It is NOT a regional thing!~, ~ How to: Roast Large Chile Peppers in the Oven!!! It's part of the mint family and very similar to marjoram in flavor. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, Good Spices to Put on Tilapia When Baking, Difference Between Peppermint Extract & Mint Extract, The Kitchn: Oregano -- Mediterranean and Mexican, The Chicago Tribune: Oregano Origins Can Matter, Handbook of Spices, Seasonings, and Flavorings: Susheela Raghavan, The Flavor Bible: Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg. Most chefs prefer to use Mexican oregano because it tastes a bit sweeter and less bitter than other oregano varieties. This is the herb to use when you have strong flavors that lean towards cheesy or indulgent. In America, it’s referred to simply as oregano with no country specification because it’s more commonly used on foods that are considered “American.” It pairs well with grilled meats and stews, but that’s not the only thing you’ll find it in. In Mexico, it’s even used as an herbal tea ingredient! It was originally used medicinally because similar to thyme, it has thymol and carvacrol which loosen phlegm in the lungs. Use it to flavor chili, braised or roasted pork and tortilla soup. Use Mediterranean oregano in any dish from that region, from spaghetti sauce and pizza to leg of lamb and grilled fish. The minty and savory aspect or oregano’s flavor profile can stand in for the licorice notes that you get from Mexican oregano. Neither is truly "better" than the other, but each one is better suited to a certain type of cuisine. The leaves should show no signs of yellowing or dark spots. (nobody). Error type: 01) Hors D'Oeuvres, Appetizers & Starters, 06) Cakes, Desserts, Fruit Desserts & Pies, 07) Cookies, Brownies, Bars, Fudge & Brittle, 08) Condiments, Sauces, Gravy & Marinades, 12) My Eastern European & Italian Heritages, 13) Tex/Mex,Thai/Asian, Indian, Greek & More, 15) With Love from Melanie's Kitchen: Techniques, Basic Recipes, My Soup Stocks & an Occasional Oration, 16) Bitchin' from Melanie's Kitchen: Commentaries, Opinions, Rantings, Stories & an Occasional Beverage or Cocktail, 19) Just Kid-Friendly & Family-Style Food, 20) Just Plain Easy, Comfort Food & Crockpot, 21) Just Elegant, Extraordinary & Exquisite, 22) Alert!!! Mediterranean oregano has a robust, savory, peppery flavor, which makes it perfect for use in Greek or Italian cuisines. This will start to release the flavor hidden in the leaves. Before you grill some steaks, toss some sprigs to the grill to bring more flavor. It grows in Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Morocco. Try cooking it with potatoes and lemon as well. ", ~ Don Michael Corleone. Kitchen Encounters:  Liz, Mediterranean oregano and Mexican oregano, despite their sharing a common name (because they have a common base flavor that stands up well to bold cuisines), are NOT the same. You shouldn't really consider them interchangeable, though. This is the herb you would want to use for strong meaty flavors, or for dishes that are intensely spicy. Because of your chile powder answer, I'm sort of laughing at myself and guessing the answer is going to be: "not the same", and, "do not use interchangeably". Always remember that fresh and dried herbs don't have the same aroma or taste, and, when preparing a recipe, use what that recipe calls for. It pairs harmoniously with basil, garlic, thyme, and parsley, as well as egg-based dishes like quiche or frittatas.