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Marjoram: Sweet & Perfumy Perfection

Marjoram, the overlooked herb, the stepchild to the much more popular Oregano, is now having its time to shine in and out of the kitchen.  There are many similarities between Oregano and Marjoram, which often cause confusion since both have alike aromatic profiles, are low, bushy perennials and are a part of the Mint family.  Within all the mix-up, Marjoram is a unique and widely used herb, with many distinct characteristics that enable it to stand out on its own apart from Oregano.

Marjoram or Origanum majorana comes from the Greek word oros ganos, which translates into "joy of the mountain".  There are three main varieties of Marjoram: Sweet, Mild or Common and Pot Marjoram.  Throughout the world, Marjoram is being used for its sweet pine and citrus flavors enhancing a variety of cuisines, including Mediterranean, Western Asia, Greek, Spain, and Latin America.  The herb itself is indigenous to the Mediterranean and is imported mostly from Egypt. 

Marjoram is said to be a magical herb in many countries and is used for much more than simply seasoning food. Marjoram was first cultivated for its aromatic leaves and was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness and was placed on graves of those departed to enjoy a pleasant afterlife.  An herb with a worldly historical past, Greeks used Marjoram in love spells and potions and was believed that if a girl placed the mystical herb in her bed, Aphrodite would enter her dreams and reveal the identity of her future spouse.  And, the Egyptians would use the herbs fragrant scent to appease the gods in the embalming process.

In today’s kitchen, home or professional, Marjoram, can sometimes be lost due to its delicate and mild profile, but if added at just the last moment of cooking, it sings in almost any dish.  If the herb does receive too much heat, its fragile taste will be destroyed, so be careful when cooking with the herb.  When used properly, it is a wonderful and bright addition in salad dressings, folded into fluffy eggs, has a particular affinity when paired with legumes and is sometimes referred to as the"meat" herb because of its subtle spicy notes.

Outside of the kitchen, Marjoram also has many beneficial healthful and medicinal uses.  The fresh leaves of the herb can be made into an infusion that helps indigestion or digestion of rich foods as well as PMS or menstrual cramps.  You can also take it a step further, by adding the leaves to a bath to help with muscular aches and pains and the essential oils can be used in aromatherapy massage. 

When growing the plant in a home garden, one must remember that the herb thrives with full sun and somewhat dry conditions.  The herb is sensitive to cold weather and will wither and possibly die when exposed to frost, so during the winter months bring the herb inside for reprieve.