Marjoram
Marjoram suppliers and sourcing guide
Marjoram is the dried leaf, with or without some flowering tops, of sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana, also listed as Majorana hortensis), a perennial herb in the mint family grown mainly in Egypt, France and other Mediterranean countries. It is related to oregano but milder and sweeter. The herb is harvested, dried and rubbed or cut, and is used in sausages, stuffings, soups, poultry seasonings and herb blends. Marjoram oil is distilled from the herb.
- Also known as
- Origanum majorana · Majorana hortensis · Sweet marjoram · Knotted marjoram
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of marjoram
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Rubbed or cut leaf
Dried leaf rubbed or cut to a stated size for seasoning blends.
Ground
Milled marjoram for dry mixes and meat seasonings.
Steam-treated
Leaf treated with steam to reduce microbial load for ready-to-eat use.
Organic
Certified organic marjoram, mostly from Egypt and Europe.
Marjoram oil
Steam-distilled essential oil of sweet marjoram for flavors and fragrance.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Volatile oil
- Volatile oil content by distillation, the main measure of quality.
- Moisture
- Moisture by distillation or loss on drying.
- Total and acid-insoluble ash
- Ash and acid-insoluble ash to check for soil and sand.
- Extraneous matter
- Stems, foreign seeds, insect fragments and other extraneous matter by visual and filth testing (for example AOAC or ASTA methods).
- Microbiology
- Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms, E. coli and Salmonella; many buyers require steam-treated or otherwise pathogen-reduced spice.
- Pesticide residues
- Multi-residue screen by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store marjoram sealed in light-blocking packaging in a cool, dry place, since color and aroma fade with light, heat and air. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with volatile oil and micro as retest points.
Lots and expiry dates
Record origin and crop year for each lot and check aroma and color against a standard. Leaf herbs can carry stems and other plant material, so check extraneous matter on arrival and rotate stock first in, first out.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.10 lists sweet marjoram (Majorana hortensis) among spices and other natural seasonings and flavorings that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's spice definitions compliance policy guide defines marjoram as the dried leaves, with or without a small proportion of the flowering tops, of Majorana hortensis.
Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 101.22 names marjoram among the spices that may be declared collectively as "spice" on food labels.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Marjoram suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking marjoram suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell marjoram? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of marjoram can brands buy?
Common forms include rubbed or cut leaf, ground, steam-treated, organic and marjoram oil. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for marjoram include?
Expect volatile oil, moisture, total and acid-insoluble ash, extraneous matter, microbiology and pesticide residues, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should marjoram be stored?
Store marjoram sealed in light-blocking packaging in a cool, dry place, since color and aroma fade with light, heat and air. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with volatile oil and micro as retest points.
What is the regulatory status of marjoram?
21 CFR 182.10 lists sweet marjoram (Majorana hortensis) among spices and other natural seasonings and flavorings that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use. FDA's spice definitions compliance policy guide defines marjoram as the dried leaves, with or without a small proportion of the flowering tops, of Majorana hortensis. 21 CFR 101.22 names marjoram among the spices that may be declared collectively as "spice" on food labels.
More flavors, spices and essential oils
- Vanilla extractExtract of vanilla · Pure vanilla extract
- Vanilla beansVanilla planifolia · Vanilla tahitensis
- Vanillin4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde · Vanillic aldehyde
- Ethyl vanillin3-Ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde · Bourbonal
- Natural flavorsNatural flavoring · Natural flavour
- Artificial flavorsArtificial flavoring · Synthetic flavors
- CinnamonCinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) · Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cassia)
- NutmegMyristica fragrans · Nutmeg seed
- CloveSyzygium aromaticum · Eugenia caryophyllata
- CardamomElettaria cardamomum · Green cardamom
- Black pepperPiper nigrum · Peppercorns
- Cayenne pepperCapsicum annuum · Capsicum frutescens
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