Herb
Epazote
Epazote is a pungent Mexican and Central American herb with a resinous, petrol-mint aroma used in bean pots, quesadillas, soups, and mole variants. A few leaves perfume a whole pot; excess turns aggressively medicinal. Fresh sprigs are standard in Mexican markets. Dried epazote is available but softer. It is botanically a goosefoot (Dysphania), not related to European mint or oregano.
Also known as: Epazote, Epazote, Epazote
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History
Epazote was used in Mesoamerican cookery and traditional practice long before European contact.
Colonial-era Mexican cuisine retained epazote as the defining bean and soup aromatic.
Mexican regional cookbooks and markets kept epazote central while it remained rare abroad.
Specialty grocers and diaspora demand spread fresh and dried epazote internationally.