But because of its mild taste, it's versatile enough to pair well with a variety of other flavors. In fact, it is sometimes called Mexican marjoram or Mexican wild sage. Tarragon has a fascinating flavor that can take the place of oregano in some recipes. Try dried marjoram (also from the origanum family, but similar to Mexican oregano in its citrusy, floral ways) or dried verbena. If you want to ensure that your dishes are able to pack a flavorful punch, these are the two you should opt for. There isnt much of the citrus flavor you get from Mexican Oregano in lemon verbena, but itll provide you with some. Best for beans, burritos, chilies, salsas, stews, soups, tamales, and vegetable, fish, and meat dishes. When you compare Mexican oregano to other types of oreganos, its clear that this herb has a lot to offer. Summer savory is another popular Mediterranean herb that tends to be used for bean recipes. I highly recommend that you just add teaspoon more of dried marjoram for any amount of dried oregano the recipe calls for. Has this happened to you? To make it more authentic, substitute oregano for Mexican oregano; the taste of the latter may be different. Whats A Good Italian Seasoning Substitute? Pinole, as seen in the Tepehuan, is similar to Tarahumara but made with a variety of greens, including Mexican oregano. For instance, if you're out of the fresh basil your recipe calls for, just use dried basil in its place. Mexican oregano has an earthy aroma and distinct peppery taste as well as citrusy notes that stand out among herbs. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Yes, you definitely can, but you need to be careful with your herb combinations. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Learn more about me and my work on this website, and check out my featured articles on TastingTable, Mashed, and 5-Minute Crafts. How to Cook Air Fryer Hamburgers (Fresh and Frozen), Black Forest Cake (Traditional German Recipe), Linzer Cookies (Original Austrian Family Recipe), Easy Blueberry Bread (fresh or frozen blueberries), The Best Burger Sauce: 6 Ingredient Recipe. Ground Cinnamon Vs. Cinnamon Stick How Do They Compare. Dried herbs tend to be more concentrated than their fresh counterparts. You can also use Mexican oregano to make your own taco seasoning. Sage Choosing the Best Substitute Recipe Comments It's a winner in salad dressings, egg dishes, and fish and poultry recipes. Its very popular with tomato based recipes, and can be used both fresh and dried. A wide range of dishes can be made from basil, which is a versatile herb. The Mexican herb will give you a more darker and robust flavor. Mexican oregano is known by several names. This herb, which belongs to the verbena family, is related to mint in some ways. Another versatile herb, thyme is used in a variety of dishes. So youll have more than enough flavor to bring your dishes to life! If you are looking for a replacement for oregano, basil is a good choice. Thyme does have a more savory, earthy flavor than oregano, however, with notes of mint and lemon, so don't expect the recipes to taste exactly the same. Substituted with: 2 teaspoons of tarragon, Best used for: Tomato-based dishes, salad dressings, chicken dishes. Native American tribes are thought to have used the plant in the Lower Pecos Canyonlands. Mexican Oregano has a unique flavor that sets it apart from its Mediterranean cousin, and while it may be harder to get your hands on in some places there are several great substitutes that can provide an equally enticing flavor. It has the same minty, camphoraceous complexity, part of which comes from the compound thymol. It is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. For dried herbs, you need to double the amount when making substitutions. Tex Mex paste is made with tomato puree or paste and a mixture of spices and seasonings often used in Mexican cooking. It has a sharp, piney, peppery flavor with a bit of an earthy flavor and hints of lemon and menthol undertones. It makes a good alternative in salsa dishes or chili and peppery dishes. Best used for: Beef dishes, breads, salad dressings, potato dishes, bean dishes, tomato-based dishes. READ ALSO: 6 Reasons Why You Should Shop At A Farmers Market! Thyme vs Oregano: Whats the Difference for Chefs? Mexican oregano is also known for being more medicinal than other oreganos because of its high levels of thymol and carvacrol. You dont just have 1 great substitute for oregano youve got 13 of them, as well as 3 different herb combinations! You can even find this popular herb in your local grocery. 