Marjoram

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Marjoram
File:Origanum majorana.jpg
Conservation status
Secure
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Origanum
Species: O. majorana
Binomial name
Origanum majorana
L.

Marjoram (Origanum majorana, Lamiaceae) is a somewhat cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavours. It is also called Sweet Marjoram or Knotted Marjoram and Majorana hortensis.

The name marjoram (Old French majorane, Medieval Latin majorana) does not directly derive from the Latin word maior (major).[1]

Marjoram is cultivated for its aromatic leaves, either green or dry, for culinary purposes; the tops are cut as the plants begin to flower and are dried slowly in the shade. It is often used in herb combinations such as Herbes de Provence and Za'atar.

Although considered cold-sensitive, marjoram can sometimes prove hardy even in zone 5.

Related species

Oregano (Origanum vulgare, sometimes listed with Marjoram as Origanum majorana) is also called Wild Marjoram. It is a perennial common in southern Europe in dry copses and on hedge-banks, with many stout stems 30-80 cm high, bearing short-stalked somewhat ovate leaves and clusters of purple flowers. It has a stronger flavor and a more penetrating quality.

Pot Marjoram or Cretan Oregano (Origanum onites) has similar uses to marjoram.

Bottle of Majoram spice
Bottle of Majoram spice

Hardy Marjoram or Italian marjoram is a cross of marjoram with oregano that is much more resistant to cold, but is slightly less sweet.

Origanum pulchellum, Showy Marjoram or Showy Oregano.

(Catalan marduix; Spanish mejorana)

Surname

Marjoram is a surname.

References

  1. Marjoram, Online Etymology Dictionary, Douglas Harper, November 2001
Template:Herbs & spices

ar:بردقوش bg:Майорана da:Have-Merian de:Majoran el:Ματζουράνα eo:Majorano hsb:Majoran la:Amaracum lt:Mairūnas li:Marjolein hu:Majoránna nl:Marjolein (plant) nap:Peperna nn:Merian fi:Meirami sv:Mejram wa:Mariolinne

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