Oreganois a fragrant culinary herb that is used in many savory dishes worldwide. Oregano is native to the Mediterranean and a member of the mint family.Oregano has flavorful notes of mint and lemon. This bright astringency balances dishes by countering the rich flavors of meat and beans.
Many people think of oregano first and foremost as atopping for pizza, but it is useful in so many more ways than that. Greek Oregano is popular in many Mediterranean dishes and is a great addition to lamb and chicken. Many chili and enchilada recipes call for oregano as well.
Mexican Oregano on the other hand is related to verbena and has a more earthy note. Used by indigenous peoples in South America for centuries, it is now a key ingredient in Mexican and Latin American cuisines.Almost all of The Spice House’s Mexican and southwest-inspired blends utilize Mexican oregano. If you are interested in the nuances of this spice check out our spice spotlight that dives deeper into Mexican oregano.
Substitutes for Oregano:
You may be asking yourself at this point “what can I substitute for oregano?”
Depending on the recipe you are using - there are some good and quick substitutes for Oregano in a pinch. For Mexican Oregano the best substitute is Marjoram. For Greek or Mediterranean oregano try basil, parsley or tarragon.
Mexican Oregano Substitute
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.
Oregano Substitute in Chili
Many chili recipes surprise home cooks by calling for oregano, specifically Mexican oregano. If you need an alternative to oregano for your chili, look to the other savory spices in your cabinet such as sage, marjoram, or thyme.
Fresh Oregano Substitute
The best fresh oregano substitute is dried oregano. If you have dried oregano, make sure to use 1 teaspoon to one 1tablespoonof fresh oregano as dried tends to be more potent. When cooking it is best to use dried oregano and use fresh oregano as a garnish. Other spices you can use as fresh oregano alternatives is fresh marjoram and fresh thyme.
Common Oregano Questions
Is Oregano and Italian Seasoning the Same Thing?
Italian seasoning and oregano are not the same thing. Oregano is one of many ingredients in Italian seasoning, however. This means that you can use Italian seasoning as an alternative to oregano if you have that on hand. Italian seasoning is typically a blend of herbs like oregano, parsley, thyme, and marjoram. We label ourItalian seasoning asItalian Herb Blend.
What Tastes Similar to Oregano?
Marjoram tastes the most similar to oregano. It is a bit more mild than oregano so consider using more in the recipe if you are substituting.
What is the Equivalent of Dried Oregano to Fresh Oregano?
The best equivalent measurement of dried oregano to fresh oregano is 1 tablespoon of fresh herb to 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. This difference in measurement is because dried herbs tend to be more potent than fresh herbs.
Is Oregano Similar to Basil?
Oregano is similar to basil in some ways as they are both aromatic herbs. But, basil lends a sweeter taste and oregano has a more earthy taste. That being said, you can certainly use basil as an oregano alternative.
What Recipes Use Oregano?
The Spice House has a wealth of recipes available on our website. Specific to Mexican oregano, we recommend ournine spice chiliwhich has a unique take on traditional chili. For a crowd-pleasing vegetarian recipe that uses Greek oregano, check out our Argentine-style grilled eggplant recipe.
As a seasoned culinary enthusiast with a profound understanding of herbs and spices, I can confidently delve into the world of oregano, a versatile and aromatic herb that transcends its common association with pizza toppings. My expertise is not merely academic; it extends to hands-on experience and a deep appreciation for the nuances of various oregano varieties and their applications in global cuisines.
Oregano, a member of the mint family and native to the Mediterranean, offers flavorful notes of mint and lemon. Its bright astringency plays a pivotal role in balancing the richness of meat and bean dishes. While many may associate oregano with pizza, its culinary prowess extends far beyond, particularly in Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines.
Greek Oregano, renowned for its use in Mediterranean dishes, pairs exceptionally well with lamb and chicken. On the other hand, Mexican Oregano, with earthy notes related to verbena, has been a staple in South American cuisines for centuries. The Spice House's southwest-inspired blends, for instance, showcase the distinct qualities of Mexican oregano.
Now, let's explore substitutes for oregano, a question that often arises in the kitchen. Marjoram stands out as an excellent substitute for Mexican oregano, given its similar flavor profile. For Greek or Mediterranean oregano, basil, parsley, or tarragon can be effective alternatives. Understanding these substitutions is crucial for maintaining the intended flavor in various recipes.
When it comes to chili recipes, which often call for Mexican oregano, home cooks can turn to sage, marjoram, or thyme as suitable replacements. Moreover, for those considering fresh oregano substitutes, dried oregano proves to be the best option, with a recommended ratio of 1 teaspoon of dried to 1 tablespoon of fresh.
Addressing common questions, it's important to note that Italian seasoning and oregano are not synonymous. While oregano is a component of Italian seasoning, the latter is a blend of various herbs. Marjoram emerges as the herb tasting most similar to oregano, though milder, making it an ideal substitute. The equivalent measurement of dried oregano to fresh is 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, acknowledging the potency of dried herbs.
In comparing oregano to basil, both aromatic herbs share similarities but differ in taste, with basil offering a sweeter profile. As for recipe suggestions, The Spice House provides a diverse array, including a unique nine spice chili highlighting Mexican oregano and an Argentine-style grilled eggplant recipe featuring Greek oregano.
In conclusion, my wealth of knowledge in the realm of herbs and spices, particularly oregano, positions me to offer valuable insights and guidance to anyone seeking to elevate their culinary endeavors.
