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What is Marjoram?

Mary Elizabeth
Mary Elizabeth
Mary Elizabeth
Mary Elizabeth

Marjoram is a perennial herb in the mint family that grows wild in the Mediterranean region. It is used primarily as seasoning in cooked dishes but is also found in beauty and health care products. Often mistaken for oregano, marjoram is frequently called by many different names, including sweet marjoram, knotted marjoram, joy of the mountains, and wintersweet. The current scientific name for this plant, Origanum majorana, is sometimes used interchangeably with its previous name, Majorana hortensis.

Culinary Uses

Dried marjoram leaves.
Dried marjoram leaves.

A bittersweet, mild spice, marjoram is common in German and Polish cooking, where it is an important part of the spice mixture for sausage. It is also found in the popular English dish of roast goose with chestnut stuffing. In French cooking, it's often included in mixtures of dried herbs called herbes de Provence, and in Italy and Greece, it is often used in sauces and meat dishes. Marinades, salad dressings, and soups can all benefit from this herb. Bouquet garnis, or bundles of fresh herbs, often include marjoram.

Fresh marjoram leaves.
Fresh marjoram leaves.

Both fresh and dried leaves can be used, and marjoram keeps its flavor well when dried. The fresh herb is usually found in the produce section of the grocery store. Either thyme or oregano can be used as substitutes, although their flavors tend to be a bit stronger, so cooks may want to use a bit less than the recipe calls for.

Health and Beauty Uses

Marjoram is used as a treatment for insomnia and stress.
Marjoram is used as a treatment for insomnia and stress.

Marjoram is used in body care products, including skin cream, bath bars, body lotion, body wash, and shaving gel. Since the leaves are aromatic, their oils are often added to scent these products. The essential oil is also found in aromatherapy treatments, where it is said to be warming and spicy, and to provide a soothing effect. It is often recommended as a treatment for insomnia and stress.

Tea made from marjoram might ease nausea.
Tea made from marjoram might ease nausea.

Eugenol, a compound found in this herb, has antiseptic and anesthetic properties, meaning that it kills germs and can numb sensation. It can also act as an anti-inflammatory, relieving swelling. Although this compound is present in relatively small amounts in marjoram, the plant is used by some people to treat inflammation and help with digestion; it may be used as a tea to help relieve both flatulence and nausea. Marjoram may also relieve cramps and increase menstrual flow; therefore, most experts recommend that medicinal quantities not be taken during pregnancy.

Gardening

Marjoram is occasionally mistaken for oregano because they taste similar.
Marjoram is occasionally mistaken for oregano because they taste similar.

The plant can grow to about 12 to 18 inches (30.5 to 46 cm) tall and has green, rounded leaves that give off a pleasant, piney fragrance. The small clusters of flowers, ranging from pink to lavender, normally bloom in July. Once the flowers bud, the leaves can be harvested and used for cooking or medicines. Fresh leaves can be dried by spreading them in a cool, well-ventilated place.

The essential oils of the marjoram plant are used in aromatherapy.
The essential oils of the marjoram plant are used in aromatherapy.

Although marjoram is a perennial, meaning that it lives for several years, it usually does not survive cold temperatures. It's native to the Mediterranean region, and does best with hot, relatively dry summers and very mild winters. As a result, it must usually be replanted each year if it's grown outside in cooler places. Marjoram can be grown in pots, however, and moved indoors when the temperature drops. It prefers full sun, well-drained soil, and room to spread.

Marjoram vs. Oregano

Rustic French chicken stew with marjoram and black olives.
Rustic French chicken stew with marjoram and black olives.

There is a great deal of confusion between marjoram and oregano. They are related plants, but are two different species. They also taste similar, although oregano often has a stronger flavor, and both contain high amounts of antioxidants. To make it even more confusing, cretan oregano, O. onites, is also called French or pot marjoram and Greek oregano, O. vulgare, is often called wild marjoram.

