Marjoram & Oregano

With its intense, slightly peppery and tart flavor, marjoram is suitable for fatty dishes such as pork, roast goose or sausage. But finely dosed it also refines vegetables, fried potatoes, stews and tomato soup.

Last but not least, it is suitable for seasoning sauces, dips, herb mayonnaises, finely stirred curd cheese or cream cheese.

In the garden or on the balcony, annual marjoram needs loose, nutrient-rich soil. Give it a full sun location and provide a constant but moderate water supply. Avoid waterlogging.

If you are planting marjoram again the following year, take fresh soil on the balcony or place it elsewhere in the garden. Otherwise, it will not grow.

The sweet scent of marjoram is said to have been created by the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, as a symbol of bliss. Therefore, it was customary in Greece to hang garlands of marjoram around the necks of newly married couples.

In the Middle Ages it reached the rest of Europe. There it was bound in bouquets, but also used for herbal pillows and the water used to wash clothes.

Of course, superstition is also associated with marjoram. Example: when the weather was muggy, people put marjoram next to fresh milk, believing that it would keep better and not turn sour.

In addition, marjoram tea was recommended especially to people who were unhappy and sour, because the sweet smell of marjoram was supposed to make them happy.

The spicy, tart, slightly bitter oregano is not only good on pizza. Because after all, it is impossible to imagine Italian cuisine without it.

It goes well with grilled lamb and pork, but also with fish, sheep cheese, tomatoes and vegetables. The tender shoots are particularly spicy.

In addition, oregano is also called «wild marjoram» because it is botanically related, although unequally spicier. Perennial oregano thrives best in full sun locations and loves light, well-drained, lean soil.

Actually, it needs only little water. But the soil should never dry out completely.

Oregano has a seductive scent. It's not just us humans who like it. Insects also react. Like a magnet, oregano flowers attract bees, bumblebees and butterflies.

And since the nectar of oregano contains up to 76% sugar, word gets around among insects and ensures recurring visits.

The latter, of course, also has to do with the fact that oregano constantly develops new flowers and the table for insects is abundantly covered from June to October.

By the way, a study has shown that at 1 p.m. the most frequent flower visitors appear. We haven't checked. But this should be easy for anyone who grows oregano.