Sweet Marjoram

Originating from North Africa, SE Asia and the Mediterranean, this lovely herb was known to the Greeks as “Joy Of The Mountain” representing “Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.” This highly aromatic, delicate plant looks great in a rock garden or in a container outside the kitchen. Sweet marjoram is a great culinary herb with a mild oregano-like flavor but with a different after-taste. It makes a wonderful herb vinegar or herbal oil and is used instead of oregano, for a milder effect. Medicinally sweet marjoram has anti- microbial properties and when used externally can help ease rheumatic pain. Taken as a tea, it helps with tension headaches and stomach upset. The aromatic leaves are often used in potpourri as well.The plant has grayish green leaves and tiny white flowers frequent snipping will provide plenty of herbage for winter stews and soups. Tender perennial prefers full sun and a well drained site. No cook should be without this herb. Hardy to zones 9-10.