[13][15], Cloves were traded by Omani sailors and merchants trading goods from India to the mainland and Africa during the Middle Ages in the profitable Indian Ocean trade. Press alt + / to open this menu. Now oregano is the genus and marjoram, or sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) is only one variety of over fifty types of oregano. oregano flower buds. Pick the leaves before the flower buds open. Add the polenta in a steady stream, stirring constantly, and reduce heat to a simmer. serves 8 as a side dish, 4 as a light main course Oregano grows well in full sun, making it a good choice for planting alongside other sun-loving herbs like rosemary, parsley, sage, and thyme. Credit: At this time of year, mulled wine is a festive warming drink that gets a lot of attention, but we think mulled cider... August is a glorious month to enjoy the ripening fruit and veg that you’ve been growing this year. Container and Pot Sizes: How Much Soil Do I Need? Keep oregano plants on the dry side. Dry the stems by bundling them together and hanging them upside down in a dark place with good air circulation. 2 TBLS. The production of essential oil declines after flowering, so either harvest before that or cut the flowers off to extend the growing period. It should not be fertilized at all if grown as a culinary herb. You may harvest oregano once the stems are at least four inches tall. [citation needed], Until modern times, cloves grew only on a few islands in the Moluccas (historically called the Spice Islands), including Bacan, Makian, Moti, Ternate, and Tidore. Whip the marjoram into the polenta and when it is well distributed, pour the polenta into an 11" glass pie plate. After 2 to 3 weeks, when broken tops are brown and dry, carefully lift the bulbs and sun-dry them for a few days. [1] Clove cigarettes have been smoked throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States. Late in the growing season, when the plant becomes quite woody, the flavor may become bitter. commonly used as a spice in a dried form. The light green leaves are marbled with flecks of yellow. Oregano can also be grown inside during winter. Marjoram and oregano are similar in appearance. Plants can be harvested anytime once they have reached 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) It is often confused with wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare), but true Greek oregano has a much stronger flavor. As for tastes, most marjorams have a more delicate, sweeter flavour than the stronger tasting and pungent leaves of oregano, which have a definite spicy taste. Gather fresh flowers to add to salads. 1/4 cup finely chopped blanched broccoli Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule. [7], Cloves are used in traditional medicine as the essential oil, which is used as an anodyne (analgesic) mainly for dental emergencies and other disorders. Harvesting oregano couldn’t be simpler. All the leaves are oval to spade shaped. Confetti Polenta with Marjoram It grows 6-10 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide. Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. Plant small plants in very well-drained soil, with added compost and/or grit to improve drainage. As I began to do my research for this article, I discovered that there is a lot of confusion about Oregano and Marjoram, not only in how things are labeled at the nurseries, but among the experts as well. Garlic will tolerate frosts to Â12C for short periods. Most herb growers know that oregano leaves have the strongest and most desirable flavor before the flowers bloom. Given the proper conditions, you should be able to harvest leaves until the first frost (if outdoors) or all year long, if in pots inside. You can divide older plants in spring or after flowering in late summer. It is the most common spice for pizza, and in general goes well with any tomato based dish. Marjoram prefers to be in soil that is moist whereas oregano prefers drier conditions. Also known as Lebanese oregano and hop oregano, Origanum libanoticum references to its area of origin and the shape of its flower clusters.