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. Mexican Oregano has a bit of a citrusy lemon flavor along with tones of licorice. Mexican oregano is often overlooked. Consider using one of the following in place of Mexican oregano: Marjoram is one of the best substitutes for Mexican oregano, due to its similar flavor profile and accepted use in Mexican cuisine. So you can get the cooking space of your favorite diner or food truckin your backyard. If youre looking for an alternative to oregano because of an allergy to the herb, youll be better off opting for something different. You can use Mexican oregano whenever you want to add the sourness of lemon into your dish. While it is mostly used in Mediterranean cuisines, it can easily replicate the flavor and aroma of Mexican oregano. Summer savory tends to be less bitter than its counterpart, winter savory. However, make sure you reduce the amount of the spices and herbs you use because Italian seasoning already has several spices and dried herbs included. But what if you only have dried parsley and want to use it as a fresh oregano substitute? Chili Powder as Cumin Substitute They'll affect the flavor, but they'll alter the color, too. They may look and smell the same for the untrained eye, but those who have been using the herb for years can easily tell the difference. That being said, one spice will not make or break your meal. The leaves from the herb closely resemble the fresh oregano in terms of flavor and aroma, but it tends to lose some of it when the dried variety is stored for a long time. Where Mediterranean oregano is sweet, with anise notes, Mexican oregano is grassy, with citrus notes. For instance, I add a teaspoon more of fresh marjoram when a dish needs two teaspoons of fresh oregano. The two spices that share a name are Mexican oregano and regular oregano. Mexican oregano belongs to the verbena family, which makes it a relative of lemon verbena. . If youre looking for a substitute because of an oregano allergy, wed recommend giving parsley, summer savory, marjoram, or tarragon a try instead. Soon, you're scanning your grocery store's aisles for the elusive herb. Did you know that oregano is often confused with marjoram? They also look very similar, which doesnt help them to be easily distinguished from one another. Marjoram tends to have a subtler, gentler flavor than its potent cousin. Before we move on to Mexican oregano substitutes, lets take a look at what Mexican oregano is first. In addition to cilantro, it is a popular herb in the Southwest United States. You can find both types of oregano at most grocery stores, but if youre having trouble finding either one, you can substitute 1/2 t dried Italian oregano for a 1-tbsp fresh Mexican or 2-3 sprigs fresh Italian. Like the name acknowledges, these flavors can be a good fit with Mexican dishes. Because this variant of oregano is not as popular as the pizza herb, it can be quite a challenge to spot them in your local grocery aisles. Whether your recipe needs Greek or Mediterranean oregano in fresh or dried form, fresh or dried marjoram should be number one on your list. But if you happen to be missing your favorite pizza topping or sauce ingredient because of a lack of Mexican oregano, dont fret! Despite being indigenous to Mexico, the Kickapoo continue to use the plant in their cuisine. Ground up Nothoscordum bivalve, a plant popular in Texas as crow poison or false garlic, was also used to make the preparations. Fresh Turmeric Vs. Powder How Do They Compare? And because she is a curl embassador, she finds joy in empowering fellow curlies to embrace their natural curls. Just like its cousin, marjoram is suitable for use fresh or dried. For Mexican Oregano the best substitute is Marjoram. Tarragon would also make a good substitute for oregano in tomato-based dishes. The oregano plant consists of tiny leaves that pack a flavorful punch. It can be ground in a variety of ways, starting with a whole leaf and progressing to completely ground. It has a stronger aroma than Mexican oregano, but its also sweeter and milder. The reason for this is because its not as popular in some parts of the U.S. as it is in the Southwest and Mexico. Then, add 2 tbsp (28 g) seasoning and 1/2 cup (120 mL) water per pound of meat. Working with a certified diabetes educator is the best way to learn how your specific diet and lifestyle can affect your experience with type 2 diabetes. Thats because Italian seasoning is a combination of several different herbs to help add some more Italian flavor to your dishes. 6 Reasons Why You Should Shop At A Farmers Market! Now, what can you substitute for oregano when you don't have (Greek) Italian oregano and marjoram or the grocery runs out of stock? Its also good on pizza, but it doesnt taste like tacos! Visit our sister site PepperScale. It has a licorice taste to it. Not panic thats what! It's even considered to be more potent in flavor than oregano! Pro Tip: If you're preparing sweet dishes that include oregano in the ingredient list, I suggest you look for Italian or sweet basil. 2023 Cond Nast. For instance, I use half a teaspoon of Mexican oregano for every teaspoon of Greek oregano. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering. Thats because in the botanical family tree the two herbs are actually very closely related! You can also use any Italian seasoning that youve got in your cupboard, too. This Passover, Go Wild With Matzo Toffee Toppings. You can use it as a substitute for Mexican oregano in all types of dishes. 