A couple of weeks ago I got some epazote from my local Mexican market. I used some of it for quesadillas that night. Jon made some remarks about the smell of this herb. The conversation went something like this:
-What’s that stink? Jon asked.
-It’s epazote and it does not stink. It smells great. Said I.
-I am not sure I am going to like it.
-That’s what you always say and you always end up licking your plate.
-I am not sure about this one. He proceeded to look at the quesadillas with that stern look that the average American gives to food that didn’t come out of a bag, a box, a can or a fast food restaurant.
-That’s OK, I replied, more for me.
At the end he ate the quesadillas but not all the epazote. He said he liked it, but it wasn’t his favorite herb. And I understand that. Epazote can be considered as an “acquired taste”. Many people link its strong aroma to gasoline, kerosene and even old socks. But a small amount of fresh epazote in your cheese quesadillas or black beans give those dishes a great and unique taste that you will never forget.
What is exactly epazote? Epazote (aka Wormseed, Jesuit’s Tea, Mexican Tea, or Herba Sancti Mariæis) is a herb that grows everywhere in many parts of Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. The name epazote comes from the Nahuatl (the language the Aztecs spoke) epazotl that means stinky or aromatic herb. Since pre-Colombian times it has been used as a culinary herb and for medicinal purposes to expel worms, kill parasites, increase perspiration and urination, stimulate digestion and as a natural remedy for cramps among many other uses.
Epazote grows wildly in Mexico and it is even considered a garden pest in some parts (snails are a garden pest too and they are an expensive dish in French restaurants!). In the US it can be purchased fresh or air dried in Mexican and Latin markets. Epazote can be grown in your garden during the summer and if the winters are not colder than 20º F, it will sprung back during spring.
It has been said that you can get addicted to epazote’s taste (would that be a bad thing) and it is poisonous in large quantities, but you only need a leave or two to give your dishes a delicious twist of flavor. Next time you come across epazote give this stinky herb a try. A little bit won’t hurt you and you might find a very nice and flavorful surprise in your dishes.
Sources for this post:
17 Replies
Hmm, never heard of it but I’ll look for it at one of our Latin Americano markets.
Posted on May 13th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I bought a small jar of epazote from Penzey’s, and have yet to use it. Think I’ll try your black bean suggestion.
Posted on May 13th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Well, I thought I knew all the herbs! This is a new one on me, I suspect to get it in England you would have to go to a Caribbean supermarket of some kind.
Posted on May 13th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I have heard of epazote but have never seen it in the markets around here. Maybe I’ll have to take a long drive to the nearest Mexican food market.
Posted on May 13th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
This herb is definitely new to me…I’m not so sure about the “old socks” smell!..LOL. Seriously, I’m curious about its benefits in a dish….Does its aroma vanish when cooked?
Posted on May 13th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Thanks for the info Ben!
I don’t think it’s one I’ll find on the south coast of England, but I’ll keep my eyes open! I like cheese that smells like old socks, this should be fine
Posted on May 14th, 2008 at 5:42 am
I learn something new every day Ben. I have not heard of this herb previosly, but, now I bet I will see it everywhere..maybe not everywhere, but soon:D
Posted on May 14th, 2008 at 7:41 am
I’m going to our huge Detroit market on Saturday, so I’ll see what I can find… I always love to try new herbs.
Posted on May 14th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Sounds interesting! I wouldn’t mind giving it a try, as long as it doesn’t really smell like old socks.
Posted on May 14th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Hmm stinky, can be addictive and pisionous,but tastes great. My curiosity is piqued.
Posted on May 14th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Very interesting read, Ben. I will have to keep my eyes open for this.
Posted on May 22nd, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Once you have epazote in Mexican food, you wonder how you ever got along without it.
Posted on June 11th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Never heard of this herb before Ben, but sounds interesting! will keep an eye out for it:)
Posted on June 27th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
In Venezuela we call it Pazote and it is not used to cook
but with the medical purposes you already explained. But i do not think it smells like gasoline or old socks, I have tons of it in the backyard. I love it because when medicine and vets couldn’t do anything to heal the dogs and cats I found on the street I gave them pazote tea and they were fine and healthy
Posted on June 29th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Just ran across your blog and I love all the information. Epazote sounds like interesting stuff. I thought I knew my herbs, but this is a new one for me. Old socks? Hmmm, now I’m really curious.
Melissa
Posted on July 1st, 2008 at 7:09 am
Thank you Ben for this forum! I’m also from Mexico City and live now in Palm Springs, California. I grew up eating beans laced with Epazote all my life, so it does not smell like old socks to me …. quesadillas with squash flowers and epazote smell divine!. Anybody can get seeds from vendors like Amazon and they deliver worldwide!
Posted on July 18th, 2008 at 2:45 am
[...] Small handful of Chopped Cilantro (or 1 Epazote Leaf) [...]
Posted on December 12th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
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