FoodFood InformationHerbs&Spice
MARJORAM (SWEET) (Majorana hortensis)
A tender perennial, sweet marjoram is sometimes grown as an annual or indoorsin containers in harsh winter climates. It has semi woody stems that branchupwards from the base to about 1-2 feet. The leaves are small and oval-lightgreen on the top and a gray green color on the underside. Small whitishflowers grow from knot-like clusters of tiny leaves growing close togetherat the tips of the stems. These "knots" have four sides and appearsingly or in groups of 2 or more.
Marjoram is a Mediterranean herb and may not have reached Great Britainuntil the 10th or 11th century where it was highly valued for the pleasingaroma of its leaves. There are several stories and folk customs surroundingit. The goddess Venus was supposed to have created marjoram and been thefirst to grow it; the sweet smell and flavor of its leaves are said to havecome from her touch. It was believed by the Greeks that marjoram growingon a tomb or grave was a sign that the deceased's soul was contented. Wreathsmade from the stems of marjoram were placed on the heads of a bridal couplein ancient Greece and Rome. Marjoram was also one of the fragrant strewingherbs placed on floors to sweeten the air as it was walked on. The driedleaves were used in sweet bags placed among linens, and a tea was made fromthem that was taken to relieve colds and congestion.
Marjoram should be grown in full sun and a moist, slightly alkaline soil.Sow seeds early in the spring. You also can propagate marjoram from stemcuttings or root divisions. To prevent the stems from growing too woody,keep the blossoms cut off and the plant trimmed. It makes an attractivecontainer plant and can easily be raised indoors if given enough sun.
It's flavor is similar to thyme but sweeter. Oregano, or wild majoram, isleafier, with similar but stronger flavors. Marjoram leaves are a popularseasoning in a number of foods. Add fresh or dried leaves to meats, salads,vinegar, and casseroles (its flavor intensifies when dried). They also canbe used to make teas and jellies.