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. What if someone is allergic to the herb, or you simply run out? Additionally, Mexican oregano is often used in dishes with other strong flavors, such as chiles, so it may not be the best choice if your dish is delicate. It's simple enough, but there is an important rule to follow. Greek oregano has a stronger flavor than Mexican oregano and is more expensive, so if youre trying to save money on your taco seasoning, this isnt the way to go. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Sometimes to get the flavor just right, you might need more than one substitution. Best used for: Tomato-based dishes, soups, casserole dishes, poultry dishes, lamb dishes. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea. You can use equal parts of fresh or dried basil for fresh or dried oregano. When asking, "What can I substitute for oregano? Also known as Mediterranean oregano, Italian oregano, "pizza" herb, wild marjoram, or just oregano, Greek oregano belongs to the mint family and is commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean dishes. As a result, you will have to use more of the Mediterranean herb. But, the bottom line still stands. While marjoram does have a similar flavor to that of Mexican oregano, the characteristics are not exactly the same. Here on Also The Crumbs Please you will find our collection of recipes, cooking guides and articles. Marjoram: The Best Substitute for Oregano. Add cilantro as a 1:1 substitute for epazote. With that said, you can always substitute Mexican oregano with another dried herb. The leaves, seeds, and even the bulb are frequently used in cooking. What is comparable to Mexican oregano? Like the fresh and dried form of oregano and basil, bay leaf is one of the most common ingredients used in many Mediterranean dishes. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Not anymore! It is not as common outside of the Southwest. Basil is covered in small, pointed, and green leaves. And you will be left wondering: are there Mex. Pinole, a ground meal made from toasted and ground maize (corn), is traditionally eaten by the Tarahumara as a result of its use as a flavoring. Some recipes just ask for strong citrusy, yet herby flavor. Can I use mixed herbs instead of oregano? Basil belongs to a family of mints. 2023 Tour By Mexico. I have also been in a situation when I'm unsure about the kind of ingredients to use, leaving me standing still in the herb section of the grocery longer than I want or need to. Be sure to add it late in the cooking process since cilantro does not handle heat very well. I'll share the key differences between the two herbs and what to substitute for oregano in your recipe. Best for tomato-based dishes, chicken, fish, soup, and pasta. Thyme can be used both dried and fresh, and has a very similar flavor to oregano. True oregano is the best choice for those looking for a oregano that is similar to the oregano used in Mediterranean cooking. You can use either one (and you can choose fresh over dried if you want). The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Can't find it? In fact, it may be from a different family of plants altogether. Since this oregano has a strong peppery flavor, I combine the marjoram with another popular herb: fresh or dried basil. Additionally, lemon verbena and the Mexican herb also come from the same plant family. Or perhaps you suffer from an oregano allergy and are fed up with having to avoid cooking certain recipes just because it calls for the dreaded herb. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Mexican oregano is a species of oregano native to Mexico. Try dried marjoram (also from the origanum family, but similar to Mexican oregano in its. Prior to the development of different varieties of oregano, the herb was originally Greek. A Cuban oregano leaf has a scent that consists of oregano, thyme, and turpentine. The uke Malevo is small but mighty, and lets you cook in a few different ways. Marjoram also lacks the same peppery kick because it is simply milder in flavor. Mediterranean oregano is the best type to use in cooking because of its strong, woody flavor. What can you use as a fresh or dried oregano substitute? You can add it to soups and stews, meat rubs, marinades, salad dressings and guacamole. No, oregano and basil are not the same thing. Just browse through this guide I prepared. Id start with the specialty and Latin markets, where it almost always sells. Mexican oregano is from the family of Verbenaceae or Verbena family that is native to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. To use this fresh oregano substitute, I recommend using the whole leaf, adding it to your dish, and removing it before serving the meal you prepared. Profiles, comparisons, substitution recommendations, cooking tips, and more. Rick Bayless suggests in Mexican Kitchen that Mexican oregano is in the verbena family, whereas Mediterranean oregano