Description: Marjoram, also known as sweet marjoram, is an aromatic herb in the mint family that has been grown in the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Western Asia for thousands of years. While similar to oregano, it has a milder flavor and is often used to garnish salads, soups, and meat dishes. It’s particularly potent when dried but can also be used fresh. Fresh or dried leaves can be made into a tea or extract. Both forms can be found in health food stores or online.
Health benefits:
- Marjoram may be beneficial to hormonal health, especially for women. One study showed that women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) who consume marjoram tea twice daily for one month are able to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce their levels of adrenal androgens.
- Marjoram has demonstrated anxiolytic, or anxiety-reducing, properties. In people experiencing bruxism, or tooth-grinding, aromatherapy with marjoram oil enhanced the anxiety-reducing effects of neurofeedback training.
- Several studies have shown the antimicrobial effects of marjoram. One found that marjoram essential oil is effective against a wide range of infectious bacteria. Another showed marjoram oil to be an effective alternative therapy for urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by E. coli bacteria.
- Marjoram is rich in magnesium, a mineral that is important to the body’s overall functioning. It is also high in potassium, another important mineral and electrolyte.
Locations of harvest
Time period of harvest
Harvest process: Sweet marjoram is easily grown from seed or cuttings. It prefers a full sun location and requires a well-drained soil. Sweet marjoram tends to be a low spreading plant that benefits from being pruned back when it is 6-8 inches tall to encourage a bushy growth habit. To enhance seed germination, soak seeds in water overnight. Harvest marjoram when ball-like tips appear at the ends of the stems. When the plant starts to bloom, cut plants back close to the ground to stimulate a new flush of growth. The second flush of growth tends to be a more desired crop than the first cutting. Air dry cut stems and store in sealed containers.
Dehydration process: A winnowing machine separates everything from the marjoram that is heavier than the plant itself, such as small pebbles, metal particles or stems. Another machine then sieves out everything that is lighter than the plant like very fine dust. Here, the marjoram is cleaned and then packaged. The final destination for the marjoram is of course the consumer’s kitchen, where it is used to lend a spicy note to pork, for example. This tasty herb is known for containing high levels of essential oils.