Herbs and Spices

Crushed Epazote

CRUSHED EPAZOTE
CRUSHED EPAZOTE
Mpc: H237 | GTIN:

Crushed Epazote

Epazote is a wild or cultivated herb that is commonly used in Mexican cooking. It has a very strong, distinctive flavor-with notes of citrus, mint, pine, oregano and mustard-that is traditionally used to season black beans and dishes based on melted cheese.

  • Dried, greenish-tan leaves are crushed to a medium-fine texture

  • Epazote is also valued for its anti-gaseous properties, especially when cooked with beans

  • In recipes calling for fresh epazote, half the amount of dried can be substituted

  • Naturally gluten free

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    Suggested uses

  • Often used in Mexican dishes, especially those featuring beans, as epazote's unique flavor complements them well, and acts to reduce beans' gaseous effects

  • Often paired with melting cheeses in Oaxacan cuisine, so try a bit sprinkled in cheese quesadillas

  • Also delicious in creamy sauces and egg dishes

  • In recipes calling for fresh epazote, half the amount of dried can be substituted

  • Add epazote to long-cooking dishes like beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maximize flavor

    • Basic prep

    Ready to use. Add to taste.

    Storage & handling

    Store in a dry, cool place.

    Ingredients

    Epazote

    Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) is an annual or short-lived perennial herb plant, native to Central and South America, as well as southern Mexico. It also grows wild in some warmer parts of the United States. It is cultivated for its aromatic jagged leaves, which are commonly used in Mexican cooking.

    Epazote has been used medicinally and in culinary applications for hundreds of years, dating back to the Aztec civilization. Its distinctive flavor is entirely unique-there's nothing that can truly replace it in a recipe. The aroma is often described as pungent, with strong notes of citrus and petroleum, and the earthy flavor bridges mint, citrus, pine, oregano and mustard. It is an extremely specific flavor, and one that is highly valued by Mexican chefs. The flavor tends to mellow out during cooking, and adds wonderful dimension to dishes.

    Epazote is most often used in black bean dishes, both for the flavor it imparts, as well as for its anti-gaseous properties. It is also popular in melted cheese dishes such as quesadillas and queso fundido, as the epazote adds a delicious freshness to the rich melted cheese.

    Classic recipe

    Mexican Black Beans with Epazote

    Epazote is a popular cooking herb in Mexico with a similar flavor profile to oregano. Left to simmer atop the stove, hearty Black Beans soak up all the rich flavors and aromas of bacon, onion, garlic and our Ground Epazote.

    Mexican Black Beans With Epazote