Re: [CH] Mexican Oregano vs Med oregano

Michael Bailes (frgntgar@ozemail.com.au)
Sat, 20 Feb 1999 14:29:56 +1100 

At 12:23 AM -0500 11/2/99, Shantihhh@aol.com wrote:
>Coyote
>Howlin' for Habaneros
>
>Dear Coyote et all,
>
>Actually oregano is a flavor not an herb and includes thyme and salvia.
oregano is a famaily of herbs used mostly in cooking
>There is Mediterranean version and then there is the Greek version quite
>different in flavor and intensity!
thre are many different types some not botanically oreganos
>I think the common one is Origanum vulgare which is also called Wild Marjoram.
marjoram is aform of oregano botanically
>Then there is the Italian/Mediterranean Oregano  (Oregano Onites) and the
>Spanish Oregano  (Oregano Virens) and it has roundish apple green leaves.
>
>The one I am referring to is Origanum amaracus dictamnus (Crete Dittany) and
>it is very aromatic and delightful.  Also Origanum heraceoticum is a good
>Greek Oregano.  It's leaves are course, ovate, and hairy.  It is strong,
>earthy aroma and is by far the most flavorful.
>
>Sorry if this is more than you wanted to know.
>
>But IF you haven't grown the true Greek Oregano, please do and you won't be
>disappointed.
Some nurseries here grow a very substandard oregano grown from seed
greek oregano we grow from cuttings. It is probably best to taste before
you buy!

I am often confused by what people call "Mexican Oregano" - having never
been to mexico
we used to grow aflsehy herb called All-Purpose herb " or Cuban Oregano It
is very frost senssitive and we would often losse it over winter.
Botanically it was a coleus.

There is agood herb resource link on the web Maude Grive's "A Modern Herbal"
A bit dated in some ways but good for seaching info on herbs. There is
alink on the links page of my web site.


Michael Bailes.
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