The Herb Marjoram Has Healing Properties

Herb Marjoram

The marjoram plant is an attractive, delicate-looking bush with soft, oval, dusty green leaves and small white flowers that grow in braids or knots in the spring-time. The plant fills the air with scent even when gently brushed against; marjoram is definitely one of the most fragrant herbs known. The flowers make a lovely garnish, and the leaves when harvested in mid-spring have a pleasantly sharp taste with a note of camphor, which mellows and sweetens over time.

History of the Herb Marjoram

Marjoram is native to the Mediterranean region. Marjoram grows profusely in Sicily, and one of its cities - Marjoram - is named after it. Sicilians also held the belief that marjoram had the power to banish sorrow. In the isle of Crete, marjoram was once a symbol of honor worn by its leaders. Marjoram has sacred associations in Hindu religion. In the Middle Ages, marjoram found considerable use especially to preserve and disinfect meat that was less than fresh.

Cooking with Marjoram

Herb aficionados have a favorite saying: "when in doubt, use marjoram", which neatly sums up marjoram’s ability to delicately complement - without overpowering - any dish. Marjoram makes excellent stuffing for chicken and turkey roasts. It makes an attractive garnish for bean and pea soups, and enhances the flavor of carrot and squash when cooked with it.

Marjoram also works well with cheese and egg dishes. Marjoram is one of the rare herbs whose flavor intensifies when dried. Mushrooms cooked with a stuffing of marjoram in their caps endows them with a unique flavor. Marjoram is also used in homemade sausages and meats that are to be cured or smoked. Marjoram also works well in combination with other herbs in spice blends such as bouquet garni and fines herbs.

Health Benefits of Marjoram

Marjoram yields some of the finest and most fragrant essential oil among all herbs. It is widely used in aromatherapy and as a warming and soothing message oil to provide relief for muscular ache. Its healing properties include fighting asthma, headaches and soothing the stomach and digestive tract. A soothing herbal flavor can be given to tea by sprinkling over it a few sprigs of marjoram.

References:
http://www.mccormick.com/content.cfm?id=8221
http://www.sallys-place.com/food/columns/gilbert/oregano.htm
http://www.gardenguides.com/herbs/marjoram.htm
The Herb Garden Cookbook: The Complete Gardening and Gourmet Guide by Lucinda Hutson
Spices and Herbs, Lore and Cookery: Lore and Cookery by Elizabeth S Hayes
 

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