Oregano and Marjoram are often confused or simply considered the same herb. They are not, however. Oregano has long been called wild Marjoram, but scientists have discovered that the two herbs are actually distinct. This is hardly relevant, however, as throughout history the two herbs are used interchangeably.
History of Oregano
Oregano and Marjoram have a history touched by the divine. It is said that Aphrodite, the Greek goddess, created the herb which accounts for its sweet smell and taste. The herb was her favorite, and it was well loved by the Greeks as well.
Oregano grew wild on the hills of ancient Greece, and it was often used for grazing goats and sheep. The sweet herb was believed to make the meat of these animals more tender and delicious. In fact, the name of Oregano is based on the Greek words, oros and ganos. Translated, the two words mean “Joy of the Mountains,” a very suitable name for a delicious wild herb.
Oregano was first noticed in Greece, but was popular throughout Europe as it spread. It was introduced in the Americas by the Spanish as part of colonization, and has flourished in countries such as Mexico and the Southwestern United States.
Using Oregano
There are many uses for Oregano, but the most popular are tomato based dishes. Oregano is used as a fresh sprig or dried for seasoning, and can be purchased at any grocery or cooking store. The overall flavor of the herb is warm and savory, but can be a bit bitter – especially with oregano grown in cooler climates.
Many cooks prefer to grow their own oregano, however. This is possible in pots or an herb garden if you live in a temperate zone. Oregano grown in cooler areas is often bitter, so be sure your garden is warm or consider growing the plant inside.
An alternative method would be to grow oregano using a hydroponic system of gardening. These systems are technologically based and require no soil or direct sunlight, so they can be used anywhere – including your basement or shed.
The Variety of Oregano
Today there are a few popular kinds of oregano. The two most common are Mexican oregano, which developed after the Spanish introduced the plant to the New World, or Mediterranean oregano which has been grown wild and cultivated far longer.
Mexican oregano is stronger in flavor than the Mediterranean variety, but all oregano plants can differ in intensity. Today, most Mediterranean oregano is grown in Italy and Greece, while Mexican oregano is grown in Mexico, California and New Mexico.