Can I Use Regular Oregano Instead of Mexican Oregano? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you wonder whether you can use regular oregano instead of Mexican oregano in your cooking, the short answer is yes—but with some differences. Regular oregano has a milder, more familiar flavor, while Mexican oregano offers a brighter, citrusy, and slightly earthy taste that stands out in Mexican dishes. Substituting one for the other won’t ruin your meal, but it will change the final flavor profile.

At Raw Spice Bar, we know how important authentic spices are for making tasty dishes from around the world. That’s why we create fresh, bold spice blends to bring real flavor to your kitchen. If you’re missing that unique touch in your Mexican recipes, understanding these two oregano varieties will help you get closer to the real deal.

Whether you’re cooking tacos or chili, knowing when and how to swap these oreganos can make a big difference. Here’s how to use what you have on hand and make your meals more delicious with the right spice choices.

Understanding Regular Oregano and Mexican Oregano

Regular oregano and Mexican oregano may sound similar, but they are quite different plants with distinct tastes and growing areas. Knowing these differences helps you decide which to use in your cooking and get the flavor you want.

Botanical Differences

Regular oregano, also called Mediterranean oregano, belongs to the mint family Origanum vulgare. It is a small woody perennial herb with oval leaves.

Mexican oregano comes from a different plant family called Lippia graveolens, in the verbena family. The leaves are larger and have a slightly tougher texture.

Because they come from different plant families, their essential oils and compounds differ. This means they bring different flavors and aromas to dishes even though both are called "oregano."

Flavor Profiles

Regular oregano has a sharp, slightly bitter taste. It’s floral with hints of earthiness and a mild minty undertone. This flavor works well with Italian and Mediterranean dishes like pasta or pizza.

Mexican oregano tastes more citrusy, bright, and warm with a bit of licorice or anise note. It has a bolder, stronger flavor, making it ideal for Mexican or Tex-Mex cooking where spices like cumin and chili powder are common.

Mexican oregano adds depth and freshness to chili, beans, and meat dishes in ways regular oregano can’t match.

Origins and Growing Regions

Regular oregano mainly grows in Europe, especially around the Mediterranean Sea, in countries like Italy, Greece, and Turkey. It thrives in dry, sunny climates with rocky soil.

Mexican oregano grows in Mexico and Central America, where the climate is warmer and more humid. Its natural habitat includes higher elevations and varied soil types.

Each oregano reflects the local climate and soil in its flavor. We create spice blends with these unique traits in mind to deliver true-to-origin tastes. You can explore these spices through our global spice subscription for an easy way to add authentic flavor to your meals.

When You Can Substitute Regular Oregano for Mexican Oregano

You can swap regular oregano for Mexican oregano in some dishes without losing too much flavor. The key is to match the stronger, citrusy taste of Mexican oregano with adjustments and choose recipes where oregano is not the main spice.

Best Dishes for Substitution

Regular oregano works well in recipes with other strong spices balancing the flavor. Think of dishes like chili, taco fillings, or stews where cumin, paprika, or garlic are also used. These help fill the gap left by Mexican oregano’s lemony notes.

It’s also a good fit with tomato sauces, soups, or grilled vegetables. Regular oregano will add a milder, somewhat woodier taste but won’t overpower the dish.

If oregano’s role is minor or mixed with many other spices, swapping it won’t cause a noticeable change. That’s why many home cooks use regular oregano as an easy backup.

Flavor Adjustments and Tips

Because regular oregano lacks the bright citrus flavor of Mexican oregano, add a bit of lime zest or a squeeze of lime juice to mimic it. This will brighten your dish and bring that fresh note.

Dried Mexican oregano is stronger than fresh, so if you substitute with regular oregano, use about 25% more. Taste as you go to avoid an overpowering herb taste.

We encourage experimenting with spice blends to get the most flavor. Our monthly spice subscription brings you fresh, vibrant spices to make dishes tastier, so you can try authentic Mexican oregano next time or try new combos that work for you.

When You Should Not Substitute Regular Oregano

Using regular oregano instead of Mexican oregano works in many cases but isn’t always a good idea. Sometimes the flavors are too different, especially in recipes with distinct tastes or cultural importance. Knowing when not to swap can make your dish much better.

Traditional Mexican Recipes

If you’re making traditional Mexican dishes like chili colorado, mole, or pozole, regular oregano can change the flavor a lot. Mexican oregano has citrusy, slightly floral notes, while regular oregano tastes more bitter and earthy. This difference can make your recipe taste off or less vibrant.

For these dishes, use Mexican oregano to keep authenticity and balance. Using regular oregano might overpower the other spices and take away the bright, fresh taste you expect. If you don’t have Mexican oregano, blend regular oregano with a bit of cumin or paprika to get closer to the right flavor.

Cultural and Authenticity Considerations

Many cooks value authenticity, especially when making dishes tied to cultural traditions. Swapping Mexican oregano for regular oregano can change the dish’s identity in the eyes of those familiar with the cuisine. It’s not just about flavor but about respecting heritage and cooking methods passed down through generations.