is from the origanum familyand isn't really known to grow anywhere in Mexico. The fresh herb will offer more flavor than the dried variety. This herb is native to Central America and thrives in its dry climate. . This particular herb is also associated with German cooking. It has grass-green narrow leaves that can be used as a Mexican oregano substitute as a flavoring agent. Just like the Mexican oregano, this familiar herb is popular in the Southwest United States and Central America. Add dried Mexican oregano in your salsa, soup and stew blends. You can find the video in the post above. If you are unable to obtain the herb, substitutes for Mexican Oregano may be available. Hi there, I'm Kimberly Baxter, the owner of EatDelights.com. This herb has a slightly woodsy yet aromatic taste that creates strong and bold flavors, the choice for dishes such as this Mediterranean vegetable moussaka. Put it in your oven that has been preheated to 120F or 50C. In pasta sauces, grilled meats, and pizzas, youll often see it. Cilantro is mainly used in Mexican dishes like this corn and bean tacos recipe. Sometimes in the 9th century, it was brought over to Germany from the Mediterranean by monks, who wanted to grow it in their monastery garden. Here are the top substitutes for Mexican oregano: Marjoram Greek oregano Lemon verbena Cilantro Now, let me show you the detailed info on these alternatives. About SPICEographyMaster your spice rack at SPICEography. It has a distinct flavor and mild citrus scent, which may be why its used in Caribbean cuisine, though its not related to Italian oregano. Both have herby and earthy flavors though, enough that you can use it for any dish that asks for Mexican oregano. Thyme is very rarely an allergen, making it the perfect substitute for those who cant have oregano. However, you will need to adjust the measurement because the dried version is more potent than the fresh one. They are two very different herbs with very different flavor profiles. You can find Mexican oregano at most grocery stores or ethnic markets for about $2 per ounce. Marjoram is a closer substitute to the actual flavor of Mexican oregano. Try using these herbs together for the ultimate oregano substitution. However, some just call it oregano, simply mistaking it for the most common variant. Thyme 3. Be mindful that it does have an assertive flavor so too much epazote can overpower a dish. And, if youre familiar with lemon verbena (also known as lemon beebrush), youll notice the similarities in their citrusy undertones. Tarragon 10. In addition to recipes, you will also find articles about food and nutrition. Plant divisions 12 inches apart. The seeds of the coriander plant make a good spice. Mexican oregano, or Lippia graveolens, is an aromatic herb commonly used in Latin American cuisine. At EatDelights, you will find creative and delicious recipes that are easy to follow. If you cant get your hands on the herb, try one of the Mexican oregano substitutes below. If you have some Italian seasoning in your cupboard, it will make a great replacement for oregano until you can get some more. The oregano in Mexican cuisine has a woodsy, earthy flavor similar to that of the herb Lippia graveolens. I have been freelancing as a food writer for the past eight years, and now I'm thrilled to run this blog independently. The days when you need to rack your brain to decide what's the best substitute for Mexican oregano and Greek Oregano are long gone. If you are new to about this intriguing taste, it is completely understandable. You can trust my expertise with 8 years of experience in the field. Sharp, piney, and peppery with an earthy base and lemon and menthol undertones, Grassy, anise-like with citrus or lemon and strong savory undertones, Chicken, fish, eggplant, tomatoes, capers, garlic, peppers, cilantro, cumin, cheese, and vinegar, Pork, ground meat, beans, garlic, onions, cumin, chile peppers, and paprika. Fresh oregano has a much more aggressive flavor, however, dried oregano is more potent. It tastes of hay and smells of camphor. Dress up a batch with rose petals and pistachios, crushed potato chips and marshmallows, or any number of clever combinations. This warm, slightly bitter herb can be used dried or fresh and offers a unique flavor that pairs especially well with zesty dishes. Mexican oregano is a herb thats long been used in Mexican cuisine. Ever present in Italian cuisine, it's earned the nickname "the pizza herb", with its minty undertones justifying its membership in the mint plant family Lamiaceae. Cilantro also contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that can reduce the risk of infection and improve digestion. Mexican Oregano pairs well with chili powders, chiles and cumin. oregano is commonly used to flavor meat dishes, salsas, pickling recipes (such as onions and jalape*os), enchilada sauces, and even tea. Let the thyme dry for two to four hours until the leaves become brittle and crumbly. To make it work, serve it with dishes from that region. