Marjoram (Origanum majorana or Majorana hortensis) is an aromatic herb in the mint (Lamiaceae) family that has been cultivated for thousands of years. In Greek mythology, marjoram was grown by the goddess Aphrodite. The fuzzy, green, oval-shape leaves grow opposite from each other, forming distinctive clusters, or knots (it’s also known as knotted marjoram). 

Native to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and western Asia, marjoram is often called sweet marjoram to distinguish it from [oregano](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-oregano-benefits-and-11-uses-for-oregano) varieties like wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare) and pot marjoram (Origanum onites), aka Turkish oregano. The genus Origanum, whose name comes from Greek *origanon* (brightness or joy of the mountains), contains around 40 species, only one of which is considered true marjoram—most of the others are called oregano.

The primary flavor compounds in marjoram are sabinene (fresh, woody), terpinene (citrusy), and linalool (floral). Marjoram has a milder flavor than oregano and tastes similar to thyme, but sweeter and with a stronger scent. It’s warm, slightly sharp, and a little bitter. 

Marjoram can be wrapped in cheesecloth with other herbs to create an aromatic sachet for [braises](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-braising-how-to-braise-meats-and-vegetables) and stews, or sprinkled fresh onto vegetable side dishes. Dried marjoram is a popular addition to salad dressings, meat dishes, and preserved meats such as German sausage. Used in both fresh and dried form, marjoram is subtler than its relative oregano and well suited to delicate vegetables, [tomato-based dishes](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-quick-and-easy-pomodoro-sauce-chef-thomas-kellers-gnocchi-with-pomodoro-recipe), such as [tomato sauce](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-homemade-sauce-tomat-classic-tomato-sauce-recipe) and [pizza](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolfgang-pucks-signature-smoked-salmon-pizza-recipe-from-spago), and poultry seasoning.

Marjoram is an important component of spice blends including:

- [French herbes de provence](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/fines-herbes-recipe-and-guide-to-fines-herbes-french-seasoning): marjoram, [lavender](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-cook-with-lavender-plus-10-recipes-that-use-culinary-lavender), [basil](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/culinary-guide-to-basil-benefits-and-uses), rosemary, thyme, and [fennel](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-fennel-benefits-of-fennel-plus-easy-recipe-and-cooking-ideas).
- Middle Eastern [za’atar](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-list-of-the-27-essential-cooking-spices-you-need-to-know): marjoram, oregano, thyme, sesame, and [sumac](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-sumac-learn-how-to-use-sumac-with-tips-and-8-sumac-recipes).

Marjoram can be used as either whole fresh marjoram leaves or dried, crushed marjoram. Fresh marjoram is usually added at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor. Try fresh marjoram in herb sachets or sprinkled on top of a finished dish, while dried marjoram is better for herb blends and marinades.
[Fresh oregano](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-oregano-benefits-and-11-uses-for-oregano) is a good substitute for fresh marjoram. Since it has a more pungent and less sweet flavor, use about half the amount of oregano. Keep in mind that dried oregano tends to taste even stronger than the fresh stuff. You can also experiment with thyme and sweet basil as marjoram substitutes.

1. Homemade marjoram and garlic bratwurst with bread and sauerkraut
2. Classic stuffing with [sage](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-sage-11-culinary-uses-for-sage), marjoram, and thyme
3. Italian tomato sauce with marjoram 
4. Cacio e pepe with black pepper, parmesan cheese, and marjoram
5. Roasted butternut squash with goat cheese and marjoram dressing
6. Roasted red peppers marinated with sliced garlic cloves and fresh marjoram
7. Za’atar-spiced grilled chicken breast with lemon juice

Marjoram is popular in traditional and alternative medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The fresh or dried leaves can be brewed as a tea, or marjoram essential oil can be extracted from the plant and may help to treat colds, coughs, and asthma, to aid digestion, help regulate menstrual cycles, increase milk supply during breastfeeding, and decrease blood pressure. Always check with your healthcare provider before using herbs medicinally.

Become a better home cook with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by culinary masters, including Alice Waters, Chef Thomas Keller, Gordon Ramsay, and more.

One of the most popular culinary herbs, marjoram’s delicate, citrusy flavor makes it especially versatile.

One of the most popular culinary herbs, marjoram’s delicate, citrusy flavor makes it especially versatile.

What Is Marjoram? Learn How to Cook With Marjoram, Plus 7 Marjoram Recipes

Marjoram (Origanum majorana or Majorana hortensis) is an aromatic herb in the mint (Lamiaceae) family that has been cultivated for thousands of years. In Greek mythology, marjoram was grown by the goddess Aphrodite. The fuzzy, green, oval-shape leaves grow opposite from each other, forming distinctive clusters, or knots (it’s also known as knotted marjoram). Native to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and western Asia, marjoram is often called sweet marjoram to distinguish it from <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-oregano-benefits-and-11-uses-for-oregano' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-oregano-benefits-and-11-uses-for-oregano","linkCopy":"oregano","category":null}'>oregano</a> varieties like wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare) and pot marjoram (Origanum onites), aka Turkish oregano. The genus Origanum, whose name comes from Greek origanon (brightness or joy of the mountains), contains around 40 species, only one of which is considered true marjoram—most of the others are called oregano.

What Is Marjoram?

