With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Seasonal Eats: The Pungent Flavor of Epazote
A change of pace this week brought me to the Old L.A. Farmers' Market in Highland Park, a decidedly smaller market, with more of a local focus. One seller always seems to have a great selection of non-commercial greens, and this week was no exception, he was carrying epazote, also known as wormseed, Jesuit's tea and Mexican tea. I've heard of it, but never really worked with it, so I took the opportunity and bought a bunch.
Epazote is a particularly pungent herb, having an aroma of gasoline or turpentine with slight citrus notes, and the same sensation in the mouth as some of the other volatile oil-containing herbs like mint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil. One reason is that its essential oil contains several compounds that are toxic at high levels, and have been used to expel parasitic worms from plants, domestic animals and humans. Extracts from epazote have been used as a natural pesticide, and it makes a great natural pest repellant as a companion plant in the garden. Nutritionally speaking, epazote is a good source of vitamin C and a very good source of dietary fiber, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese.
Most commonly, though, it's known for carminative properties, which is to say, it reduces intestinal gas and flatulence associated with eating beans. It's often paired with cilantro in seasoning beans, soups, mole, cheese & green chile tamales, chilaquiles and quesadillas, or taken as a tea. My own recipe will focus on an herbal tea blend that uses its medicinal properties, leaving the traditional dishes to the experts.
5 ways to make the most of fresh epazote:
- Looking for a triple-threat digestive tea? This fresh epazote, mint & ginger tea blend is soothing to the system.
- Combine a few tastes of springtime with these quesadillas de flor de calabaza.
- Make the most of fresh herbs and blend up some Oaxacan herbed pumpkin seed mole.
- Three options for vegetarian tacos flavored with epazote: zucchini and corn tacos, or some baked squash, chiles and corn tacos, or these mushroom rajas and corn tacos with queso fresco.
- The most common pairing reported is with beans, see how you like epazote in frijoles borrachos.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump.
Best of LAist