Hey Y'all,
I was given some rosemary mint seeds and I'm not really sure what I've got. There was no Latin name included so I looked it up by the common name in plant files. If I've got the right thing I see that it's also called mexican oregano. So what have I got here...is it mint or is it oregano? And what do I do with it when it grows up?
And whilst I've got you here let me also ask you about the curly mint seeds I've got. Is there any difference culinary-wise with the curly mint or is it's leaf shape it's main distinction?
Thanks for any input,
La
Rosemary Mint
Mexican oregano, Lippia graveolens (Verbenaceae) is closely related to lemon verbena. It is a highly studied herb that is said to be of some medical use and is common in curandera female shamanic practices in Mexico and the Southwestern United States. Mexican oregano has a very similar flavour to oregano, but is usually stronger. It is becoming more commonly sold outside of Mexico, especially in the United States. It is sometimes used as a substitute for epazote leaves[citation needed]; this substitution would not work the other way round.
Several other plants are also known as oregano in various parts of Mexico, including Poliomintha longiflora, Lippia berlandieri, and
There is also a Mexican Mint Marigold that is a great substitute for Tarragon in our hotter areas.
Hope this helps
What a wonderful explanation voretreker, thank you so much! I already have oregano growing in my herb bed so I might just skip the' rosemary mint.' But then again I'll probably wonder what I'm missing so I might have to try it just one year and see how I like it.
Thanks again!
By all means grow it--If its Mexican Oregano it adds a more "authentic" true Mexican flavor to Salsa, etc.
If it's Mint Marigold it taste just like Tarragon.