What Is Marjoram and How Can I Use It?

Marjoram rewards a little know-how: how to choose it, cook it, store it, and substitute in a pinch. Browse 482 recipes to cook with it.

What is marjoram?

Marjoram is a somewhat cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavours. In some middle-eastern countries, Marjoram is synonymous with Oregano, and there the names Sweet Marjoram and Knotted Marjoram are used to distinguish it from other plants of the genus Origanum.

The name marjoram does not directly derive from the Latin word maior (major). Marjoram is indigenous to the Mediterranean area and was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness.

Marjoram is cultivated for its aromatic leaves, either green or dry, for culinary purposes; the tops are cut as the plants begin to flower and are dried slowly in the shade. It is often used in herb combinations such as Herbes de Provence and Za'atar.

The flowering leaves and tops of Marjoram are steam distilled to produce an essential oil that is yellowish in color (darkening to brown as it ages). It has many chemical components, some of which are borneol, camphor and pinene.

Although considered cold-sensitive, marjoram can sometimes prove hardy even in zone 5.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 tbsp (1g)

Amount per Serving

Calories 2Calories from Fat 0

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 0.1g 0%

Saturated Fat 0.0g 0%

Trans Fat ~

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium 0mg 0%

Total Carbohydrate 0.6g 0%

Dietary Fiber 0g 2%

Sugars 0.0

Protein 0.1g

Vitamin A 2% Vitamin C 1%

Calcium 2% • Iron 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs.

recipeland.com/nutrition

Where found

Marjoram is usually found in the spices section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group

Marjoram is a member of the Spices and Herbs US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

How much does marjoram weigh?

Amount	Weight
1 tbsp	1 grams
1 teaspoon	0 grams

Spices and Herbs

Allspice 904 Allspice berries 37 Star anise 178 Aniseed 23 Bay leaves 2049 Caraway seeds 321 Cardamom pods 100 Cardamom seeds 317 Celery seeds 283 Chervil 65

In Chinese:	墨角兰
British (UK) term:
en français:	marjolaine
en español:	mejorana

Recipes using marjoram

There are 482 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Beef & Vegetables in Red Wine Sauce

A sophisticated main dish of beef strips marinated in red wine and accompanied by a colorful array of sweet bell peppers, this recipe is a delightful fusion of rich flavors and vibrant colors, a feast for the senses that is as visually stunning as it is gastronomically gratifying.

Sour Cabbage Salad

This salad fits to pierogi with the meat filling. You may also try it with fried or grilled fish.

Gruyère Whole Wheat Biscuits with Herbs

Gruyere whole wheat biscuits, flaky buttermilk biscuits laced with nutty Gruyere, fresh thyme, and marjoram. Cold butter and whole wheat pastry flour give them tender, savory layers with a wholesome edge.

Very Cheesy Casserole

Packed with healthy whole-grain and cheesy goodness. 3 cheeses, feta, cottage and parmesan cheese plus beans and brown rice. This hearty casserole is tastes great and is loaded with nutritious healthful ingredients.

Yummy Falafel

Crispy fried falafel balls with chickpeas, herbs, and warm spices. Classic Middle Eastern vegetarian patties served in pita with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce.

Garlic & Fava Beans Soup

A soup which is a combination of Mediterranean garlic soups with a 17th century East European fava beans soup. Quite good.

Holiday Gravy

Smooth Rich Flavor In This Wonderful Tasting Gravy!! ..Thicken With A Potato Blended In!! ..A Few Fresh Herbs And Mushroom!!

Herb-Roasted Turkey with Citrus Glaze

Herb-roasted Thanksgiving turkey with fresh sage, marjoram, and thyme tucked right under the skin and a lemon-lime glaze brushed on at the end for a glossy, citrus-bright finish. The holiday centerpiece, done simply.

Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

Herb-roasted turkey breast rubbed with rosemary, sage, thyme, and marjoram under the skin, with onion and garlic tucked into the neck cavity. A simple low-fat holiday main with crisp golden skin.

Cabbage & Kielbasa Soup

This hearty soup recipe combines the flavors of onions, celery, potatoes, kielbasa sausage, cabbage, green peas, thyme, and marjoram in a comforting stew. The ingredients are sautéed, simmered, and seasoned to perfection, creating a satisfying meal that's perfect for any day of the week.

Pork Shoulder in Chanterelle Sauce over Buckwheat

Pork shoulder in chanterelle sauce over buckwheat: tender pressure-cooked pork in a fragrant wild-mushroom sauce with herbs, spooned over nutty buckwheat. A rustic, comforting Eastern European plate.

Country Cassoulet

A rustic American cassoulet with navy beans, browned chicken legs, crispy bacon, and smoked sausage baked in a tomato and herb broth. Hearty French-inspired comfort food for 4 to 6.

Pierogi with Veal Lung & Lentils Filling

My favorite pierogi are filled with the veal lung or the brown lentils. Why not to combine these ingredients into the one filling?

Autumn Squash & Apple Soup

Butternut squash and apple soup blends Granny Smith with rosemary and marjoram, thickened naturally with bread cubes and finished with an egg yolk and cream liaison. Pure autumn in a bowl.

Bernese Potato Soup

Bernese potato soup purees buttery potatoes with onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, then melts in Swiss cheese for a silky Alpine bowl. Topped with crumbled bacon.

Pork Ribs in Sour Cabbage

Nothing new under the sun, just my rendition of very popular dish in Eastern Europe, inspired by various cuisines of Carpathian Mountains. Cooked quite quick in a pressure cooker.

Chicken Burgers

Homemade chicken burgers ground from chicken breast and bound with soaked bread, egg, onion, garlic, marjoram and paprika. Pan-fried golden and served on buns with tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato and dill pickles.

Grilled Portobello Salad with Goat Cheese

Broiled portobello mushrooms sliced over mixed greens tossed with Earl Grey tea vinaigrette and topped with creamy goat cheese and fresh tomatoes for an elegant vegetarian main.

Easy Spaghetti & Meatballs

Easy spaghetti and meatballs in a from-scratch herb tomato sauce: crushed tomatoes simmered with oregano, basil, and marjoram, then the meatballs simmer right in the sauce. Classic comfort food over spaghetti.

Farmer's Fresh Tomato Soup

Used roma tomatos, basil and parsley from the garden, which made the soup super refreshing and tasty. Just make sure that when you puree the soup in your blender, use a towel to cover the lid tightly; or just use a hand mixer directly.

Spring Beet soup (Polish Botwina)

There are hundreds versions of this very Polish soup. Here you have an original proposition of mine. I used to cook it on the base of my favorite duck and chicken stock. The cream is a must to create wonderful pink color. Optionally you may add a quarter or a half of hard boiled egg to your bowl. By the way, I change my recipe sometimes, for instance by adding dried California prunes instead of sugar, or by adding some white vinegar instead of lemon juice.