Marjoram - the herb of grace

(First appeared in ΤΟ Φαρμακείο MOU)

   Its scent is discrete, but at the same time so intoxicating that can cause dizziness, like love. Ancient Greeks believed that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, smelled like “amarakon”, the ancient name of marjoram. Hence they made wedding garlands of marjoram to sanctify the union of young couples. The origin of its name is not clear. However it was considered the gift of the mountains that brought its possessor peace and happiness. A much desired peace that even the souls were seeking, and thus a branch of marjoram was placed near the dead.

                                                                 Statue of Aphrodite in the Archaeological Museum of Athens

   The grace of marjoram has always been a great inspiration to all kinds of people, from ancient Greek scientists, like Hippocrates and Theophrastus, to anonymous poets of love. Greek traditional song making features marjoram in several occasions, like the song about a young man, who is driven crazy by the beauty of his beloved and describes her as elegant as marjoram and as delicate as basil. Even Shakespeare refers to the charm of this plant in All’s Well That Ends Well (Act IV, Scene 5) and calls it, in a poetic disposition, “the herb of grace”.

                                                          The plant of marjoram (Origanum majorana)

   Marjoram is a typical plant of the Mediterranean Basin, especially the Eastern side, in Greece, Cyprus and Turkey. This plant needs a warm and dry environment, with a moderate exposure to sunlight. Thus, the Mediterranean environment is ideal for its growing. Nevertheless, the cultivation of marjoram has spread around the world, with different varieties adjusting in various environments, from Asia, to Northern Europe and the South of the American continent.   

   Fresh from the garden or dried from the spice cabinet, marjoram has a special place on the kitchen counter. Taste-wise, lady Marjoram is smoother than her sister the Oregano and her cousin the Mint, but more pungent than her brother the Dictamus (a similar herb that grows on the mountains of Crete). Its discrete nature makes it an exceptional fit in spice mixes from various world cuisines. A French chef is unable make the famous Herbs de Provence without a considerable amount of marjoram, an Italian cook cannot cook pasta without the Italian Herbs combo, in which marjoram is essential, and an Arab baker mixes a little bit of it with other herbs in the Za’atar spice mix. The refined scent of marjoram also graces liquors. Lovers of fine alcohol know that marjoram gives a magical touch in their favorite vermouth.   

   In Greek cuisine oregano may have a more prominent place, but marjoram always finds a way to demonstrate its graces. It adds deliciousness to meats, especially poultry, and that is why it is an essential ingredient for marinades. In Cephalonia, the beautiful Ionian island, no local cook ever considers making their famous meat pie without adding a generous quantity of marjoram, because it leaves a delicate aroma on the meat. In Germany and Poland, the lands of good sausage, marjoram is used vastly in the process of making deli products. Its delicate aroma and taste also compliment well fish and omelets.

   Although most people know marjoram as a fine herb for cooking, little are aware that it has great medicinal use. Personally, I had marjoram as a unique ally in my quest for peculiar tastes, as it soothed my stomach, whenever my food experimentations would not yield desirable results. Marjoram tea aids digestion, especially when it is consumed after a meal. It also cleanses the body from toxins. It is good for the cold, especially the stuffy nose. Just rinse two pieces of cotton in marjoram tea, place them in the nostrils and breathe through them. Its soothing powers also alleviate stress, if you add some marjoram leaves or its essential oil in a hot bath. Finally, if you are a singer, marjoram tea with a teaspoon of honey will make your voice crystal clear!

                                                      Marjoram from the garden to its dried form and marjoram tea

   If this abundance of technical information gives you a headache, like the sweet smell of marjoram, just remember this: the grace of this silver-green plant can bring a unique serenity and balance in the kitchen, in health and life in general.