Epazote

[Binky Profile]

I came across this ingredient in a recipe for vegetarian chilli. The book is an American publication.

I have never seen this ingredient on sale, and I lived in the US for 3 years.

A little research says that it can be substituted with fresh coriander. Do our overseas posters agree with this?

[Stokey Sue Profile]

When Peter Kuruvita did his Mexico series he said it was more like tarragon than anything else but nota lot like that!

The note on his pinto bean soup ssays

"*Fresh epazote has no real substitute, but if unavailable fresh bay leaves or thyme will work well to add some complimentary flavour to the beans."

[Binky Profile]

so not a bit like coriander!

[Alexandria Profile]

Binky,

I would definitely ask Karakoolaide as he is extremely well versed in Mexican and Latin American food and products.


Epazote is an ancient Mayan and Aztec herb called Skunkweed or Stinkweed in English.

Cilantro (herb) is a usual substitute for Epazote, rarely found outside of Mexico and in some countries of Central America.


Also substitutes include a combination of the following:

Cilantro
Fresh Oregano
Fresh Savory

( Boldo leaves, also not easy to find on the European side of the Atlantic )

Good luck and have a lovely summer.

[MariaK Profile]

Binky

This might help

https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-epazote-4126810

As Sue said - no real substitute, especially on the "mediicinal" side , From what I´ve gathered from Mexican friends if added to beans the aim is mostly to avoid possible unpleasant after effects!

I'll phone my Mexican friend later and see if she has any suggestions.

[Amyw Profile]

https://www.mexgrocer.com/44989-33078.html

There you go Binky . Interesting reading

[Binky Profile]

Yes, very interesting reading.

But I won't be buying any in a hurry.

[karadekoolaid Profile]

Hey, Binky - epazote is unique . I agree with Stokey Sue.
Had some in the garden once, but the idiot gardener ripped it out!!

Yes, it´s an anti-flatulent. Sub it, perhaps, with a mixture of tarragon and coriander (preferably the stems), but it won´t be the same.

If in doubt - leave it out.

[jeral Profile]

Is there any chance it's similar to hing or asaphoetida, also foul smelling and anti-flatulent, but said to be akin to a garlic taste (for use by those allergic to garlic as a flavouring)?

[karadekoolaid Profile]

Jeral - not even close!
http://gernot-katzers-spice-pages.com/engl/Chen_amb.html

[jeral Profile]

Thanks for the informative epazote link. Interesting that it's either highly valued or totally ignored in seemingly equal measure.