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Avocado Leaves (hojas de aguacate)
Avocado leaves are harvested from the native Mexican avocado Peresea drymifolia.
The leaves are used both fresh as well as dried and impart a slightly anisey
flavor.
avocado leaves: photo: gourmetsleuth.com
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Reports of Toxicity
You may have seen various
articles on the web that report that avocado leaves may be toxic. I believe this
topic is best explained by Diana Kennedy if her new book “From My Mexican
Kitchen” just published, 2003:
"Because there has been some concern about toxicity of avocado leaves among some
Californian aficionados, I think it is time to set the record straight. The toxicity
reports relate back to a study done in 1984 at the University of California at Davis,
which showed that dairy goats suffered some toxic effects from ingesting very large
amounts of avocado leaves (the toxic agent remains unknown). The crucial point, according
to Dr. Arthur L. Craigmill, toxicology specialist at Davis and one of the authors of the
study, is that the toxic effects were traced to the Guatemalan avocado (Persea American).
When the goats were fed Mexican avocado leaves (Persea dryminfolia), a different variety,
there was no problem.
The Hass avocado, the best tasting one grown in America, is a hybrid of indeterminate
origin though its DNA tests positive for a Guatemalan ancestor—hence the suspicions.
No one has ever tested Hass leaves for toxicity, but it seems unlikely that the small
amounts used in cooking would cause any problems in any case. When in doubt, choose based
on tasted and that leads you to the aromatic Mexican leaves which are now available in the
U.S."Uses
Avocado leaves, both fresh and dried are used
in the cuisine's of the South Central part of Mexico.
Fresh Leaves
Fresh leaves are used in Oaxaca as a bed for barbecuing meats as well as a flavoring for
tamales.
Dried Leaves
Dried avocado leaves are most frequently available in the U.S. and can be used in soups
and stews as well as bean recipes. Diana Kennedy suggests using the leaves as a substitute
for hoja santa.
Substitutes
You can use bay leaves but they bear no resemblance to the anise-flavored avocado leaves.
Rick Bayless has suggested a combination of bay leaves and cracked anise seed as a
substitute for avocado leaves.
Avocado Leaf Galls
It is common to see small "galls" on the underside of the avocado leaves.
They are totally edible and actually add an enhanced flavor. (Chef Reed Hearon, Cafe
Marimba, Restaurant LuLu, Rose Pistola et. al.) |
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Prepare
and Store
It is best to toast the leaves
on a dry, hot comal or cast iron skillet prior to use. The leaves are normally ground or
can be used crumbled as well.
Store Leaves
Only toast the amount of leaves you will use for your recipe. Store unused leaves for
several months in an airtight container.
Buy
Avocado leaves are available
in our online store: Gourmetsleuth.com
Recipes
Our favorite recipe is for Frijoles Negros. This delicious dish uses two specialty Mexican
ingredients, avocado leaves and epazote.
Serves 6 - 8
i n g r e d i e n t s
1/2 lb. salt pork (optional)
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups dried black beans (about 1lb)
1 tsp. epazote
1 tbsp. * crumbled avocado
leaves
5 cups water
4 cups beef or chicken broth
Salt
d i r e c t i o n s
If using pork, cook over medium high heat in a 4 or 5 qt. pan until fat begins to melt.
Sauté onion and garlic.
Sort beans and discard debris; rinse well.
Add beans and epazote to pan and pour in broth and water. Raise heat to high and bring to
boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours (or until beans are tender).
*Toast the avocado leaves lightly on a hot
comal or cast iron skillet. Add avocado leaves in last 15 minutes. If beans are too soupy,
boil over medium high heat, stirring often until thickened. Salt to taste. Serve with
chopped green onions, tomatoes, crema (see recipe) and chile
flakes.
*Note: our avocado leaves are particularly pungent. You may want to adjust the quantify
based on the aroma of your leaves.
Other Recipes
More recipes including Barbacoa De
Cordero (Bbq Lamb) (Bbq Lamb)
Barbacoa De Pollo Y Chiles (Barbecued Chicken With Chiles)
Beef Casserole with Chile and Avocado Leaves
Black Bean Soup with Prawns. |
