How to Use Marjoram

Marjoram was said to be important to the Goddess Aphrodite, and the ancient Greeks used the herb to sanctify marital bliss. While marjoram may have outlived this use, it does have many modern, practical uses, especially culinary ones. However, when using it, you'll be reminded of its past association with love.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Take a marjoram infusion for general health. Marjoram is an antioxidant and has some mild anti-fungal properties making it useful in preventing some infections. Make the infusion by adding a teaspoon of diced fresh marjoram or dried marjoram to a cup of boiling water.

2. Add marjoram to Italian cooking. Similar to oregano, use marjoram as a replacement in sauces that include oregano such as pizza and spaghetti sauce. Choose to use marjoram fresh, but for a stronger taste dried oregano is best.

3. Use marjoram to spice red meats such as beef, veal and roasts. The sweet flavor combines well with the juices of the meat. Marjoram also goes well with bay, basil, garlic and thyme, and with onions.

4. Consider some aromatic uses of marjoram. Marjoram is often stored in hope chests or in linen closets to give their contents a hint of its sweet smell.

5. Plant marjoram outside in the garden or inside in hanging baskets. Not only does the herb add a pleasant scent to your garden, it also produces big bunches of delicate purple flowers. It trails over the edges of hanging baskets.

Tips & Warnings

• Use marjoram at the end of cooking so its flavor does not cook away.
• Substitute marjoram for oregano. Because marjoram is milder, use more of it than you would oregano.