What Spices Are In Mexican Oregano?

Mexican oregano is an underrated and often mistaken herb. 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.

How is Mexican oregano different than regular oregano?

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. Where Mediterranean oregano is sweet, with anise notes, Mexican oregano is grassy, with citrus notes.

What is a substitute for Mexican oregano?

Marjoram is the best Mexican oregano substitute. Marjoram is a better substitute for Mexican oregano than even Greek oregano is because the flavor profile is more similar. According to Isabel eats Mexican Oregano is sometimes referred to as Mexican Marjoram or Mexican wild sage.

What are the 3 main ingredients used in most Mexican cooking?

But, keeping in mind the country’s unique culinary traditions, it’s fair to say that Mexican cuisine depends on three core staples: corn, beans, and chiles.

Why is Mexican oregano better?

Mexican oregano has lemon and citrus flavors as well as some tones of licorice. These flavors are a better fit with Mexican dishes. It is often found in chili and salsas because it pairs beautifully with spicy chile peppers.

Can I substitute oregano for Mexican oregano?

You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano, but the taste may be different from what you’re looking for. Mexican oregano, in fact, tends to be stronger and earthier, so less is more if you’re substituting it for traditional oregano.

Is Mexican oregano spicy?

Mexican oregano has similar undertones or base flavor as Mediterranean oregano but that’s where the flavor similarities stop. You’ll find it to have a mild licorice taste in addition to a vague citrus flavor. It is generally used in conjunction with other Mexican spices like cumin and chili peppers.

Where do I find Mexican oregano?

Luckily, Mexican oregano is easy to find. In the U.S. it’s supplied by staple grocery store brands like McCormick and Badia as well as most Mexican and Latin American grocers and online retailers like Curio Spice Co., the Spice House, and Rancho Gordo. So grab a jar when you see one!

What’s the closest spice to oregano?

Thyme
Thyme (fresh only).
The best oregano substitute for the fresh herb? Fresh thyme. Fresh thyme and oregano look very similar, and they do have a similar flavor in their fresh states. This is a great substitute if you’re using it for a garnish.

What spices make food taste Mexican?

The most commonly used flavors in Mexican cooking are garlic, onion, and chipotle powder (roasted jalapeños that have been dried and ground). The most commonly used herbs and spices in Mexican cooking include cilantro, chili powder, Mexican oregano, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, anise, cocoa powder, and epazote.

How do you make real Mexican flavor?

How to Make Your Mexican Food More Authentic

1. 01 of 10. Take Advantage of All the Cilantro.
2. 02 of 10. Use Lots of Freshly-Squeezed Lime Juice.
3. 03 of 10. Flavor with Real Pork Lard.
4. 04 of 10. Recycle Leftover Salsa, Sauce, or Mole.
5. 05 of 10. Boost Flavor with Dry Roasting.
6. 06 of 10. Let the Flavors Speak.
7. 07 of 10.
8. 08 of 10.

What is the main spice in Mexican food?

With garlic and onions as the savory cornerstone, the most common Mexican spices and herbs are coriander, allspice, cloves, thyme, Mexican oregano, Mexican cinnamon (ceylon), cumin and cacao which showcase the breadth of Mexican food.

Is oregano an anti inflammatory?

Essential oils of oregano are widely recognized for their antimicrobial activity, as well as their antiviral and antifungal properties. Nevertheless, recent investigations have demonstrated that these compounds are also potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and cancer suppressor agents.

Can I use Mexican oregano in spaghetti sauce?

Although Mexican and Italian oregano can be used interchangeably, it isn’t a great idea for some recipes. For example, a sweet tomato sauce benefits from a sprinkle of regular oregano but if you add the Mexican version it will dominate the dish.

Can you use Mexican oregano in chili?

Finely chop chipotles and pour into chili pot with Adobo Sauce. Cook on medium for 15 minutes. Stir in Chili Powder, Chile Con Carne, Paprika, Cumin, Mexican Oregano.

Why is Mexican oregano different?

Mexican Oregano is from a different plant, indigenous to Mexico, and maintains a more woodsy, earthy flavor than Mediterranean Oregano. Mediterranean Oregano, Origanum vulgare, is part of the mint family. Mexican Oregano, Lippia graveolens, is more closely related to the vervain family than to mint.

What is the botanical name for Mexican oregano?

But then along comes yet another wonderful oregano wannabe: Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens)—also called orégano in Spanish—a member of the Verbenaceae, or verbena family. Little known in North America, this “oregano” is a great acquisition for plant collectors and herb gardeners alike.

Is Mexican oregano the same as cilantro?

Cilantro. Just like the Mexican oregano, this familiar herb is popular in the Southwest United States and Central America. Cilantro is mainly used in Mexican dishes like this corn and bean tacos recipe. The Mexican herb will give you a more darker and robust flavor.

What is oregano good for?

Oregano contains chemicals that might help reduce cough. Oregano also might help with digestion and with fighting against some bacteria and viruses. People use oregano for wound healing, parasite infections, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Is Mexican oregano the same as epazote?

Mexican oregano is not the same as Epazote. The two herbs come from different plants and they have different flavor profiles. The leaves of Epazote have a scent that is like turpentine or creosote. The flavor of Epazote is citrus, savory, and minty.

What type of spice is oregano?

herb
Oregano is a perennial and aromatic herb that comes from the mint family. It is native to the Mediterranian and Southwestern & Western Eurasia. The herb is known for its distinct flavour and intense fragrance. It is widely popular in Italian, Greek and Mediterranean cooking.