I was recently asked the difference between regular oregano and Mexican oregano, so I decided to do a little investigating. I happen to love oregano, I have several varieties growing in my garden. I often use Mexican oregano but just figured it was a cousin of Mediterranean oregano.

Mediterranean oregano is a commonly used herb in Greek, Italian and Spanish cuisine. It grows wildly in the crags and hilly mountain sides throughout southern Europe. It has a strong, bold flavor that borders on bitter. If you have ever tasted the raw herb on its own you know that it is powerful because it can make your tongue feel numb. We are pretty familiar with oregano whether we know it or not. It is an essential herb in pasta and pizza sauces. It pairs perfectly with garlic and is often used in marinades and salad dressings. I like to use it with lemon and olive oil and a little crushed red pepper to make a simple marinade for grilled shrimp. Dried oregano is generally Greek oregano but there is also Turkish oregano and Italian oregano. The Italian variety often includes the flower buds which are slightly sweeter and more mild than the Turkish and Greek varieties. So what is the deal with Mexican oregano. Well as it turns out it is not even the same plant.

Mexican oregano is more closely related to Lemon Verbena. It has a similar flavor to oregano but it is slightly stronger with more spicy notes than sweet notes. It does have a slight citrus note as well. It is a fundamental herb in the Southwestern, Mexican and Central American pantry and is commonly used to flavor pozole, beans, chilies and stews. It pairs well with cumin and coriander. Season enchilada sauce, mole and Texas chilies with this herb to add brightness and flavor.

Mexican oregano can be found in Latin American grocery stores or in the Latin American section of your local market. There are also several reputable sources on line.

www.ranchogordo.com

www.SpiceHouse.com

www.Penzeys.com

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