Is it marjoram or oregano?

[Vince]

http://www.sallybernstein.com/food/columns/gilbert/oregano.htm

When a recipe calls for marjoram do you use oregano? Marjorams are variety of oregano's. So how do I know which oregano to use if they just say "use marjoram?"

After reading more, I find that marjoram has a more minty taste, more citrusy. Anyone here ever used marjoram in a recipe?

 

[migtig]

I use marjoram for some things, oregano for others. I grow both and they even look different to me.

I find oregano is more in Italian dishes and marjoram is more in Greek and Middle Eastern dishes.

I find marjoram more closely tied flavorwise to mint than oregano, at least in my opinion. It seems sweeter, more delicate and light.

It's not an herb to dump in a stew or sauce and expect it to stand out.

 

[Vince]

Maybe good with chicken, but then I'm not a big fan of minty flavor in food.

 

[migtig]

Maybe good with chicken, but then I'm not a big fan of minty flavor in food.

It's great with chicken a perfect pairing. It doesn't taste "minty" it just seems to be a closer flavor pairing than oregano to me. Light, a little sweet, and a bit hard to describe. Taste it first on some creamy goat cheese or even on some scrambled eggs or both. YUM! I love it fresh, but dried I actually use a lot of herbs de provedance (sp?) and that has marjoram and lavender together. Now that is a fabulous flavor combo.

 

[Vince]

It's great with chicken a perfect pairing. It doesn't taste "minty" it just seems to be a closer flavor pairing than oregano to me. Light, a little sweet, and a bit hard to describe. Taste it first on some creamy goat cheese or even on some scrambled eggs or both. YUM! I love it fresh, but dried I actually use a lot of herbs de provedance (sp?) and that has marjoram and lavender together. Now that is a fabulous flavor combo.

Have to give it a try. Never knew what it was much less keep any on hand to cook with.