One of my favorite summer routines is taking daily (or hourly) strolls through my garden, plucking and eating edible leaves as I go.Probably my all-time-favorite things to eat straight o
12.06.2023 - 00:53 / gardenerspath.com / Gretchen Heber
How to Grow and Use Epazote Herb Dysphania ambrosioidesShow of hands – who’s ever heard of epazote? If you’re a fan of southern Mexican or Guatemalan food, you may be familiar with this ingredient, which is comprised of the leaves and stalks of the epazote (eh-puh-ZO-tay) plant.
This plant is considered a weed by some, but proudly cultivated by others who treasure its unusual flavor, described by some as “earthy,” or as having lemony, acidic qualities.
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Other tasters compare it to a stronger version of oregano, anise, fennel, or tarragon. It’s also been called spicy.
What Is Epazote?You may also see this herb called wormseed (more on the genesis of this nickname in a minute), Jesuit’s tea, or Mexican tea. Botanically, the plant was once known as Chenopodium ambrosioides.
Interestingly, epazote is considered a carminative, well-known for its, ahem, flatulence-reducing properties. One can only assume this is why it is a popular flavoring for bean dishes.
The plant grows to about four feet tall and produces long, serrated leaves that emit a fairly strong, kerosene-like odor. It produces small, pale yellow-greenish flowers.
Gardeners in Zones 4-12 can grow this plant. In the more northern zones, the plant is typically grown as an annual, though it does tolerate a bit of frost, so can be overwintered in warmer climates.
Before we get too far into our exploration of this plant and how to cultivate it, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that if you were to eat a dump truck full of epazote, you may experience some awful side effects, as it is poisonous in large quantities.
It contains the toxin ascaridole, which can
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