Epazote – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is epazote?

Epazote is an aromatic herb harvested from a leafy perennial plant that reaches at least 4ft in height. It’s dark green, slender, long, and has jagged leaves. The flowers are small and green, and they produce thousands of tiny seeds.

It’s best to use epazote that’s fresh, but of course, if that’s not available, you can always buy it dried. The herb is a staple in the cuisines and traditional medicines from central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. Southwest-style dishes usually use epazote to flavor quesadillas, soups, enchiladas, black beans, potatoes, eggs, and tamales.

Epazote is also a great herb for gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and vegetarian diets.

Where did epazote originate from?

Epazote originated from Central America, and it’s been grown for medicinal and culinary purposes for generations. It was used in Oaxaca (Mexico) and the Yucatan Peninsula by the Mayans.

The word epazote comes from Nahuatl, a language spoken by Mexican Aztecs. The plant is also called pazote, ipasote, apazote, hierba, hediona (“stinky weed”), pizate, and pazoli in some parts of Guatemala and Mexico.

It was brought to Europe from Mexico in the 17th century, and it was used in several medicines. The plant contains anti-gas properties that were thought to reduce flatulence.

The plant was also known as wormseed and is typically added to animal food. It’s known to prevent worms in livestock.

What is the nutritional value of epazote?

Epazote’s got the power to heal, which is why it’s been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries to treat internal parasites.

But it can also be made into a tea using the leaves and flowers and be ingested in moderate amounts to treat stomach and liver problems and intestinal cramps.

It’s got vitamins and minerals that can:

• Help with the gastrointestinal system (tons of fiber)
• Promote weight loss
• Improve bone health
• Improve metabolic activity
• Help with blood pressure
• Neutralize parasites in the body
• Improve heart health
• Boost immunity

Ready to get some epazote on your kitchen counter stat? No need to go searching for “epazote near me” or “fresh produce near me.” Get all of your fresh produce delivered with Instacart. You can even get same-day produce delivery.

How is epazote grown?

Growing epazote is easy as pie. To grow it, you don’t need to have perfect soil conditions, but you do need to have adequate sunlight wherever you plan on growing it. The location you choose should also drain well.

Start by planting the seeds or seedlings in the early spring as soon as the ground can be worked. Epazote is best grown in containers because of its invasive nature. It’s also best grown in dry weather with a medium amount of water.

Pruning can help encourage more branching and more leafing, especially if you lop off the center stem. To encourage even more leafing, cut off any flower spikes that pop up.

Toward the end of the growing season, let the plant go to seed and collect the seeds to sow again in the spring. To collect the seeds, rub the seed stalks gently between your fingers and gather the seeds in a container. Keep the seeds in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.

When is epazote in season?

The peak season for epazote is winter. But you can get it all year round from your local grocery store or farmer’s market.

How do you pick epazote at the grocery store?

When shopping for epazote in the store, look for epazote that’s green with spiky leaves with a fresh fragrance reminiscent of basil with the earthiness of thyme. It’s usually dark green in color with long stems. If it looks wilted or worn, it’s probably best to leave it on the shelf. Steer completely clear of the brownish flakes you might see among the bottles and bags of dried herbs.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for epazote via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for epazote.

How to store epazote

To store epazote fresh, place the stems in a glass of water or wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and put them into an unsealed plastic bag.

Refrigeration is also an option. If you plan on using the leaves for more than a day, put them in the fridge. Keep them in a plastic bag and put them in the lower compartment of your fridge. That way, they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Even if they feel a little wilted after you take them out of the fridge, they’re still okay to cook (as long as you didn’t buy it that way).

Freeze epazote to make it last longer than normal. Store the leaves in an ice cube tray filled with water. One frozen cube should be enough for one recipe.

How to tell if epazote is bad

Since epazote is an herb, it’s more prone to damage, and it can spoil for several reasons. To tell if epazote is bad, pay attention to the texture. If the texture of the leaves wilts or they get dry, there’s a strong possibility that your epazote is dehydrated. Or it could have been exposed to pesticides.

Another way to tell if your epazote has gone bad is to look at the color. Epazote that’s fresh will have a green color. If you notice that the color’s changed (i.e., the color of the leaves starts to turn brown), you’ll know your epazote has gone bad.

What can I substitute for epazote?

Don’t have any fresh epazote? Have no fear. You can always substitute it with other fresh herbs. Think oregano, coriander, boldo, or a mixture of savory cilantro, oregano, and boldo leaves.

You can also substitute it with tarragon, anise, or fennel.

Getting the best epazote on your plate (or in your bowl)

Choosing the best epazote is easy as long as you follow this guide. Getting it delivered to your door? Just as easy when you shop with Instacart and choose same-day delivery.

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