Discover Marjoram: Properties and Uses in Cooking

In the French-style vegetable garden of the Tenuta del Cigno farm, ample space is dedicated to the cultivation of marjoram, this aromatic plant that has a thousand virtues

Today we take you for a walk in our French-style vegetable garden, the green heart of our estate, where we carefully and passionately cultivate the aromatic herbs that perfume our days.

There is a plant in particular, with small, velvety leaves, that is very dear to us: the marjoram.


What is marjoram?

Imagine an aromatic herb with a delicate and enveloping scent.
La marjoram (scientific name: origanum majorana) is part of the mint and oregano family, but has a character all its own. Its leaves, of a light and intense green, release a sweet aroma, with notes that are slightly reminiscent of pine and citrus. It is a perfume gentler and less pungent than oregano, which makes it perfect for adding a special touch to many dishes without covering their flavor.

At our French garden, it is grown without the use of chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, to guarantee a 100% healthy and natural product.

It is born and grows within the ideal habitat: a sunny location with well-drained, sandy soilIt is pruned regularly to encourage the growth of new shoots, and watered consistently, avoiding wetting the leaves completely.


Characteristics and properties of marjoram

La marjoram It is not only good to eat, but it is also rich in virtues that make it a true friend of our well-being.

  • Helps digestion: a cup of marjoram infusion after a large meal is ideal for feeling instantly lighter.
  • It has a calming effectIts delicate scent has a relaxing effect on the body and mind, helping to calm the nerves.
  • It is rich in antioxidants: like many aromatic herbs, marjoram contains valuable substances that help counteract cell aging.

In short, it is a plant that is good for the taste and the body!


How to use marjoram in cooking

Marjoram is one of the most versatile herbs you can have in your kitchen.

To use it at its best, the advice is to add it almost at the end of cooking, especially if you use fresh leaves, so as not to lose its delicate aroma.

It goes perfectly with:

  • VegetablesPotatoes, zucchini, tomatoes. Try dressing a simple fresh tomato salad with a little marjoram and a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Meat and fish: it is excellent with white meats such as chicken and turkey and gives an irresistible aroma to fish such as sea bream and sea bass cooked in the oven.
  • Sauces and condiments: perfect for enriching sauces, pestos and savory pie fillings.

The recipe: Summer bruschetta with cherry tomatoes, marjoram, and balsamic vinegar

Here is a quick and easy recipe, perfect for an aperitif or a light lunch, which brings out the aroma of our marjoram and the unmistakable taste of theBalsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI.

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices of homemade bread
  • 200g cherry tomatoes
  • A generous bunch of fresh marjoram
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil to taste
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI to taste

Preparation:

  1. Cut the bread into slices and toast them lightly in the oven or on a griddle until golden and crispy.
  2. While the bread is toasting, dice the cherry tomatoes and place them in a bowl.
  3. Add the fresh marjoram leaves, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to the cherry tomatoes. Mix well.
  4. When the bread is ready, gently rub the surface of each slice with the garlic clove.
  5. Spread the cherry tomato and marjoram dressing on the toasted bread slices.

Complete each bruschetta with a few drops of Balsamic vinegar of Modena PGI: the contrast between the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes, the aroma of the marjoram, and the balanced acidity of the balsamic vinegar will win you over.


Discover all the aromatic herbs grown at Tenuta del Cigno 

The Tenuta del Cigno farm has a large French-style vegetable garden, where various plants and aromatic herbs are grown: sage, thyme, marjoram, santolina, rosemary, dill, chervil, coriander, pimpinella, borage, oregano, Cuban telea, lemon balm, rue, dwarf sunflower, Brazilian stevia, lemon verbena. 

By choosing marjoram from our farm, Tenuta del Cigno is supporting sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.


Are you interested in our aromatic herbs and in getting to know the spaces of the farm?


Contact us by writing an email to info@tenutadelcigno.com