OAXACAN RED EPAZOTE SEEDS

Chenopodium ambrosoides

ORGANIC

Unique selection of this quintessential Mexican herb. Leaves are burnished red, making the weedy appearance of this species marginally more charming in the garden. It also makes volunteers easier to spot and pluck from where they may be unwanted. We grew Oaxacan Red many years back, but prefer the flavor of more traditional green selections. But tastes vary, and the preservation of this unusual selection is very much worthwhile.

For cooking, consider using a single multi-leaved sprig of Epazote, as you would a bay leaf: one sprig is enough to flavor a whole pot of beans, and can be removed in its entirety before serving. Several recipes will call for a single leaf, or possibly a tablespoon at the most. Even used sparingly, its inclusion is profound.

Sow indoors just about a month before the last spring frost, or any time, really! Press seeds into moist soil and mist. Kept warm (70°F) and moist in bright light seeds will germinate within a week or two. Germination can be erratic. Prick out seedlings as they germinate and pot them up in individual containers or cells. Keep seedlings warm and in bright light. Do not overwater. Snip to encourage branching.

Epazote left unattended can be unsightly and self-sow to the point of being a nuissance. We like to keep these plants in small terra cotta pots to curtail their growth, and keep them close enough to make snipping sprigs convenient. They may be grown in a warm sunny windowsill through winter. Do not allow them to go to seed if at all possible.

Packet contains at least 50 seeds.