Marjoram, << MAHR juh ruhm, >> is the name of a group of fragrant plants that belong to the mint family. Marjoram is a source of oregano, a seasoning used for many Italian foods. Most oregano sold in the United States is made from the dried leaves of wild marjoram. Wild marjoram is native to dry areas from western Europe to central Asia. In eastern North America, it has escaped from cultivation and grows as a weed. This plant grows from 2 to 4 feet (61 to 121 centimeters) tall. It has purplish stems and leaves with white or purplish clusters of flowers.
Another type of marjoram, called sweet marjoram, is native to northern Africa and southwestern Asia. It grows to about 2 feet tall and has white, purplish, or pink flower clusters. Sweet marjoram is a popular cooking herb, especially for French foods. It also serves as a scent for soap, perfume, and other toiletries.
See also Oregano .
