Mexican oregano vs Mediterranean oregano — they are not the same ingredient

I made this mistake for years: I used Mediterranean oregano (the kind in a jar at the supermarket) in Mexican recipes that called for oregano, and the flavour was always slightly off — more robust and herbal than it should have been. Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is related to lemon verbena, not to Mediterranean oregano (Origanum vulgare). It has a different flavour profile: slightly citrusy, less intensely herbal, with a mild anise note. It is the correct oregano for Mexican bean dishes, chile sauces, and regional Mexican preparations. For anyone cooking Mexican food regularly: find a source for Mexican oregano and keep it separate from your Mediterranean oregano. They are different tools.