Epazote

Dysphania ambrosioides Origin: Mexico Improvement status: Cultivated material Seeds per packet: ~75 Germination tested 08/2024: 80% Life cycle: Annual Epazote is an herb in the Chenopodium tribe of the Amaranth family. In fact, until recently it had the botanical name "Chenopodium abrosioides," indicating its similarity to plants like quinoa and lamb's quarters. The whole plant is eaten in much of Latin America, where it is used both as a vegetable itself and as a flavoring agent, often cooked with beans (it is considered to reduce the most common "unintended consequence" of beans). The essential oil is toxic in very high doses, so it is recommended to use this plant sparingly unless you are well accustomed to it already. It can be quick to bolt in northern areas, so sow every few weeks for fresh greens, as you might do with cilantro. The flavor is complex and hard to pin down, with notes of tarragon, oregano, fennel, coriander, and savory. Epazote is likely to self-seed, and once esta