Marjoram

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Marjoram, also known as Sweet Marjoram or Knotted Marjoram is a perennial herb used for its sweet and citrus flavor. The leaves are either used in fresh or dried form for culinary purposes. Sweet Marjoram lend a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish it is used for. Marjoram belongs to the species of Oregano and is milder in flavor. Marjoram Spice is used in Italian, French, North African, Middle Eastern, and American cuisines.

Indian Name: Marwa
Botanical Name: Origanum majorana
Family Name: Lamiaceae
Parts Used: Leaves
Habitat: Egypt

Origin
It is believed that Marjoram originates from Asia Minor. It is also cultivated in Mediterranean countries, Central and Eastern Europe. It thrives and develops well in hot climate.

Chemical Composition
The soil, climate and the season determines the oilo content of the plant. The aroma is decided by the compounds like bicyclic monoterpene alcohol and cis-sabinene hydrate. Other chemical compounds present are a-terpinene, 4-terpineol, a-terpineol, 1,8-cineol etc. Phenolic compounds are however absent.

Trade in Marjoram Spice
Egypt is the largest producer of quality marjoram spice. Other significant producers include East Europe, France etc. USA is an important importer of this herb.

Use of Marjoram

1.Culinary Use

The herb is used for cooking and adding flavor and aroma to various dishes. It is popularly used to make : chicken, fish, tomato dishes, sausages, lamb, beef, pork, stuffings, breads, salad dressings etc.

2.Medicinal Properties fo Knotted Marjoram

Knotted Marjoram or Sweet Marjoram can be steam distilled to get the valuable essential oil. It has certain medicinal properties which are used as a treatment for aching muscles, flatulence, hypertension, colic, coughing, sprains, rheumatism etc.

3.Other
Dried marjoram flowers are used for decorative arrangements or potpourri. It is can be used as an effective natural home insect repellent.
Sweet Marjoram is also used as an effective fragrant bath herb.
Knotted Marjoram is also sometimes used to prepare herbal tea.

Cultivation and Harvesting
Marjoram spice is planted during summer season. Plant is grown from the seed. It is sensitive to cold and thrives well in warm climate with good sunshine and well drained soils. The quality of the crop may be improve by the organic cultivation. When the plant reaches the height of 4 to 5 inches high then leaf is harvested. For harvesting, the stem is cut tops down to the first two sets of leaves. This will enable the growth of new stems and shoots thereby producing two more harvests. The leaves so collected are dried and stored in an airtight container.