At first glance, marjoram and oregano look very similar. If you look closely, each herb plant plays in a league of its own. This guide will familiarize you with important differences in appearance, taste and use.
What are the differences between marjoram and oregano?
Marjoram and oregano are similar herbs, but with differences: Marjoram has smaller, hairy leaves, white-pink flowers, a sweet-spicy taste and is an annual. Oregano has larger, smooth leaves, pink-purple flowers, tart flavor and is perennial.
Marjoram and oregano differences
With their apparent similarity, marjoram and oregano belie significant differences. If hobby gardeners or gourmets only take a quick look, disappointment is inevitable. So that herb lovers can use marjoram and oregano perfectly, the following table summarizes what distinguishes the two herbs:
| Differences | Marjoram | Oregano |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance (foliage) | smaller, hairy leaves | larger, smooth, slightly toothed leaves |
| Appearance (flower) | white or pink flowers | white or pink to purple flowers |
| Taste | spicy-sweet | strong-tart |
| Origin | Asia Minor, Cyprus | Mediterranean Region |
| Cultivation | annual/not hardy | perennial/hardy |
| botanical classification | Origanum majorana | Origanum vulgare |
Different origins and naming signals important botanical differences between marjoram and oregano, which are reflected in the appearance and taste of marjoram and oregano. These contrasting characteristics are examined in more detail below:
Appearance
The striking feature of marjoram is its delicately hairy parts of the plant. The fine hairs usually also cover the elongated to circular 20 mm to 25 mm leaves. From June to September, marjoram produces a distinctive flower dress of white, two-lipped flowers.
Oregano is characterized by smooth, tapering leaves measuring 25 mm to 40 mm in size. Sometimes you can feel a very delicate hair on the edge of the leaf. From July to September, the herb plant presents itself with pink to purple, two-lipped flowers.
Taste
Marjoram is said to have the sweetest aroma of all Origanum species. The gentle, sweet and spicy taste makes marjoram a popular ingredient in delicious spice mixtures with basil, thyme and rosemary. The spice plant owes its alternative names to this fact, such as Wohlgemut and Wurstkraut.
Quiet, culinary tones are alien to oregano. Origanum vulgare has a strong taste that does not tolerate any other herbs in the cooking pot. Fans of Italian cuisine appreciate this and, for example, use oregano as the dominant herbal spice on their beloved pizza or beloved tomato sauce.
Origin and cultivation
Although marjoram thrives for several years in its native areas, annual cultivation is recommended in Central European herb gardens. The heat-loving herb plant has not learned to withstand temperatures below freezing in the permanently warm climate of Asia Minor.
Oregano is native to the Mediterranean region and is therefore used to frosty temperatures. Gardeners assign the herb plant to winter hardiness zone Z5, which implies a frost hardiness of up to -28.8 degrees Celsius. In the herb bed north of the Alps, Origanum vulgare can thrive for several years if a cover of leaves and brushwood acts as winter protection.
Difference to thyme
In contrast to marjoram and oregano, thyme forms its own genus within the mint family. Herb lovers have a colorful range of aromatic thyme species to thank for this, such as common thyme (Thymus vulgare), lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus), sand thyme (Thymus serpyllum) or cushion thyme (Thymus cherlerioides) with a species-specific appearance and taste. The following important differences between marjoram and oregano and thyme should be noted for cultivation and use in the kitchen:
Cultivation difference
In the herb garden, marjoram and thyme are at floral war because annual and perennial herbs generally do not fit together in the bed. Knowledgeable hobby gardeners therefore plan an appropriate distance between the two herbs. In contrast, oregano and thyme are good neighbors and thrive side by side.
Usage difference
From a culinary perspective, the world of herbs is turned upside down. Mild marjoram and gentle thyme combine in the cooking pot to create a spicy treat for the palate. The strong, bitter taste of oregano, however, prohibits a liaison with thyme.
Tip
Oregano grows as a perennial subshrub. This property requires annual pruning care. Origanum vulgare has its spiciest leaves on non-woody shoots. For a premium quality herb harvest, cut back all shoots by one to two thirds every spring.
