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Luxe Prestige Chronicle

mexican oregano substitute

Author

Daniel Johnston

Updated on July 09, 2026

You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano, but the taste may be different from what you’re looking for. Mexican oregano, in fact, tends to be stronger and earthier, so less is more if you’re substituting it for traditional oregano.

Whats the difference between Mexican oregano and regular oregano?

Mexican oregano has similar undertones or base flavor as Mediterranean oregano but that’s where the flavor similarities stop. You’ll find it to have a mild licorice taste in addition to a vague citrus flavor. It is generally used in conjunction with other Mexican spices like cumin and chili peppers.

Is Cilantro the same as Mexican oregano?

Cilantro. Just like the Mexican oregano, this familiar herb is popular in the Southwest United States and Central America. Cilantro is mainly used in Mexican dishes like this corn and bean tacos recipe. The Mexican herb will give you a more darker and robust flavor.

What is Mexican oregano called in English?

But then along comes yet another wonderful oregano wannabe: Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens)—also called orégano in Spanish—a member of the Verbenaceae, or verbena family.

What’s in Mexican oregano?

Mexican Oregano Q & A
What is Mexican Oregano? Mexican oregano comes from the Lippia graveolens plant, an herb that is related to lemon verbena. What is a good substitute for Mexican Oregano? Other varieties of oregano including Greek can be substituted for Mexican oregano. What does Mexican oregano taste like?

How do you make Mexican oregano?

Tap a few Mexican oregano leaves into your palm and crush them with the opposing thumb to release earthy aromas of citrus, eucalyptus, and faint anise seed. Its flavor is astringent, similar to lemon peel. The zesty nature of this herb lends itself well to hearty foods like beans, chili, stewed meats, and mole sauce.

Is Mexican mint and oregano same?

While its primary common name makes it sound like this plant comes from the Caribbean island, Cuban oregano is a plant known by many other names as well, including Mexican mint, Spanish (or French) thyme, and Indian borage.

Is Cuban oregano and Mexican oregano the same?

Mexican oregano is not the same as Cuban oregano. The two herbs come from different plants and have different flavor profiles. The leaves of Cuban oregano have a scent that is a mixture of oregano, thyme, and turpentine. The flavor of Cuban oregano is similar to oregano, but with a stronger mint flavor.

Is Mexican oregano the same as epazote?

Epazote is commonly confused with Mexican oregano, but is quite different, with an almost perfumed, grassy aroma. Dried epazote is referred to the bean herb, most often cooked alongside dried black beans or pinto beans to aid digestion – preventing any unpleasant pulse side effects!

What does Mexican oregano plant look like?

L. graveolens is a rather unruly, woody shrub that can grow to a height of five feet with a spread of about the same. It can live for five to 10 years. The plant produces small, fragrant, fuzzy leaves, and clusters of small, fragrant white or yellow flowers.

What’s the difference between marjoram and oregano?

Oregano plants have a concentration of the aromatic compound carvacrol, which gives it its savory flavor. Marjoram, by contrast, is sweeter, as it isn’t high in carvacrol. Instead, it gets its flavor from a variety of aromatic compounds including sabinene (fresh, woody), terpinene (citrus), and linalool (floral).

Where can I use Mexican oregano?

Mexican cooks rely on the strong flavor of Mexican oregano for a wide variety of traditional dishes. We use it in fresh or cooked salsa, meat mixtures for burritos and tacos, enchilada sauce, and classic braised pork. Cuban cuisine makes delicious use of this peppery herb.

Is El Guapo oregano Mexican oregano?

Mexican Oregano (Orégano Mexicano Entero) brings robust flavor to Mexican, Tex-Mex and South American cuisines. It is a bolder version of Mediterranean oregano, with bright notes of pepper and lemon.

What type of oregano is best for cooking?

The Mediterranean oregano is the best type for cooking because it has a robust, woody flavor. This type is essential for Italian and Greek cuisine, but it can also be used in various other applications in the kitchen. Besides adding to your recipes, you can also use it in oils and dressings.