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Epazote - pronounced [eh-paw-ZOH-teh]
An herb well-known to Mexican and Caribbean cooking. The name comes from the Aztec
(Nahuatl) epazotl. It is also known as pigweed or Mexican tea and is
frequently regarded as a garden pest. It is most commonly used in black bean recipes
to ward off some of the "negative" side affects of eating beans. Much like cilantro, it is referred to as an "acquired taste".
The herb is quite pungent and some say it smells like gasoline or kerosene.
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epazote leaves photo by: gourmetsleuth.comHistory and Lore
Epazote (chenopodium ambrosioides)
was brought to Europe in the 17th century from Mexico and used in various traditional
medicines. The herb was used by the Aztecs as a medicine as well as a culinary herb.
Buy and
Store
Epazote can normally be found fresh in Mexican grocery stores or is available air-dried.
One teaspoon of dried epazote leaves is equivalent to about one branch, or 7 fresh leaves.
Fresh epazote leaves can be placed in a plastic bag and stored for up to 1 week.
You can air-dry the fresh leaves and store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Penzey's is a good source for dried epazote.
Medicinal
Uses
Epazote contains compounds which actually act as an anti-gas agent ( referred to as a
carminative, which means it reduces gas) when cooked with beans. It's chief use was
as an agent to expel intestinal hookworms (wormseed). According to Jessica Houdret (The Ultimate Book of Herbs and Herb Gardening) it has also
been "recommended for nervous disorders, asthma, and problems with
menstruation). CAUTION: This herb is poisonous in large does.
Recipes
Fried Quesadillas With Two Fillings
Recipe for Fried Quesadillas
With Two Fillings includes epazote, mushrooms, onions, and queso fresca.
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Frijoles
Negros
Gourmetsleuth - Recipe for Frijoles Negros traditionally cooked in
ollas (clay pots). This delicious dish uses two specialty Mexican
ingredients, avocado leaves and epazote.
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Cactus And Zucchini In Oaxacan Pumpkin Seed
Sauce
Epicurious - Recipe for Cactus And Zucchini In
Oaxacan Pumpkin Seed Sauce includes Nopales (cactus), epazote, dried chiies, cumin,
zucchini, pumpkin seeds.
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Grilled Salmon In Corn Husks
Recipe for Grilled Salmon In Corn
Husks that includes epazote, chipotle rub, oregano, and salmon.
By Chef Reed Hearon.
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Sopes
Recipe for Sopes - Sopes are
specially made thick tortillas with raised edges. They are about 3 inches in diameter and
are available at specialty Latin American Markets. Uses epazote, queso fresco, avocado,
chicken breast, chorizo.
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Scrambled Eggs with Black Beans, Broth and
Epazote
Cooking.com - Recipe for Scrambled Eggs with
Black Beans, Broth and Epazote. The scrambled eggs are served bathed in a broth in
individual pots. In this case, it is a bean broth flavored with epazote, a unique-tasting
herb that often accompanies beans in Mexico. The eggs can also be scrambled with the beans
(without broth) for huevos tirados. Serve with hot tortillas.
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Red Snapper Marinated with Three Kinds of
Chilies in Banana Leaves
FoodTv - Recipe for Red Snapper Marinated with
Three Kinds of Chilies in Banana Leaves includes epazote, plantain leaves, chilis, onion,
garlic and rice.
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View GourmetSleuth's
Herb and Spice Kit Catalog. Our Mexican herb and spice collection includes
achiote, ancho chili powder, avocado leaves, canella powder, chipotle
powder, epazote and Mexican oregano. This gift set comes in a beautifully embossed tin
complete with recipes.
Epazote is also available individually in our
reuseable tin with a view-through lid.
Grow Your Own
Epazote is easy to grow.
It is an annual and grows to about 2 - 4 feet high. Plant in the spring in
full sun and seeds should germinate in about 7 -14 days
and be ready to harvest in 45 - 65 days. The plant is native to tropical
and subtropical regions and prefers sandy, loamy soil over dry arid conditions. Buy Seeds
Seeds of Change
Culinary Uses
Rick Bayless's (in his
book "Authentic Mexican") describes this herb as the well-known essential
ingredient in Mexican black bean recipes as well as in quesadillas and some moles (moh-LAYS).
Substitutions
If you don't have access to epazote, or you
simply don't like the flavor you can just omit it from the recipe. No herb has a similiar
flavor but like epazote, "savory" compliments the flavor Other complimentary
additions include cilantro or parsley. Another option is ajwan seeds, commonly used
in Indian cooking. (Foodsubs.com)
More Recipes
From recipes and information from GourmetSleuth's resource database that include Epazote.
Nutrition
Epazote/ 1 tablespoon leaves
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| Vitamin C (mg) |
0.029 |
More Mexican Recipes, Foods, Cooking
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salads, desserts, meat dishes, tamales and more.
young epazote plant, photo by
: gourmetsleuth.com |
