J. Lee called me an afternoon a while back and said she had a gift for me. A Mexican Oregano (Lippia Graveolens) she’d found and said it was worth the effort. I’m thinkin’, comon man, I got enough Mexican Oregano here to sink a ship several times. Besides, I can get it cheeeap locally. No, this was better. Better? How could that be? Easy.
Native Seeds is how. Native Seeds is a non-profit organization that seeks to preserve the crop seeds that connect Native American cultures to their lands. If you aren’t hip to these fine people, you need to groove on their web site. They offer a huge variety of seeds, beans, chiles, herbs, soaps, salves, instructional material and far more. The fact they’re a non-profit doing well for people and food is enough for me. Take THAT you industry, nyah.
Hey wait, didn’t I start with something about oregano? Oh yeah, okay, Native Seeds’ Mexican Oregano takes the aroma and flavor another step. When I opened the jar it was as though I was on the Arizona desert, whoof! I had to take another few whiffs, the flavor it unleashes is the same. Sure this herb goes well in soups, stews & sauces. But it shines even brighter when applied to a fresh taco or two, such as …
See?
Xo Xo
You know, I have always been aware of Native Seeds as a seed provider, but did not realize that they also sell herbs, etc. Awesome resource – thanks.
Those tacos look amazing! I’m going to make fresh tortillas this weekend..what is the meat you have on them??
PS….I ordered my ‘Dish’, should be winging its way ‘cross the pond as we speak!
Hey Jen!
Yeah man, Native Seeds is a real gem. They got all kinds of neat stuff. I wish I’d been thinking ahead, coulda ordered some seeds for this season.
Biggles
Hey Melissa,
Thank you for the support!
Those tacos had long and slow roasted pork shoulder that was completely bathed in chile powders, onion powder, salt, cayenne, oregano, evoo (applied first), black pepper and probably a few other things. Installed in to a 300 degree oven for maybe 5 hours.
Then pulled apart and put in a hot frying pan with a dollup of fresh lard and more of that dry rub. Fried until caramelized and crispy in some places.
And that is how that is done.
Oh yeah, and a handful of bay leaves.
and you are serving them at what time?
I just sent the link to two farmers I know. Oregano is where a lot of New Yorkers dissent when it comes to pizza sauce. I feel like it’s rarely used and I think we should give it a “come-back”! maybe I’ll design a dessert around it…tee hee.
Hey Shuna,
Excellent, spread the good word. Rarely used in Pizza sauce? Hmm, I could see that. I’m well aware of how New Yorkers feel about their pizza and what Californians have done to it. But even as a condiment sprinkled on after the fact? Not even then?
Biggles
Catalog or seed source?
Gene
Hey Gene,
I’m not sure I understand the question.
If you go to the link I provided in the article, you’ll see they have more than just seeds, maybe a catalog. They do so much more than just seeds & catalogs. Go see !!!
Have been searching for Mexican oregano seeds and just can’t find them. Can you help? Bought some a few years ago from Johnny’s Seeds but they are no longer carrying them.
Would appreciate any help….
Thanks,
Helen Knapp
Hey Helen,
Ya know, I don’t have any idears.
Have you tried calling Native Seeds directly and asking them if they have any ideas?
Phone: Toll-free (866) 622-5561
Isn’t it true that Mexican oregano is hotter than regular oregano? Picked a few leaves off a plant I bought a couple of years ago to put in some ratatulle; really heated it up!
Hey Claire,
Not in the dried form. Mebbe picked fresh, but I’ve never had it that way. The Mexican version tends to have a far more robust flavor and warm/dusty like the desert side to it as well. Mebbe fresh it could add a sprite to it. Thanks for stopping by!
Biggles
Hello,
Is there any way to get a hold of mexican oregano seeds?
Thank you for your time.
Bradley
I have been searching for jamaica seeds in order to plant them and grow my own ingredients for that wonderful Mexican drink-“jamaica”.
I think that this is a type of hibiscus.
Can you help me?
Thanks in advance.
Barbara
How do I buy some mexican oregano seeds from you?