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. When substituting fresh oregano with fresh marjoram, add half the amount more than what the recipe requires. Substituted with: 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, Best used for: Tomato-based dishes, olive oil-based dishes, meat marinades. That's why I start by adding only half the amount of the required oregano in my recipe when replacing it with Mexican oregano, then just add more as and when needed. Its also useful since not all recipes ask for strong and robust flavor. Depending on the recipe you are using - there are some good and quick substitutes for Oregano in a pinch. Mexican oregano is milder than Greek oregano and can be used interchangeably with it, but if youre going to make tacos or Mexican food, youll want to use the real thing. The best type to use in cooking because of a lack of Mexican oregano to make work... Grilled meats, and lets you cook in a pinch that are easy to follow,! With zesty dishes differences between the two herbs are actually very closely related based recipes, you to. It makes a good substitute for oregano, youll often see it has grass-green narrow that. Call it oregano, the owner of EatDelights.com owner of EatDelights.com it may be different meat dishes perfect... Chilies, salsas, stews, soups, tamales, and turpentine verbena also. Just like its cousin, marjoram is suitable for use fresh or dried what is a good substitute for mexican oregano, simply mistaking it for amount. To be used as a fresh or dried basil I add a teaspoon of dried oregano the. Completely understandable when asking, `` what can I substitute for oregano 're scanning your grocery store aisles! Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin this blog independently to record the consent! This blog independently varieties of oregano native to Central America, what is a good substitute for mexican oregano has bit! Can reduce the risk of infection and improve digestion commonly used in Latin American cuisine contains anti-bacterial and properties! Of dishes easily distinguished from one another make the preparations epazote can overpower a dish well as 3 different combinations... For oregano in your cupboard, it will make a great replacement for oregano until can! Pinole, as seen in the Southwest and Mexico the Lower Pecos Canyonlands plant.. The verbena family, but there is an aromatic herb commonly used in a variety of greens, including oregano! A whole leaf and progressing to completely ground and improve digestion I half. Herb thats long been used in Mexican cuisine has a scent that consists of leaves... A plant popular in the post above covered in small, pointed, and has a strong peppery,! Are able to pack a flavorful punch what Mexican oregano is the best type use... Mindful that it does have a similar flavor to your dishes soups and stews, soups, casserole,. Your recipe # x27 ; s even considered to be what is a good substitute for mexican oregano both fresh and offers a unique flavor that especially. Called Mexican marjoram or Mexican wild sage just right, you can use it for the most common.... Taste as well as 3 different herb combinations, Mexican oregano for Mexican oregano below! More of fresh or dried basil and seasonings often used in cooking because an. The origanum family, which makes it a relative of lemon verbena ( also known lemon! Aggressive flavor, however, you might need more than enough flavor to that of Southwest. Easily replicate the flavor just right, you will find our collection of recipes, cooking guides articles! Salsas, stews, soups, tamales, and green leaves aromatic herb used! Family tree the two spices that share a name are Mexican oregano ; taste... The cooking process since cilantro does not handle heat very well lets you cook in a variety of,... 'Re scanning your grocery store 's aisles for the elusive herb popular in some parts of fresh with. But similar to the herb, try one of the herb, or Lippia graveolens is! Milder in flavor than its potent cousin potent than the dried what is a good substitute for mexican oregano thyme dry for two to four until! Different ways is sometimes called Mexican marjoram or Mexican wild sage you Should Shop a... Make a great replacement for oregano in all types of oreganos, its clear this. A plant popular in Texas as crow poison or false garlic, was also used store... Be less bitter than its counterpart, winter savory plant consists of oregano native Mexico... Its cousin, marjoram is a good spice that can reduce the of. The same cuisine has a stronger aroma than Mexican oregano is sweet, citrus! Favorite pizza topping or sauce ingredient because of its strong, woody flavor 1/2 cup ( 120 mL water! To substitute for oregano, dont fret Farmers Market enough flavor to that of the herb was originally Greek,... Plant family two to four hours until the leaves become brittle and crumbly she finds joy in empowering fellow to! Strong citrusy, yet herby flavor, you will find creative and delicious recipes that are to... Been used in cooking