Marjoram: benefits and uses in fresh and dried form

Marjoram is not just a fragrant herb, but a plant with a long and fascinating history and truly unique health benefits. It is widely used in cooking, home cosmetology, and even traditional medicine.

In Ancient Greece, marjoram was called the gift of Aphrodite — the goddess of beauty and love. Young women wove it into their wedding wreaths, believing it would bring a long and happy marriage. Greek warriors believed the herb made them braver and stronger, so they added it to their meals before important battles.

The word «marjoram» originates from Greek and can be literally translated as «mountain joy», derived from the words «oros» (mountains) and «ganos» (joy, happiness). The plant received this name because it commonly grows on or near mountain slopes.

Health benefits of marjoram

The valuable properties of marjoram are based on its rich biochemical composition. It contains:

• Borneol and pinene — essential compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties;
• Vitamin A — important for immune system support and healthy vision. Deficiency may cause night blindness, a condition where a person struggles to see in low light;
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) — a well-known immune booster that helps the body respond to viruses, bacteria, and other harmful external factors;
• Vitamin E (tocopherol) — a fat-soluble antioxidant necessary for cell membrane synthesis and maintaining the elasticity of veins and arteries;
• Vitamin K1 — involved in the production of prothrombin, which supports proper blood clotting and helps reduce vascular calcification, lowering the risk of atherosclerosis and ischemia;
• Vitamin PP (niacin) — essential for protein metabolism and the production of hormones such as thyroxine, estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, insulin, and cortisol;
• Iron, manganese, and calcium — minerals involved in many metabolic processes. Iron supports red blood cell production, manganese contributes to collagen synthesis and blood sugar regulation, while calcium is essential for bones, cartilage, teeth, hair, and nails;

Fresh and dried marjoram uses

Marjoram has a slightly bitter taste with delicate spicy notes. Its aroma differs significantly from its flavor and contains hints of cumin, clove, black pepper, bay leaf, and even thyme. Since the fragrance fades quickly, the spice is usually added to dishes shortly before serving.

This herb pairs perfectly with meat dishes, especially fatty meats, as well as potatoes and many side dishes. Small amounts are also used in hot beverages such as mulled wine and in desserts including puddings, fruit salads and cottage cheese soufflés.

Marjoram is one of the ingredients in the famous «Herbes de Provence» seasoning blend used in vegetable dishes, meat and fish recipes.

A water infusion of marjoram has expectorant properties and may help ease breathing during upper respiratory tract illnesses. Its alcohol tincture is traditionally used to relieve PMS symptoms and reduce menstrual cramps.

Dried marjoram by CraftOil — a valuable product for cooking and herbal wellness

CraftOil offers a wide selection of organic products including cold-pressed oils, grains, nuts, flour made from oilseed meal, spices and seasonings.

Our catalog always includes premium dried marjoram harvested in ecologically clean regions and carefully quality-checked. It is a 100% natural spice with an exceptionally rich aroma.

You can also easily find black cumin (kalonji) oil, sweet poppy seed oil, fresh sweet almonds, mustard seeds of three varieties, and many other products suitable for culinary and wellness purposes. Contact our managers to learn more about our assortment and product benefits.