Marjoram (Origanum majorana, Lamiaceae) is a somewhat cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavours. It is also called Sweet Marjoram or Knotted Marjoram and Majorana hortensis.The name marjoram (Old French majorane, Medieval Latin majorana) does not directly derive from the Latin word maior (major).[2] Marjoram is indigenous to the Mediterranean area and was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness.Marjoram is cultivated for its aromatic leaves, either green or dry, for culinary purposes; the tops are cut as the plants begin to flower and are dried slowly in the shade. It is often used in herb combinations such as Herbes de Provence and Za\'atar.The flowering leaves and tops of Marjoram are steam distilled to produce an essential oil that is yellowish in color (darkening to brown as it ages). It has many chemical components, some of which are borneol, camphor, origanol and pinene.Although considered cold-sensitive, marjoram can sometimes prove hardy even in zone 5.
