Spanish oregano (also called Mexican oregano) is actually a member of the mint family, not the oregano family. The dried leaves have a similar taste to Mexican oregano.
Herbs of Mexico says that “some people substitute the leaves for common oregano, but it is not the same.” Yet in Mexican cuisine, it’s used just like any other herb: It’s added fresh to salsas and stews, or it’s ground with garlic and salt into a paste called recado rojo (“red stuff”). Flowers from this plant are also widely used in cooking.
What does Mexican oregano look like?
The leaves are dark green, with a shape similar to oregano, but they are much smaller in size. The flowers are purple or pink and bloom from April to August.
The plant is small and bushy and reaches about two feet tall. The leaves look similar to regular oregano, but the taste is stronger and more peppery than common oregano.
How do you plant Mexican Oregano?
1. Plant your oregano around the end of October or the beginning of November. Plant Mexican oregano in well-drained, arid soil that is a pH of 7 or higher.
2. The plant should be watered during hot periods to reduce stress. Water from the base of the plant and don’t allow water to stand around the roots where it may cause root rot.
3. Harvest fresh leaves at any time during the growing season for use in cooking and other applications such as teas, wreaths, and Christmas decorations.
4. Mexican oregano can be propagated by planting the seeds, or via leaf cuttings.
Growers should be warned that the plant is attractive to aphids and spider mites. The latter can be controlled by releasing lacewing larvae in the garden.
Harvesting Mexican oregano leaves from plants:
1. If you want fresh herb for cooking, pick the leaves off of your plant before the plant flowers. Harvest the leaves before flowering or as soon as they are fragrant.
If you wait until after the plant flowers, you’ll get better flavor if you allow the flowers to dry out and then pick them off. You can also pinch off individual flowers and dry them by hanging them upside down or drying them in a paper bag on a sunny windowsill for a few days.
2. For dried leaves, harvest the leaves after the plant has flowered and dried out.
3. Mexican oregano will grow back from root pieces and leaf cuttings. You can also take a cutting of the plant (with a stem) and place it in water until roots begin to form, and then plant it in soil.
If you want to harvest your Mexican oregano flowers, wait to pick them until after they have fully bloomed. Once the flowers are bloomed, they will die off on their own within a few days or you can snip them off with pruning shears.
What is the difference between oregano and Mexican oregano?
Mexican oregano is not true oregano. It is closer to the mint family than to the oregano family. Herbs of Mexico reports that it does have a similar flavor profile to common oregano, and so some cooks use it in place of true oregano when cooking Mexican dishes.
The dried leaves have a similar taste to Mexican oregano. Yet, in Mexican cuisine, it’s used just like any other herb: It’s added fresh to salsas and stews, or it’s ground with garlic and salt into a paste called recado rojo (“red stuff”).
Flowers from this plant are also widely used in cooking. Wikipedia says the leaves have a tangy taste that is stronger than oregano. It also states that the flavor is “not quite as strong as marjoram,” but much stronger than thyme.
Is Mexican oregano edible?
The answer is “yes” and “no.” Herbs of Mexico says that the dried leaves have a similar taste to common oregano, and so some cooks use it in place of true oregano when cooking Mexican dishes.
But both Mexico-Guide.com and Herbs of Mexico say that it has a stronger flavor profile than oregano. Flowers from this plant are also widely used in cooking.
Wikipedia says the leaves have a tangy taste that is stronger than oregano and that the flavor is “not quite as strong as marjoram,” but much stronger than thyme.
Is Mexican oregano a perennial?
Yes, Mexican oregano is a perennial. According to the University of Illinois Extension, it can be grown as an annual or perennial.
When grown as a perennial, it self-seeds quite easily. In terms of hardiness (USDA zone), it’s a zone 8 plant. This means that if you live in North Carolina and your house gets below 20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, you’ll need to bring your Mexican oregano plant back inside if you haven’t already done so.
Does oregano regrow after cutting?
The answer is “yes.” Oregano does regrow after cutting, and it does so quite easily. The fact that oregano regrows after being cut can be used to your advantage if you have a large amount of this herb and only a small space for growing.
You can simply keep cuttings after harvesting your oregano, and replant them wherever you have room. This will give you plants all over your yard or garden, which will allow you to dry the leaves in various locations for later use during the year.
Where do you get Mexican oregano?
You can get Mexican oregano from eBay, or at garden centers that sell perennials (e.g., Home Depot).
Which oregano is the best?
Herbs of Mexico reports that it does have a similar flavor profile to common oregano, and so some cooks use it in place of true oregano when cooking Mexican dishes. But don’t hang on to your Mexican oregano too long if you want to keep its aroma and freshness. Flowers from this plant are also widely used in cooking. Wikipedia says the leaves have a tangy taste that is stronger than oregano and that the flavor is “not quite as strong as marjoram,” but much stronger than thyme.
