Anyone heard of "hot and spicy" oregano?

[sourdough girl]

We went to our local... and LARGE... nursery last weekend and I found the herb named above... didn't sample it while at the nursery, but HAD to bring one home!  It has the same habit as any of the other oreganos, but the leaves are a little darker and rougher.  I chewed a leaf and the first flavor was strongly oregano, which is somewhat spicy to begin with, but then the heat hit my tongue... it IS hot!  I'm going to add it to my next pizza sauce and also chop some fresh to see how it does when heated on a pizza.  So far, I think it's a great find!

~sd

[November]

It's a specially cultivated variety of Greek oregano.  I would imagine its use is more common in Mexican cuisine than Italian.

[2stone]

Is Greek Oregano the same as Turkish Oregano?

[November]

Is Greek Oregano the same as Turkish Oregano?

No, they are different species.  Greek Oregano is Origanum vulgare.  Turkish Oregano is Origanum onites.  I'm trying to confirm the origin, but supposedly "Hot 'n' Spicy" Oregano is a recent Israeli cultivation.

EDIT: I don't have positive confirmation, but it seems likely Israel is the source of this oregano.  They are becoming a major player in the oregano market, and from a horticultural tour I was on many years ago, I witnessed how very keen they are on plant genetic modifications.  Some of the craziest cultivars have come Israel.  Here's some light reading on the herb and spice market, at least as it was 15 years ago.  You can see Israel climbing in the oregano export business to the United States.

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/proceedings1993/v2-616.html

[Pizza_Not_War]

I do remember in the desperate days of college, we tried smoking oregano. Not sure if it was hot or spicy, but it sure was cough-ee .
 

PNW

[sourdough girl]

I do remember in the desperate days of college, we tried smoking oregano. Not sure if it was hot or spicy, but it sure was cough-ee .
 

PNW

You mean you INHALED?         As hot as that leaf was on my tongue, I sure wouldn't want to suck its smoke into my lungs!   

~sd

[Pizza_Not_War]

I guess it depends on the definition of inhale.

- bill clinton, maybe

[tjkoko]

I find that oregano purchased at Mexican supermercados (aka Mexican oregano) tastes hot and spicy whereas the Turkish oregano I get from Penzey's tastes pungent and lemony without the hot bite.

[buceriasdon]

The Mexican plant is not a true oregano but similar and holds up well with to the stronger flavors used here.
http://www.chipotlepowder.com/mexican-oregano
Don

[tjkoko]

Okay but it seems that it's the Greek/Turkish/Mediterranean stuff used in milder dishes like salad dressings.