Oregano
Mediterranean and Mexican oregano are two different plants,
but because they are used in the same way and have a somewhat similar flavor
they are both called oregano. Mediterranean oregano grows wild on the hilly
mountainsides of southern Europe and is an essential ingredient in so many
of the dishes from the region. For Italian spaghetti sauces to Greek salads
to Turkish kebobs, the sweet, strong flavor of Mediterranean oregano is
perfect. Our travel to this area has allowed us to import some wonderful
Turkish Oregano, the best Mediterranean Oregano we've seen in years. Mexican
oregano is stronger and less sweet, well-suited to the spicy, hot, cumin-flavored
dishes of Mexico and Central America- perfect for chili and salsa. Both
types of oregano should be added in the beginning of cooking, so the flavor
has time to come out and meld with the other flavors of the dish. Add while
browning onions or beef for both spaghetti sauce and chili.
|
