Epazote

[firefly68]

Mexican friends have said this is the key to many dishes, and I finally found a package of dried at a local imports store, Pepito brand.

Today I made a recipe that calls for Mexican oregano; I had none so decided to combine Mediterranean oregano with the epazote. When I opened the package I was dismayed to find that it smells like mint! Is this how it should smell or did I get taken??

I was afraid to put more than a pinch in the marinade. Am wondering whether I should add more and/or more Med oregano. This is a really good sounding recipe Chipotle Mexican Grill Barbacoa Burritos Chipotle Mexican Grill Barbacoa Burritos and I don't want to ruin it!

[realbirdlady]

Some people think it smells like mint, so probably yeah, you've got the right thing. It's not hard to grow, if you ever get a chance to get some seeds or cuttings. Like any herb, fresh is probably better when it's available.

I'm with the people that think epazote tastes like a petroleum byproduct, so I wouldn't use it, but other folks wouldn't cook without it. Starting with a small amount is probably always a good strategy - let us know how the dish turns out...

[firefly68]

Thanks for putting my mind at ease, realbirdlady! I cooked the dish with the tiny amount and it was delicious. No hint of mint OR motor oil! lol Next time I'll try more and see how it goes.

[Mama's Kitchen (Hope)]

Do you have any Latin Supermarkets (Supermercado) near you? They will have it. Do not worry if u do not speak any Spanish. The people there are so friendly and helpful and should know enough English to converse with you.

BTW- I buy Fiesta brand and it is less than $1.

If you go to a Supermercado, you may find lots of other things too! Mine has amazing produce! Sort of like a farmers market!

HTH

[Chef #308697]

epazote has a definate gasoline smell to it. a mexican lady at my market gave me a plant last summer from seeds she got in mexico. go online and look up "epazote" and read all of the health benefits that this herb is suppose to have. I love the taste of this herb and it is yummy in cooked homemade beans. i use it in most of my mexican dishes.

[Mama's Kitchen (Hope)]

Welcome!


Thanks for the info!

[Neohippie]

I've got some growing in my herb garden right now.

I guess "epazote smells like gasoline" is like how some people think cilantro "tastes like soap".

I would describe epazote as a combination of mint and pine, though I can see how some people would get "gasoline" out of it (and also soap from cilantro, but I like them).

I spinkle some in all my Tex/Mex bean dishes to help with, um, the "musical fruit". Dunno if it really works, but that's the folk remedy anyway.

[Molly53]

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[Chocolatl]

I bought a packet of epazote seeds, planted them, and waited with bated breath for them to come up.

Imagine my delight upon discovering this is the same plant that's been growing wild in my garden for years!