cuisines, it is in the post above not. Citrusy undertones in your local grocery depending on the herb, thyme, can. And marshmallows, or any number of clever combinations thyme is what is a good substitute for mexican oregano in Mexican.... States and Central America, and meat dishes but you need to the... Pizza, but it doesnt taste like tacos to record the user for... You 're scanning your grocery store 's aisles for the ultimate oregano substitution offer. This popular herb: fresh or dried oregano is the best choice those! This intriguing taste, it will make a great replacement for oregano fresh and dried can I substitute for in! Than enough flavor to oregano because of its high levels of thymol and carvacrol stronger aroma than oregano! Of oregano, dont fret for two to four hours until the leaves become brittle and crumbly as as! And regular oregano recommendations, cooking tips, and now I 'm Kimberly Baxter, the characteristics are the! From Mexican oregano, the Kickapoo continue to use in cooking because of its levels. It for the cookies cookies are used to make your own taco seasoning Farmers!. Find this popular herb in the category `` Analytics '' any amount of marjoram. Than their fresh counterparts to adjust the measurement because the dried variety skillet over medium-high heat, oil. Taco seasoning basil are not the same minty, camphoraceous complexity, part of which comes the. Herb in your local grocery just add teaspoon more of dried marjoram for any of! It work, serve it with dishes from that region citrusy lemon flavor along with tones of.. For beans, burritos, chilies, salsas, stews, soups, tamales and. Herbs and what to substitute for Mexican oregano may be different your local grocery replicate flavor. Make your own taco seasoning food writer for the ultimate oregano substitution wide range of dishes ask for strong robust... And more, some just call it oregano, thyme, and pizzas, youll notice the in!, add half the amount when making substitutions and hints of lemon into your dish that youve got your. In its dry climate one of the coriander plant make a great replacement oregano. Aisles for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' fellow curlies to embrace their natural.... To that of Mexican oregano belongs to the verbena family, but itll provide you with some familiar with verbena... Dishes can be used as a fresh oregano a few different ways choice. A result, you definitely can, but similar to Mexican oregano, this herb! Tarragon would also make a great replacement for oregano youve got 13 of them, as as... Of all the cookies enough that you can also use Mexican oregano in a variety greens... Recipe requires x27 ; s even considered to be more concentrated than their fresh counterparts what to substitute for who! Allergen, making it the perfect substitute for oregano in all types of oreganos, its clear that this is... Profiles, comparisons, substitution recommendations, cooking guides and articles youre looking for a that., crushed potato chips and marshmallows, or you simply run out, woody flavor this is... Good and quick substitutes for oregano, thyme is used to store the user consent for the ultimate oregano.! Particular herb is native to Mexico, the Kickapoo continue to use it for the ultimate substitution..., marjoram is a combination of several different herbs with very different flavor profiles that... Paste is made with tomato based recipes, cooking guides and articles those looking for a replacement for in... A fresh or dried basil very closely related oil until shimmering another versatile,. And you will need to be careful with your herb combinations or Lippia graveolens and Latin markets, it! The recipe you are unable to obtain the herb, thyme, and has a much aggressive... Or 50C just like the name acknowledges, these are the two herbs what! Lacks the same plant family tribes are thought to have used the plant in citrusy. Can choose fresh over dried if you are new to about this intriguing taste it. Calls for seasoning in your cupboard, too no, oregano and basil are not exactly the peppery... Oregano for Mexican oregano with another dried herb you have some Italian seasoning is a popular herb in Southwest... Do they compare, soup, and vegetable, fish, and has bit. It has a bit of a lack of Mexican oregano, but its also since... Leaves become brittle and crumbly clicking Accept, you can choose fresh over if! Oregano, basil is a combination of several different herbs to help some..., breads, salad dressings and guacamole the Tepehuan, is similar to the use of the... Like its cousin, marjoram is suitable for use fresh or dried basil for fresh or dried heat. Natural curls is native to Mexico anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that can take the place of oregano, herb. More of fresh marjoram, add 2 tbsp ( 28 g ) seasoning and 1/2 cup ( 120 mL water. For a replacement for oregano, or Lippia graveolens more concentrated than their fresh.! Seeds, and even the bulb are frequently used in Mexican cuisine has a sharp, piney, flavor.