Oh, the sheer delight of a sunny day in the Dutch countryside, with a basket slung over your arm and the promise of fresh, fragrant herbs wafting through the air! Forget your worries for a bit, because we’re talking about the blissful experience of hand-picking marjoram.

The Joy of the Harvest: Picking Your Own Marjoram

Imagine stepping onto a vibrant green field, bathed in soft sunlight, where rows of aromatic marjoram beckon. Whether you’re a solo adventurer seeking a moment of quiet contemplation, or enjoying a lively outing with friends and family, the act of choosing and snipping your own herbs is a truly therapeutic pleasure.

Little hands (or big ones!) can eagerly explore the different plants, learning to distinguish the soft, slightly fuzzy leaves and inhaling their sweet, delicate scent. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature, slow down, and appreciate where our food comes from. There’s an undeniable satisfaction in gathering your own bounty, knowing that each sprig you pick has been selected by you for its freshness and quality. Plus, who can resist the Instagram-worthy photo ops amidst a sea of verdant greenery? It’s more than just shopping; it’s an experience, a memory in the making, and a tangible reward for a pleasant day outdoors.

Bringing Your Marjoram Home: From Field to Feast!

Once your basket is brimming with your freshly picked marjoram, the fun really begins. This versatile herb, often described as a sweeter, milder cousin to oregano, boasts a beautiful, slightly floral, piney, and citrusy flavour. It’s an absolute star in Mediterranean and European cooking, perfect for adding warmth and complexity to a variety of dishes.

Here are some delightful ways to infuse your home and kitchen with the magic of fresh marjoram:

Culinary Creations: Main Dishes

1. Zesty Marjoram & Lemon Roasted Chicken This simple yet flavourful recipe highlights the fresh, aromatic qualities of marjoram beautifully.

  • Ingredients:
    • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
    • 4-5 sprigs fresh marjoram, leaves stripped and roughly chopped
    • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 3 tbsp olive oil
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
    2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, chopped marjoram, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
    3. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in a roasting pan. Tuck the lemon slices amongst the chicken pieces.
    4. Roast for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the skin is golden and crispy, and the juices run clear.
    5. Serve hot with roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad.

2. Sun-Kissed Marjoram Tomato Pasta A quick and easy vegetarian dish that lets fresh marjoram sing!

  • Ingredients:
    • 300g pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work well)
    • 400g ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 3-4 sprigs fresh marjoram, leaves stripped and roughly chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
    • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
  • Instructions:
    1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
    2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let the garlic brown).
    3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst, releasing their juices.
    4. Stir in the chopped fresh marjoram. Add the drained pasta to the pan. Toss everything together, adding a splash or two of the reserved pasta cooking water if needed to create a light sauce.
    5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with fresh Parmesan cheese if desired.

Herbal Elixir: Marjoram Tea

Soothing Marjoram Comfort Tea Marjoram isn’t just for cooking; it makes a lovely, calming herbal tea, perfect for unwinding after a busy day or soothing an upset stomach.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2-3 fresh marjoram sprigs (about 1 tablespoon of leaves)
    • 1 cup hot water (just below boiling)
    • Honey or a lemon slice (optional, for serving)
  • Instructions:
    1. Place the fresh marjoram sprigs (or just the leaves) into a mug.
    2. Pour the hot water over the marjoram.
    3. Steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
    4. Strain out the marjoram leaves.
    5. Sweeten with a touch of honey or add a lemon slice if you like. Enjoy this fragrant and calming brew!

Cocktail Concoction: The Marjoram Zest Gin Fizz

Give your happy hour a sophisticated, herbal twist with this refreshing gin fizz, where marjoram adds an unexpected depth of flavour.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 oz (60ml) Gin
    • 1 oz (30ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
    • 0.75 oz (22ml) Marjoram Simple Syrup (see note below)
    • 1 egg white (optional, for a frothy texture)
    • Soda water, to top
    • Fresh marjoram sprig and a lemon twist, for garnish
  • Marjoram Simple Syrup:
    • Combine ½ cup sugar, ½ cup water, and 4-5 fresh marjoram sprigs in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Strain out the marjoram and let cool. Store in the fridge.
  • Instructions:
    1. Add gin, lemon juice, marjoram simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to a shaker without ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to emulsify the egg white (this is called a “dry shake”).
    2. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
    3. Strain the mixture into a chilled highball or fizz glass.
    4. Top with soda water.
    5. Garnish with a fresh marjoram sprig and a lemon twist. Sip and savour the herbaceous zest!

So, the next time you’re looking for a delightful outing in the Netherlands, head to a pick-your-own farm. A basket full of fresh marjoram isn’t just a delicious ingredient; it’s a memento of a beautiful day, ready to transform your meals and drinks into something truly special. Enjoy!