Also Known As

Sweet Marjoram, Knotted Marjoram.

Description

It is a type of cold sensitive herb, grown perennially. It is a green colored under shrub , showing oval, inch-long (2.5cm), pale green leaves, which have a delicate, sweet flavor. It tastes a combination of sweet, pine and citrus flavor. It is cultivated for its pleasant aroma somewhere between oregano and thyme. Hence it is used primarily as a herb. Its delicate flavor is destroyed by heat, so it is best added just before the dish is ready to serve, or used in lightly cooked dishes.

How to Select

Sweet marjoram is the most widely available of several varieties, and it is usually simply called "marjoram." it is fresh available in markets, but not commonly seen in India. Only those stores, which keep a well defined herb section will have marjoram. Check for the oval pale green leaves. You can find dried marjoram stored in small bottles or cans, or freshly freeze-driedd. Marjoram purchased in small quantities is advisable as it loses its flavor in a short time
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Culinary Uses

l The leaves and flowers are used fresh or dried in salads, soups, stuffings, quiches and pies.
l It also goes well with omelets and potato dishes.
l There's also a very hardy species called pot marjoram, which has a stronger, slightly bitter flavor.
l It is popularly used in French, Greek, and Italian cuisines.
l Marjoram can be used to flavor a variety of foods, particularly meats (especially lamb and veal) and vegetables.
l It goes especially well with bay leaves, garlic, onion, thyme, and basil.
l Pot Marjoram is best suited for pungent dishes, such as those with a pronounced onion or garlic flavor.
l It is also frequently used to infuse oils and vinegar and to season pasta and bean dishes.
l The flowering leaves and tops of Marjoram are steam distilled to produce an essential oil that is yellowish in color and darkens to brown as it ages. It is used to produce many chemical components, some of which are borneol, camphor, origanol and pinene.

How to Store

Wrap fresh marjoram in damp paper towels,the way you do for coriander. Place it in a sealed plastic bag, and store in the refrigerator where it will keep for several days. Store dried marjoram in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.

Health Benefits

l Marjoram is very low in calories, you can count it negligible. Hence use it in low calorie diets.
l It has some amount of proteins and dietary fiber.


Crushed marjoram

Marjoram can be crushed in in grinder. To prepare crushed marjoram, let it dry first or purchase the dried marjoram. Put it in grinder and churn to the powder form. You can store it in a vacuumed plastic container in refrigerator. Powdered or crushed marjoram can be used for filling duck, chicken or turkey and supplementing marjoram to beans, peas or oyster stew or soup is enticing.