Despite the many similarities, they are not the same plant. Oregano is a hardy perennial that is taller than the more cold-sensitive marjoram. Marjoram also prefers a moister soil.

Historical Significance

Some people have suggested that hyssop, mentioned in the Passover ritual for marking the door posts and in John 19:29, was actually Egyptian marjoram (O. maru). In Greek and Roman culture, the herb symbolized wealth and happiness and was often used to make wreaths. The plant is also mentioned in Shakespeare’s Sonnet 99, in which the speaker reproves various flowering plants for having stolen their best elements from his love.

Mary Elizabeth
Mary Elizabeth

Mary Elizabeth is passionate about reading, writing, and research, and has a penchant for correcting misinformation on the Internet. In addition to contributing articles to DelightedCooking about art, literature, and music, Mary Elizabeth is a teacher, composer, and author. She has a B.A. from the University of Chicago’s writing program and an M.A. from the University of Vermont, and she has written books, study guides, and teacher materials on language and literature, as well as music composition content for Sibelius Software.

Learn more...
Mary Elizabeth
Mary Elizabeth

Mary Elizabeth is passionate about reading, writing, and research, and has a penchant for correcting misinformation on the Internet. In addition to contributing articles to DelightedCooking about art, literature, and music, Mary Elizabeth is a teacher, composer, and author. She has a B.A. from the University of Chicago’s writing program and an M.A. from the University of Vermont, and she has written books, study guides, and teacher materials on language and literature, as well as music composition content for Sibelius Software.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

burcinc

@burcidi-- I just started using a new skincare routine which has marjoram essential oil in it and I love it!

I had no idea before I came across this skincare line that marjoram has value for skincare. Apparently, marjoram has a brightening quality and some skincare brands have started putting it in their products.

Both my face cream and my eye cream have marjoram and I have really seen a difference. It's great for puffy eyes and dark circles.

burcidi

Is anyone using any skincare products with marjoram in it?

Do you think it works?

fBoyle

@anon278954-- It smells just like oregano!

I know oregano and marjoram are not the same thing but I honestly can't tell the difference. They look the same, smell the same, taste the same. You can interchange them in any recipe and it won't make any difference.

That's what I do all the time. I usually buy whichever is cheaper and when I'm cooking I use whatever I get my hand on first in my herbs and spices drawer.

anon278954

What does marjoram smell like?

anon246419

Marjoram is one of the main herbs in Polish cuisine. Different kinds of Polska kielbasa uses marjoram and summer savory. Other marjoram uses includes Polish sour soup called żurek, bean and pea soups (zupa fasolowa, zupa grochowa), rotisserie chicken (kurczak z rożna) different oven roasted meats. It is as commonly used as sage in the US.

anon65667

Can this herb trigger hives? We had pizza with this herb and trying to figure out the allergic reaction after that.

sputnik

Marjoram must be one of the oldest known herbs. It is easily grown, and in the garden, it has beneficial effect on other plants.

It improves growth and flavor of plants growing nearby. In the Middle Ages it was an invaluable herb because it has preserving and disinfectant qualities.

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    • Dried marjoram leaves.
      Dried marjoram leaves.
    • Fresh marjoram leaves.
      Fresh marjoram leaves.
    • Marjoram is used as a treatment for insomnia and stress.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Marjoram is used as a treatment for insomnia and stress.
    • Tea made from marjoram might ease nausea.
      By: ftlaudgirl
      Tea made from marjoram might ease nausea.
    • Marjoram is occasionally mistaken for oregano because they taste similar.
      By: Taiga
      Marjoram is occasionally mistaken for oregano because they taste similar.
    • The essential oils of the marjoram plant are used in aromatherapy.
      By: dolphfyn
      The essential oils of the marjoram plant are used in aromatherapy.
    • Rustic French chicken stew with marjoram and black olives.
      By: Joe Gough
      Rustic French chicken stew with marjoram and black olives.