When you’re first-time homeowners or rent a new place, there are so many things to unpack, especially in the kitchen. If you have a housewarming party, there will be some gifts you want and others you have no use for. But there is one housewarming gift that more often than not will always come in handy: a spice rack. Even better? A spice rack that also includes a collection of spices, seasonings and herbs. And while salt, various types of pepper (red, black, lemon), paprika, cilantro and parsley are common options in a spice and seasoning assortment, marjoram probably won’t make it into the collection. Whether it’s lack of accessibility or a marjoram substitute included instead, here’s more about what marjoram is and why you may want to use it (or whatever is closest to it) in your home.

What Is Marjoram?

Marjoram is a fragrant herb from the mint family (Lamiaceae) that is native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia and Africa. The taste can be described as mild, slightly sweet and with a citrus flavor. It has been used for multiple reasons: cooking, aromatherapy and medicine. In food, it can be sprinkled into meat recipes, soups and stews. As a medical treatment, it is believed to help reduce stress, assist with digestion and support respiratory health. Some believe it improves sleep relaxation and muscle relief, which makes sense considering there are ancient stories linking marjoram to a symbol of happiness.

Are Oregano and Marjoram Interchangeable?

In that housewarming gift mentioned above, there may be another herb that is commonly linked to marjoram: oregano. This marjoram substitute is from the same Lamiaceae mint family. However, these two mint herbs do not taste the same. While oregano is more pungent, peppery and has a bitter, earthy taste, marjoram is on the sweeter side. While it’s not the kind of citrus taste that would be found in a juice, it does have a slight floral and citrus taste. You can even smell the sweeter, floral scent if you’re close enough to the herb.

Oregano is much more likely than marjoram to be found in pasta sauces, pizza or grilled meat. While marjoram is preferred for Mediterranean and French dishes, a marjoram substitute such as oregano is commonly found in Greek, Italian and Mexican cuisine. If the only option while cooking is the opposite herb, use less oregano for a marjoram recipe and use more marjoram to achieve the strength of an oregano flavor.

Why Is Aphrodite Linked to Marjoram?

In Greek mythology, Aphrodite (the goddess of love and beauty) grew marjoram as a symbol of harmony, happiness and love. Legend has it that she cultivated marjoram on Mount Olympus to bring joy and warmth to lovers, which connected romance to the leafy, green plant. Wedding planners may suggest incorporating marjoram as a “love spell” or a “love charm” due to its ancient Greek and Roman background. An easy way to incorporate the herb is by braiding it into bridal wreaths or rubbing it onto the wedding party‘s skin. For loved ones who have had deaths in the family, planting marjoram on the graves is believed to help the deceased person have peace and find happiness in the afterlife.

Oregano doesn’t give all the feels of marjoram when it comes to romance and love. However, the marjoram substitute does have its own mythological prideful moments. Said to be a combination of oros (mountain) and ganos (joyful brilliance), oregano herbs are described as the “brilliant joy of the mountain.” Greeks plant oregano around their homes to ward off evil spirits. A head wreath of oregano is said to encourage psychic dreams.

Is Marjoram Hard To Find?

Neither marjoram nor its marjoram substitute, oregano, are particularly hard to find in grocery stores. In fact, they may even be the same price. However, oregano can give marjoram a run for its herbal money when it comes to how often it’s grown and cooking results. If the goal is a slow cooker recipe, marjoram may not be on the winning end, primarily because it loses its flavor when cooked for lengthy time periods. Because it loses its flavor so fast, it could be argued that marjoram isn’t always worth the cost.

Oregano, on the other hand, is ideal for maintaining its bolder taste while grilling and roasting. The marjoram substitute is just as strong when used for crockpot dishes. If marjoram is preferred over oregano, it should be sprinkled on food toward the final stages or when completely done and ready to serve.

Additionally, it’s not uncommon to go into a pizzeria and be able to find oregano on a restaurant table, along with the parmesan cheese. It’s more widely grown and distributed, especially in the United States. Marjoram is easier to find when traveling to Europe or the Middle East, or visiting U.S. restaurants that serve this type of food. Common Middle Eastern and European dishes where it’ll commonly be added to are light soups, fish, white sauces and some types of salads.

Other Marjoram Substitutes

Thyme and sage have been used as additional marjoram substitutes. Thyme does have the subtlety of marjoram, although it’s a bit stronger than the latter. However, it has more of a minty taste, which meshes better with Mediterranean and French soups, roasted meat and vegetarian dishes. If using fresh thyme instead of a bottled version, take the leaves off the stems beforehand. (Marjoram stems are edible but not highly desirable, although younger stems are tender and can be chopped up with the herbal leaves. Older stems can add extra flavor to broths, but they’re tough and woodsy.)

Sage, another alternative, has more of a pine “nature” taste and is slightly peppery. Because sage is so intense, use only about half of the specified marjoram amount when using the alternative in stews, stuffing and roasted meats. Eating sage stems is not recommended either because of the woody, tough texture.

But just as marjoram assists in relaxation and meditation, sage comes in handy for mental health too. Some people (often indigenous groups) burn dried sage stems for smudging rituals and sacred ceremonies. It’s also believed to purify rooms and individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried marjoram instead of fresh marjoram? 
Both versions work well for cooking. Because fresh herbs may lose their flavor if cooked for longer time frames, such as using a crockpot, dried herbs may be more ideal because they’re more concentrated in flavor. One tablespoon of fresh marjoram equals one teaspoon of dried marjoram.

What is a good substitute for marjoram in pizza?
Oregano, which is already a common ingredient for pizza, is a popular marjoram substitute.

Is sage a good substitute for marjoram?
It depends on what sage is being used for. Because sage has a peppery, pine taste, it may not be complementary in some dishes that usually have the citrus, flowery flavor of marjoram.