Marjoram

Marjoram, Origanum majorana, is a cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub in the family Lamiaceae with sweet pine and citrus flavors, smooth ovate leaves 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters long and flowers that can be white, pink, red, blue or purple. It is indigenous to Cyprus, the Mediterranean region, Turkey, Western Asia, the Arabian Peninsula and the Levant, spreading to the British Isles during the Middle Ages though it was not widely used in the United States until after World War II. Marjoram is related to but distinct from oregano, Origanum vulgare, which has a stronger flavor, and in some Middle Eastern countries marjoram is treated as synonymous with oregano. Its aromatic leaves, fresh or dried, season lamb and vegetable dishes, soups, stews, salad dressings, sauces, herbal teas and sausages, and it is a common ingredient in herb blends such as herbes de Provence and za'atar.