Users' questions

What is a sprig of epazote?

What is a sprig of epazote?

Una ramita, a sprig, seems to be a common guide on how much epazote you put in the olla (pot) when you cook frijoles (beans). Traditionally (but by no means exclusively) it’s used with black beans. The intensity does break down in the cooking.

What is the herb epazote in English?

In English it is sometimes called goosefoot, skunk weed, wormseed, or Mexican tea; the last two of these terms allude to its medicinal use to combat intestinal parasites.

Is Mexican oregano the same as epazote?

The taste is strong as well, slightly bitter with hints of lemon. It is often compared to cilantro as both are acquired tastes. While epazote has no comparable substitute, many have found us- ing Mexican oregano in its place provides pleasing results. You might find fresh epazote for sale at Mexican grocery stores.

How much epazote is poisonous?

According to the age of the patient, 60 mg of ascaridol would be the recommended dose formerly used in the treatment of parasitic disease. Thus 1,560 mg was 26 times higher than the recommended dose, and exceeded by 56% the dose of 1,000 mg reported as lethal in humans.

Where to find epazote in the United States?

Regardless, you will find wild epazote mostly in disturbed places, like the edges of farm fields, gardens, vacant lots, old properties and the like — usually below 4000 feet in elevation, although I once saw some growing out of a sidewalk crack in Denver. It is not, as some people think, the same plant as Mexican oregano, not even remotely.

When is the best time to plant epazote?

This plant is not picky about soil conditions but does prefer full sun. It is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zone 6 to 11. Plant seeds or seedlings in the early spring once the ground can be worked. In warm areas, epazote is a perennial. Because of its invasive nature, however, it is best grown in containers.

How tall does an epazote plant grow to be?

The epazote plant is a leafy annual or short-lived perennial plant that can reach 4 feet in height. Its dark green, long, slender, jagged leaves end in a point. The flowers are green and very small; they produce thousands of tiny seeds.

What foods have the flavor of epazote plants?

Southwest dishes commonly use epazote plants to flavor black beans, soups, quesadillas, potatoes, enchiladas, tamales and eggs. It has a distinct flavor that some even call a cross between pepper and mint. Young leaves have a mild flavor.