[xsmommy]

is Panamanian oregano a variety of cilantro? I cannot abide cilantro, hadn’t really had it until I lived in Colombia and found that it just makes me want to hurl! I bought a mixed greens blend at the store last week that had it in there and I was outraged, then I saw that I bought something that said mixed HERBS and I guess that’s where I got into trouble with the cilantro. Makes eating Mexican and Thai kind of dicey, I always have to ask about cilantro.

[SAJ]

No, Panamanian oregano is a variety of oregano. It grows straight up (mostly), whereas traditional norteamericano oregano grows low to the ground and gets bushy when the plant matures. Pan. Oregano, again, is way more flavourful than its American cousin. Don't need to dry it at all; just cut a branch, strip the leaves, chop finely and you're done. For perspective, I've 1 2-year old oregano plant that is taller than I am (try THAT one out on your gardening friends. You may see jaws drop, heh heh).

I am growing cilantro (forgot to mention it earlier). First year I've had any survive as far as blooming. Only growing it for the seeds, which are (class?) the tasty spice called coriander. Cilantro (which produces cilantro LEAF and coriander SEED) is one of only two plants on the planet that produces TWO spices. Can you name the other?

A lot of folks can't stand cilantro leaf, something in the olfactory system, I imagine. It is, however, a very pretty herb that smells delightful when in the garden (while one waits for the seeds to grow).