Red Epazote
dysphania ambrosioides

days to maturity: 65 days
plant spacing: 1 plant per square foot
sunlight requirement: 8 - 14 hours
look out for: will spread via seeds
harvest notes: harvest branches as needed
season: fall, winter, spring, summer

Epazote is a very common culinary herb in Mexico and that is used to flavor beans and also reduce the flatulence of bean dishes. It is easy to grow and seeds itself prolifically. The aroma of the leaf is oftentimes compared to gasoline or turpentine, because of the oils found in the leaves. Those stinky oils are what make this culinary and medicinal herb a potent digestive aid. If cooked or brewed into a hot tea some of the intense aroma is mellowed and it becomes more pallateable. This super unique red variety was sourced by seed collectors in Oaxaca and we noticed that not only are the leaves beautifully shimmering with hues of red, green and everything in between, but this variety bolts and goes to seed much slower than the common green variety. We love this “new to us” plant!