distinguished by its mixture of citrusy and
floral terpenes (citronellal and -ol, citral,
geraniol). Lemon balm is usually paired with
fruit dishes and other sweets.
Marjoram Marjoram was once classified as
coming from a sister genus of oregano, but
now is officially a species of oregano itself,
Origanum majorana. Whatever the precise
family relationship, marjoram differs from
the oreganos in having a milder flavor, fresh
and green and floral, with little of their
penetrating quality. It therefore works well as
one component in many herb blends and
dishes.
Mints The true mints are mainly small
natives of damp habitats in Europe and Asia.
There are about 25 species in the genus
Mentha and some 600 varieties, though the
family tendency to hybridizing and chemical
variation confuses the picture. The mints of
most interest to the cook are spearmint