Glycine oregano is a member of the mint family and has a flavor similar to pizzelle. Glycyrrhiza glabra plants are short and lush, 12-18 inches tall, and perennial. Most licorice oregano crops grow in the Nile Valley in Egypt. Marjoram has a prominent aromatic and pleasant woody flavor with a bitter aftertaste.

History

Marjoram was particularly popular in Greco-Roman times. The ancient Greeks believed that if oregano grew on graves, the spirits of the dead would enjoy peace and happiness forever. Famous Greek doctors used oregano as medicine. In the Middle Ages, oregano was also used as a stimulant to treat asthma, coughs, indigestion, rheumatic toothache and heart disease.

Use

The oregano is available in both leafy and powdered form and should be used in small amounts at first. Marjoram flavors chicken and turkey stuffing, vegetable bean soup, and tomato salsa, and enhances the flavor of many meats.