Cuban Oregano - LIVE PLANT, Spanish Thyme

Cuban Oregano — A Caribbean Kitchen Essential

Bring the bold, aromatic flavors of the Caribbean, India, and the Philippines right to your garden. Cuban Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) is a hardy, succulent herb prized for its thick, velvety leaves and intensely fragrant profile — a rich blend of oregano, thyme, and a hint of musk that elevates everything it touches.

Flavor & Aroma

Stronger and more complex than Italian oregano, Cuban Oregano delivers a pungent, earthy depth with subtle thyme notes. A little goes a long way — making it a powerhouse herb for slow-cooked dishes, marinades, and spice blends.

Culinary Uses

• Stuff into pork roasts or whole chicken before roasting
• Blend into traditional Caribbean jerk seasoning
• Add to bean dishes, salsas, and sofrito
• Sauté with vegetables or stir into soups and stews
• Use as a 1:1 substitute for oregano or thyme in any recipe

Cultural Roots

Known across the Caribbean as Orégano Brujo, this herb is a staple in Cuban, Puerto Rican, Haitian, and Jamaican cooking. In India and Indonesia, it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries — valued as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and fever remedy.

Common Names

• Cuban Oregano
• Indian Borage
• Mexican Mint
• Mexican Thyme
• Orégano Brujo
• Spanish Thyme

Growing Notes

Cuban Oregano is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant perennial that thrives in containers or garden beds. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Harvest leaves as needed — the more you pick, the bushier it grows. Store fresh cuttings in the refrigerator for up to one week.