Marjoram
Origanum majorana
CULINARY HERBS
"Marjoram is dry and warm, and it has good powers; and for one who is dull-minded, it makes the mind lively."
— Hildegard von Bingen
To be honest, I never used marjoram for cooking - I found it too camphory in both aroma and flavour.
Then I moved home and it was planted in an area with full sun, but protection from the hot midday sun. Wow, what a difference it made! The herb is now sweetish, piney and even a bit like citrus. Now I know why chefs have loved it for so many years!
THE HERBAL KITCHEN
Marjoram has the same mildly spicy taste as oregano, but it is far more delicate. I prefer to use it in cheese, egg dishes or with mild tasting vegetables and keep oregano for heartier stews and soups. It is also lovely in baked goods such as scones. (Find the recipe in the BHC guide)
Keep in mind, unlike oregano, marjoram is best added towards the end of the cooking time.
THE HERBAL APOTHECARY
While its aromatic profile makes it a favorite in traditional kitchens, its true power lies in its physical and emotional soothing properties.
It is a lovely herb to to ease a racing mind, reduce tension, and promote restful sleep - as Hilde von Blingen said, 'it makes the mind lively' by clearing out the brain fog. Other uses are for digestive discomfort and respiratory ailments.
BOTANICAL BEAUTY
When applied topically as a warm infused oil or salve, sweet marjoram helps ease muscle sprains, stiffness, and tension.
A long soak in a marjoram bath will alleviate nervous exhaustion, daily stress, and mild sleeplessness.
THE NATURAL HOME & GARDEN
Marjoram is an excellent companion plant and unlike its cousin, oregano, is not invasive so can easily be planted in a vegetable garden.
In the home it can be used as an antiseptic spray, an insect repellent and even a furniture polish, or simply pop a few stems into a vase for a fresh, cleansing aroma.
DOES THIS HERB DESERVE A SPOT IN YOUR GARDEN?
Definitely! It is a pretty, well behaved herb which attracts beneficial pollinators and is a good companion plant for several vegetables/
Furthermore, having this versatile herb growing just outside your door provides a fresh, continuous supply for your culinary, first aid and body care creations.
RECIPES
From the kitchen to the garden shed, follow these links for step-by-step guides using Marjoram
The Herbal Kitchen
UNLOCK THE FULL MASTER GUIDE
For the deep dive—including botanical etymology, ancestral history, and the complete medicinal and functional archive for Marjoram look for the Barefoot Herb Guide here:
Culinary Herbs Volume 3
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