Cuban Oregano

Plectranthus amboinicus · Herb

40 pairings

Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) is a fleshy, aromatic herb whose thick, velvety leaves smell strongly of oregano and thyme. Despite the name it is not a true oregano but a succulent member of the mint family, and it travels under a dozen aliases — Spanish thyme, Indian borage, Mexican mint, country borage and ajwain leaf among them.

Picking a good onedrag

Just cut, leaves plump and stiffWater-soaked, collapsed and blackening

Shop or pot freshThe state you buy it in. Take it from a food seller: it is a popular garden container plant too, and ornamental stock may carry sprays not cleared for eating.Everyday best

The leafStill fleshy, the hairy surface flattening, a bruise or two

The stemBends before it breaks, cut end still pale

The pressSprings back slowly, feels a little slack

Smell at a bruised leafClear enough, but you have to bruise it harder

What to look for, from just cut, leaves plump and stiff to water-soaked, collapsed and blackening.

Preparing