Mediterranean
and Mexican oregano are two different plants,
but because they are used
in the same way and have a somewhat similar flavor they are both called
oregano. Mediterranean oregano grows wild on the hilly mountainsides of
southern Europe and is an essential ingredient in so many of the dishes
from the region. For Italian sauces to Greek salads, the sweet,
strong flavor of Mediterranean oregano is perfect. Mexican oregano
is stronger and less sweet, well-suited to the spicy, hot, cumin-flavored
dishes of Mexico and Central America, perfect for chili and salsa. Both
types of oregano should be added in the beginning of cooking, so the
flavor has time to come out and meld with the other flavors of the dish.
