Even though thyme and marjoram don't get along well with each other in the garden, they harmonize even better when you season meat, fish and vegetable dishes with them. The spice plants can be distinguished by their different leaves, aromas and flower colors.
What are the differences between thyme and marjoram?
Thyme and marjoram differ in aroma, leaf shape and flower color: thyme has a spicy, tart aroma, narrow, pointed leaves and purple flowers, while marjoram has a fragrant, sweet aroma, larger, rounded leaves and white or reddish flowers owns.
Important distinguishing features between thyme and marjoram
- Marjoram – slightly fragrant, almost sweet aroma
- Thyme – very spicy, bitter scent
- Marjoram – leaves larger and rounder
- Thyme – very narrow, tapered leaves
- Marjoram – white and reddish flowers
- Thyme – purple flowers
You can easily tell whether you have thyme or marjoram, especially by looking at the leaves. Marjoram leaves are larger than those of thyme. They must be chopped into small pieces before consumption. The leaves of thyme, on the other hand, are very small and narrow. They are easy to grate from the style and do not need to be chopped.
Thyme is hardy and perennial
Marjoram is almost always only planted as an annual herb in German regions. The herb is not hardy.
Thyme, like oregano, can also tolerate sub-zero temperatures. The plant is quite robust and can be grown in the garden for several years.
Thyme and marjoram and their use in the kitchen
Marjoram only really comes into its own when combined with other spices such as thyme or oregano.
Thyme, on the other hand, can also be used very well as the only herb in a dish. Just like the wild marjoram or oregano, it belongs in the herb mixture “Herbes de Provence” and gives all Mediterranean dishes an unmistakable aroma.
Marjoram is also known as “sausage herb” in this country. It is often used for the production of sausages and sausage products. On the other hand, marjoram would be completely out of place on pizza.
Growing in the garden
It is worth sowing both herbs in the garden and harvesting them fresh. However, you should note that the two herbs are not directly next to each other.
Neither thyme nor marjoram should be planted in a place where both spices have already grown in the last three years.
Tips & Tricks
Thyme, unlike marjoram, is often used as a bath additive for colds. To do this, either dried leaves or thyme oil are added to the bath water.
