What Is Epazote?
Epazote has been used for generations in traditional cooking
If you’ve ever enjoyed a plate of beans without the uncomfortable aftereffects, you might have epazote to thank. This aromatic herb, known for its bold flavor and pungent smell, is a staple in Latin kitchens and a game changer if the goal is to decrease gas caused by eating beans.
For centuries, cooks have turned to epazote for its unique taste and ability to reduce the gassiness often associated with beans. This little green leaf, with its strong, pungent aroma, has been a staple ingredient since the days of the Aztecs and Mayans, who revered it for both its culinary and medicinal properties.
Also known by names like wormseed, pigweed, Jesuit Tea, Mexican tea, and Paico, epazote is a hardy perennial herb that can grow up to four feet tall. Both the leaves and stems are edible, making it a versatile addition to various dishes.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your cooking, reduce gas associated with eating beans, or simply explore the rich traditions of Latin American cuisine, epazote is a herb worth discovering!
Amy Burkhart MD RD
How To Use Epazote
How to Cook with ItTo Cook With It
Epazote can be used either fresh or dried, and it’s a versatile addition to many dishes. Its bold flavor makes it a favorite for bean dishes, soups, stews, and cheese-based recipes like quesadillas. A small amount goes a long way in adding a distinctive depth to your cooking.
Amount
Epazote is potent, so start with small amounts. For fresh leaves, a sprig or two per cup of beans is usually enough; for dried, about a tsp. per cup of beans is typical
Taste
Epazote has a flavor that’s difficult to pin down but unforgettable. It combines minty, lemony, and slightly medicinal notes, making it a unique herb that enhances a dish’s overall flavor profile. Keep in mind that the fresh herb has a much stronger flavor than the dried version, so use it sparingly if you’re new to cooking with it.
Cooking Tips for Epazote
- Bean Dishes: Add a sprig of fresh epazote or a teaspoon of dried leaves to your beans. This not only boosts flavor but also helps reduce gas.
- Soups and Stews: Toss epazote into broths or stews, particularly those with earthy or hearty ingredients like squash, corn, or pork.
- Quesadillas and Cheese Dishes: For an authentic Mexican touch, sprinkle chopped fresh epazote on cheese before folding it into a quesadilla.
Whether fresh or dried, epazote is an essential herb for anyone exploring authentic Latin American flavors!
Amy Burkhart MD RD
Does Epazote Reduce Gas?
It is used to decrease gas resulting from eating beans
While there aren’t many specific scientific studies focused on how epazote works to reduce gas, it has long been used in traditional cooking to alleviate bloating and discomfort, especially when consuming beans. It is believed to help reduce flatulence due to its natural compounds, such as ascaridole, which may have carminative properties, meaning they can help prevent gas buildup in the digestive system. Though research on this exact effect is limited, adding epazote to bean dishes by report does reduce the likelihood of bloating and stomach upset but scientific studies are needed.. Many people who regularly use epazote in their cooking swear by its ability to make meals more comfortable. If you’re looking to enjoy beans without worrying about the aftereffects, adding epazote could be a simple and flavorful solution to try.
Amy Burkhart MD RD
Other Potential Health Benefits Of Epazote
Epazote benefits
- Parasite Treatment
Epazote contains a compound called ascaridole, which has been shown to be toxic to parasitic worms. The Mayans historically used it as an infusion or tea to treat parasite infections, and this practice continues today. However, it’s important to note that ascaridole can be toxic to the liver in large amounts, so it should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner. - Contains vitamins and anti-oxidants
Epazote also contains small amounts of fiber, Vitamin A,B vitamins, and antioxidants. While these nutrients can contribute to overall health, the quantity of the herb typically used for flavoring may not provide amounts resulting in significant nutritional influence. - Digestive Benefits
If you find that epazote helps reduce gas, it could also improve your social life by reducing discomfort from bloating and flatulence!
Warnings/Precautions
In the amounts recommended for flavoring food dishes, it is safe
- It is safely used in small amounts as a spice.
- In large amounts, such as in a tea or extract, caution should be taken
- Epazote is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can cause uterine contractions and increase the risk of premature birth.
- See additional safety precautions for epazote.
- In English, epazote translates to “stinky sweat” or “skunk sweat”—and for good reason! If you buy it fresh, you’ll quickly understand how it earned this name. Its strong, pungent aroma can be surprising at first, but don’t let it deter you. When dried or cooked, the odor mellows, leaving behind a pleasantly complex taste.
Amy Burkhart MD RD
Epazote Recipes
Give these recipes a try.
Epazote, like other popular culinary herbs such as basil and rosemary, can be used either fresh or dried. Its unique flavor combines hints of oregano, fennel, and licorice, adding a distinctive touch to your dishes.
One of the most traditional ways to use epazote is in Frijoles de la Olla (beans cooked in a pot). This comforting classic gets an aromatic boost from dried epazote.
Frijoles de la Olla using dried epazote
If you haven’t tried Oaxaca cheese (pronounced wah-HA-ka), you’re in for a treat! This creamy, stretchy cheese is a staple in Mexican cuisine and the perfect choice for making quesadillas with fresh epazote.
Cheese quesadillas with fresh epazote
Why not give epazote a try? You might just discover your new favorite herb!
Where To Buy It
The dried form is easy to find in Latin grocery stores, in the spice aisle of well-stocked grocery stores, Walmart, and online, including Amazon. You can also find the live plant at many nurseries.