We deliver authentic, fresh spices that help you make tasty dishes from around the world. When you want to honor the original flavors, use Mexican oregano as the recipe intends to give your food that genuine touch.

How to Substitute Regular Oregano for Mexican Oregano

When you don’t have Mexican oregano, regular oregano can work as a substitute with a few adjustments. Pay close attention to how much to use and consider adding other spices to better match the flavor profile of Mexican oregano.

Recommended Substitution Ratios

Mexican oregano has a more citrusy and earthy taste compared to the sharper, minty flavor of regular oregano. Use slightly more regular oregano to get close to the intensity.

Start by using 1.5 times the amount of regular oregano for the recipe’s amount of Mexican oregano. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Mexican oregano, use 1.5 teaspoons of regular oregano.

Crush or rub the regular oregano between your fingers before adding to release more aroma and flavor.

Enhancing Flavor with Other Spices

Since regular oregano lacks Mexican oregano’s citrus notes, pair it with certain spices to mimic that flavor. Add a pinch of ground coriander for a mild lemony flavor, or dried marjoram for earthiness.

A small dash of paprika or a hint of cumin can bring in warmth and depth similar to Mexican oregano. These simple additions can make your dish taste more authentic, especially in Mexican or Southwestern recipes.

Tips for Finding and Storing Mexican Oregano

Finding good Mexican oregano and keeping it fresh are key to getting the true flavor you want in your dishes. Knowing where to shop and how to store it will help you enjoy its strong, citrusy taste longer.

Where to Buy Mexican Oregano

Mexican oregano is different from regular oregano, so look for it in Latin markets or online spice shops. Some grocery stores carry it in the international or spice aisles, but the quality can vary.

When buying, check the label. Mexican oregano often has a stronger smell and more complex flavor than the common oregano found in most supermarkets. Whole leaves or coarsely ground oregano will last longer and give better taste.

Proper Storage Methods

To keep Mexican oregano flavorful, store it in an airtight container. Air, light, and heat can make the herb lose its taste fast.

Keep the container in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or a cupboard away from the stove or windows. Avoid storing it in humid places, as moisture can cause clumping or spoilage.

If you get Mexican oregano in whole leaf form, crush or grind it just before use. Grinding spices fresh helps release their strong oils and makes your dishes taste better.

Common Dishes Featuring Mexican Oregano

Mexican oregano is a key ingredient in many traditional dishes from Mexico and Central America. It has a bolder, citrus-like flavor compared to regular oregano, which gives these dishes their unique taste.

Mexican oregano often appears in chili con carne, where it adds depth to the chili’s spicy, smoky profile. It also brightens sauces like mole and adobo, helping bring out complex layers of flavor.

It’s popular in salsas and pozole, where its slightly earthy and lemony notes complement fresh ingredients like tomatoes and lime. This oregano also works well in taco seasoning and refried beans for that authentic touch.

You can use regular oregano if you don’t have Mexican oregano.

Regular oregano tastes milder and earthier. Mexican oregano has a citrusy and robust flavor. Your dish may taste different, but it will still be good.

To get closer to the authentic flavor, mix regular oregano with a little ground cumin or citrus zest. This combination adds brighter notes similar to Mexican oregano.

At Raw Spice Bar, we want every meal to be full of flavor and easy to make. Our spice blends bring global tastes to your kitchen with fresh, hand-blended spices delivered to your door.

Here’s a quick comparison of these two herbs:

Experimenting with your spice rack is part of the fun of cooking. Your dishes will taste great when you use fresh spices that you enjoy.

To explore more exciting flavors, check us out for new spice blends and recipe ideas from around the world. Keep your cooking fresh and lively every month.

Frequently Asked Questions

You might wonder how to swap Mexican oregano in your cooking or how its flavor stands apart from regular oregano. You could also be curious about growing Mexican oregano, where to buy it, or easy ways to mimic its taste at home.

What's a good substitute for Mexican oregano in recipes?

Mix regular oregano with a bit of ground cumin or marjoram. This combination adds the citrusy and earthy notes typical of Mexican oregano.

How does regular oregano differ in flavor from Mexican oregano?

Regular oregano tastes milder, sweet, and grassy. Mexican oregano is stronger and more citrusy, with a hint of licorice, making it bolder in recipes.

Can I grow my own Mexican oregano from seeds?

Yes, you can grow Mexican oregano from seeds. It needs well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. It grows as a small shrub and thrives with proper care.

Where can I purchase Mexican oregano if it's not available locally?

You can find Mexican oregano online through specialty spice sellers or global spice subscription services. Raw Spice Bar offers carefully selected blends and spices delivered fresh to your door, making it easy to get authentic ingredients.

Is the oregano from the brand Badia considered Mexican oregano?

Not all oregano from brands like Badia is Mexican oregano. Check the label carefully, as some may be Mediterranean oregano, which tastes different.

Are there any simple ways to replicate the taste of Mexican oregano at home?

Try blending regular oregano with a pinch of ground cumin and ground coriander. This mix gives you a bright, slightly citrus flavor similar to Mexican oregano and works well when you can’t find the real herb.