Herb. No. 106 · Lamiaceae
Sweet marjoram of the eastern Mediterranean; a tender kitchen annual north of the frost line.
Native · Mediterranean
Native Also grownNow a garden plant worldwide
OpenGentleplant
Sweet marjoram
Origanum majorana
Oregano’s sweeter kitchen cousin — a tender Mediterranean mint for digestion and a quiet evening cup.
Marjoram is the milder Origanum. Traditional European use is as a digestive and a gentle nervine tea after supper. Culinary leaf is the daily form. It is tender where oregano is hardy — treat it as an annual north of the frost line, or a pot you walk indoors. Essential oil is not a beverage.
Flavor
Sweet, floral, pine-camphor without oregano’s heat.
Parts used
Leaf · Flowering tops
In favor
- Sweeter than oregano
- Dries well
Against
- Frost-tender
- Oil is not tea