The primary flavor compounds in marjoram are sabinene (fresh, woody), terpinene (citrusy), and linalool (floral). Marjoram has a milder flavor than oregano and tastes similar to thyme, but sweeter and with a stronger scent. It’s warm, slightly sharp, and a little bitter.

What Does Marjoram Taste Like?

Marjoram can be wrapped in cheesecloth with other herbs to create an aromatic sachet for <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-braising-how-to-braise-meats-and-vegetables' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-braising-how-to-braise-meats-and-vegetables","linkCopy":"braises","category":null}'>braises</a> and stews, or sprinkled fresh onto vegetable side dishes. Dried marjoram is a popular addition to salad dressings, meat dishes, and preserved meats such as German sausage. Used in both fresh and dried form, marjoram is subtler than its relative oregano and well suited to delicate vegetables, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-quick-and-easy-pomodoro-sauce-chef-thomas-kellers-gnocchi-with-pomodoro-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-quick-and-easy-pomodoro-sauce-chef-thomas-kellers-gnocchi-with-pomodoro-recipe","linkCopy":"tomato-based dishes","category":null}'>tomato-based dishes</a>, such as <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-homemade-sauce-tomat-classic-tomato-sauce-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-homemade-sauce-tomat-classic-tomato-sauce-recipe","linkCopy":"tomato sauce","category":null}'>tomato sauce</a> and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolfgang-pucks-signature-smoked-salmon-pizza-recipe-from-spago' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolfgang-pucks-signature-smoked-salmon-pizza-recipe-from-spago","linkCopy":"pizza","category":null}'>pizza</a>, and poultry seasoning.Marjoram is an important component of spice blends including:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class=""><a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/fines-herbes-recipe-and-guide-to-fines-herbes-french-seasoning' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/fines-herbes-recipe-and-guide-to-fines-herbes-french-seasoning","linkCopy":"French herbes de provence","category":null}'>French herbes de provence</a>: marjoram, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-cook-with-lavender-plus-10-recipes-that-use-culinary-lavender' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-cook-with-lavender-plus-10-recipes-that-use-culinary-lavender","linkCopy":"lavender","category":null}'>lavender</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/culinary-guide-to-basil-benefits-and-uses' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/culinary-guide-to-basil-benefits-and-uses","linkCopy":"basil","category":null}'>basil</a>, rosemary, thyme, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-fennel-benefits-of-fennel-plus-easy-recipe-and-cooking-ideas' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-fennel-benefits-of-fennel-plus-easy-recipe-and-cooking-ideas","linkCopy":"fennel","category":null}'>fennel</a>. </li><li class="">Middle Eastern <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-list-of-the-27-essential-cooking-spices-you-need-to-know' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-list-of-the-27-essential-cooking-spices-you-need-to-know","linkCopy":"za’atar","category":null}'>za’atar</a>: marjoram, oregano, thyme, sesame, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-sumac-learn-how-to-use-sumac-with-tips-and-8-sumac-recipes' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-sumac-learn-how-to-use-sumac-with-tips-and-8-sumac-recipes","linkCopy":"sumac","category":null}'>sumac</a>. </li></ul>

What Are the Culinary Uses for Marjoram?

Marjoram can be used as either whole fresh marjoram leaves or dried, crushed marjoram. Fresh marjoram is usually added at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor. Try fresh marjoram in herb sachets or sprinkled on top of a finished dish, while dried marjoram is better for herb blends and marinades.

Dried Versus Fresh Marjoram: What’s the Difference?

<a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-oregano-benefits-and-11-uses-for-oregano' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-oregano-benefits-and-11-uses-for-oregano","linkCopy":"Fresh oregano","category":null}'>Fresh oregano</a> is a good substitute for fresh marjoram. Since it has a more pungent and less sweet flavor, use about half the amount of oregano. Keep in mind that dried oregano tends to taste even stronger than the fresh stuff. You can also experiment with thyme and sweet basil as marjoram substitutes.

How to Substitute Marjoram 

<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Homemade marjoram and garlic bratwurst with bread and sauerkraut </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Classic stuffing with <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-sage-11-culinary-uses-for-sage' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-sage-11-culinary-uses-for-sage","linkCopy":"sage","category":null}'>sage</a>, marjoram, and thyme </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Italian tomato sauce with marjoram </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Cacio e pepe with black pepper, parmesan cheese, and marjoram </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Roasted butternut squash with goat cheese and marjoram dressing </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Roasted red peppers marinated with sliced garlic cloves and fresh marjoram </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Za’atar-spiced grilled chicken breast with lemon juice </li></ol>

7 Recipes Featuring Marjoram

Marjoram is popular in traditional and alternative medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The fresh or dried leaves can be brewed as a tea, or marjoram essential oil can be extracted from the plant and may help to treat colds, coughs, and asthma, to aid digestion, help regulate menstrual cycles, increase milk supply during breastfeeding, and decrease blood pressure. Always check with your healthcare provider before using herbs medicinally.Become a better home cook with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by culinary masters, including Alice Waters, Chef Thomas Keller, Gordon Ramsay, and more.

What Are the Health Benefits of Marjoram?

One of the most popular culinary herbs, marjoram’s delicate, citrusy flavor makes it especially versatile.

One of the most popular culinary herbs, marjoram’s delicate, citrusy flavor makes it especially versatile.
