Uses for Cuban Oregano/Mexican Mint (Plectranthus amboinicus)

[Chris Hennes]

I got a free sample of this plant in with another plant order, and I thought before I bothered taking up space in the garden with it I'd see if there are any recipes worth using it in. Does anyone else use/grow this stuff?

[CatPoet]

It is from Africa to start with and used in African foods and lovely with lamb and zebra says a friend of mine.  So I think you can find a use for it.

[Kerry Beal]

Lots of zebras in Oklahoma I've heard!

[Shelby]

I got a free sample of this plant in with another plant order, and I thought before I bothered taking up space in the garden with it I'd see if there are any recipes worth using it in. Does anyone else use/grow this stuff?

Chris, I (accidentally) grew some.  Frankly, I didn't like the taste.  Be careful where you plant it--it takes over like a weed! Or at least mine did.

[Smithy]

Shelby, can you describe the flavor?  Was it more like mint, oregano, both, or neither?  Sour, bitter, tart, bland,...? 

[Shelby]

Well, I LOVE cilantro.  This was like mint/grass/hint of cilantro.   Bitter if I had to pick one taste.  I tried to use it in both Mexican and Italian foods....no go for me.

 

Chris, have you tasted yours?  Or is it seed?

[IowaDee]

Who gnu there were zebras in Oklahoma?  Hope you weren't lion about that!  

[Chris Hennes]

Well, I LOVE cilantro.  This was like mint/grass/hint of cilantro.   Bitter if I had to pick one taste.  I tried to use it in both Mexican and Italian foods....no go for me.

 

Chris, have you tasted yours?  Or is it seed?

It's a cutting, but it's only got two little leaves, so I am not going to taste it just yet 

[Shelby]

It's a cutting, but it's only got two little leaves, so I am not going to taste it just yet 

 

You may like it.  I have friends that detest certain herbs....and I love them.  I don't want to discourage you.

[Chris Hennes]

I went ahead and potted it, so I guess we'll see. I'd still love to hear some recipes that use it.

[Shelby]

I went ahead and potted it, so I guess we'll see. I'd still love to hear some recipes that use it.

Smart move to pot it.

[CatPoet]

Well my friend  cant afford anything else but Zebra, lamb or gnu.  But I have seen in fancy stores frozen  Zebra steaks but that is here in Sweden.

[Mjx]

Sounds like it might be good in larb.

[Lisa Hoffman]

I cant get my dad drunk enough to promise me a pony, much less a zebra. Never would have thought salsify originated in Africa. Thanks for the info.

[TheCoddledEgg]

I have used Cuban Oregano for years grown in pots outdoors in warm weather and inside during the cold months. I use it to make tea as a digestive and just to enjoy on a cold day. Easiest method, muddle the leaves in a two cup measuring cup, add a sweetener, some honey or agave, microwave for one to two minutes then strain into a cup.

[TheCoddledEgg]

I left out the adding water bit!