Marjoram

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

The marjoram is known by the Latin name Origanium hortensis. The homeland of this spice is considered to be the lands of North Africa, where even today it is a perennial plant, while in other places it grows annually. The specific taste and aroma of marjoram have been well known since ancient times, and today its popularity in cooking does not decline. Today, marjoram is grown mainly in the Mediterranean and North Africa.

By its nature marjoram is a herbaceous plant that has red or white flowers. The marjoram is from the Oral Family family. Especially characteristic of marjoram is the specific strong aroma, thanks to which it can not be confused with any other spice. Marjoram is considered related to oregano. Origanum majorana is a thermophilic plant. Its height reaches from 20 to 50 centimeters.

History of marjoram

The history of Marjoram is millennial. Along with bay leaf, it was among the sacred herbs in the Mediterranean, mainly in Greece, Rome. Marjoram has been used with special respect in North Africa - in the lands of Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco.

In the Middle Ages, marjoram was used to treat epilepsy. Even in the Greco-Roman era, marjoram enjoyed wide popularity and use. An interesting legend says that the ancient Greeks believed that if marjoram sprouts on someone's grave, the deceased enjoys eternal peace and happiness in the afterlife.

Composition of marjoram

The petals of marjoram contain 0, 7-1% essential oil, phenols, and are also rich in vitamin C, provitamin A, pectins and other nutrients. Marjoram is a spice that contains essential and bitter substances, alkaloids, tannins and phenols.

Storage of marjoram

Marjoram is most often sold dried. Store it in cool and dry cabinets that are not accessible to direct sunlight or moisture.

Cooking with marjoram

The tops of the plant are used as a spice marjoram. They are distinguished by their particularly pleasant aroma and tart taste. Marjoram is used as an excellent spice for lamb and chicken. Marjoram is also added to various types of sausages.

Its wide culinary application gives it a place for a good spice for tomato dishes, as well as various breads and salad dressings. Marjoram is a popular addition to Italian, French, North African and American cuisines. Dried marjoram together with thyme are an excellent combination mainly for the production of sausages, as the Germans are one of the most passionate fans of marjoram taste.

The marjoram is also one of the classic spices for fried liver. The best combinations of marjoram, in addition to thyme, are those with the taste of bay leaf, black pepper and juniper. The specific aroma of marjoram is suitable as an additive for cellulose vegetables, such as cabbage. It goes well with fish dishes, as well as almost all types of pasta.

Marjoram can be combined with other spices. The combination with savory and parsley is suitable for the preparation of legumes, for grilled meats, it can be combined with garlic and rosemary. It resembles oregano, but the aroma and taste of marjoram are much more delicate and sweet than oregano.

Growing marjoram

The marjoram grows best in dry and warm climates. If you inspect it at home during the winter months, the plant should be protected from frost by bringing it indoors. There are types of marjoram that are evergreen. Marjoram is watered infrequently - once a month with 1-2 teaspoons of water.

In late summer or early autumn, the marjoram plant should be washed well and dried carefully to be ready for culinary use. In principle, marjoram does not need fertilizing, but the soil in which it grows must be well drained.

The warm climate is especially important for marjoram to develop its flavor to the fullest. At the same time, when dried, marjoram loses some of its aroma, acquiring a characteristic slightly bitter taste.

Benefits of marjoram

The marjoram has a wide application. Apart from being a spice and herb, marjoram is a valuable raw material for the perfume industry. Among the useful properties of marjoram on human health are its abilities as an antispasmodic, antiseptic, vasodilator.

In addition, marjoram has the ability to stimulate our digestion. Taken internally, marjoram enhances the functions of the digestive system, has an antispasmodic and antiseptic effect.

The marjoram helps with stomach problems, has a calming and refreshing effect. It has a diuretic effect, is useful for sprains and bruises and a strong antiseptic.

Stimulates digestion, has a vasodilating and antispasmodic effect. Marjoram is useful for anemia, liver problems, bronchitis and diarrhea.

Marjoram is considered to be one of the best herbs for women's health. It controls the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome - mood swings, pain and malaise. The herb is also useful during menopause, when a number of changes occur in the female body. It also helps with special female conditions - it works wonders when breast milk stagnates and helps to promote it.

Marjoram has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to these qualities, it has a beneficial effect in the recovery process from various diseases. Relieves cold symptoms.

Marjoram is also used to treat gastritis. In the form of tea is extremely effective in the acute phase of gastritis. It is good to start the treatment of this condition in the initial phase, because if you do not pay attention, gastritis gradually becomes chronic and causes even more negative manifestations.

Folk medicine with marjoram

Marjoram can be used for natural disinfectant. The usable parts of the plant are the flowers and the leaves. In folk medicine, marjoram is used for inflammation of the sinuses.

For this purpose, a steam bath is made with the herb, as a person leans over a vessel with hot water and marjoram, puts a towel on his head and inhales the vapors. The procedure can be performed 2-3 times a day to relieve headaches and discomfort caused by inflamed sinuses.

Marjoram tea is used to relieve a number of digestive problems, including cramps, gas, liver disease, loss of appetite, gallstones.

It is believed that the decoction of marjoram is useful in the initial stages of measles, because the pimples kill easier and the measles proceeds faster.

The dried leaves of the herb can also be used for external use. For this purpose, they are placed in a bag and used as a hot compress to relieve rheumatism and painful swelling.

Marjoram essential oil

Marjoram essential oil is extremely useful. It is not expensive, it is easily accessible, and its properties are more than good. It is most often used for insomnia and chronic fatigue, sprains and muscle aches, migraines, stress and excessive anxiety.

This type of essential oil is also used in mental conditions such as hyperactivity, hysteria, balances desires and calms the mind. It is also recommended to increase libido.

Marjoram essential oil also helps with toothache. A few drops of the oil are dropped on a clean cotton ball, which is applied to the diseased tooth.

However, before embarking on aromatherapy with marjoram oil, it is best to consult a doctor to avoid possible side effects.

Side effects of marjoram

Marjoram is considered a safe herb and can be used safely. However, it is possible for fresh marjoram to touch the skin, causing redness and swelling. Decoctions with marjoram should not be drunk for a long time, it is best to consult a doctor. Not recommended during pregnancy.

If a person suffers from allergies to basil, oregano, sage, lavender and other green spices, it is good to be careful with the consumption of marjoram, so as not to cause an allergic reaction and dangerous symptoms.