Marjoram is a somewhat cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavors. Marjoram is indigenous to Cyprus and southern Turkey, and was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness.
Marjoram is slightly sweeter than its cousin, oregano. The two herbs can be used interchangeably in food recipes. In fact, the herbs are so similar that they're often confused for one another. Marjoram is also sometimes called "Greek oregano," although this term is often misused. While some people call sweet marjoram Greek oregano, this name is also used to describe the most common variety of oregano, specifically Origanum vulgare hirtum. Not to confuse the matter anymore, but the vulgare variety of oregano is sometimes called 'wild marjoram.'
