What comes to mind when you think about Mexican herbs and spices? Cilantro and oregano may come to mind but in reality, the variety is quite vast.
Spices are very important in Mexican cuisine, they add and enhance flavours. Many of our most traditional dishes have a specific combination of spices that provide that particular flavour we are so familiar with.
Mexican spices are not only those associated with savoury dishes, we also have a list of essential spices that are basic for sweets all around the world such as cinnamon, vanilla and aniseed.
Here is a rundown of the most common and traditional herbs and spices used in Mexican cuisine.
Epazote
Epazote is endemic to Mexico and some areas in Central and South America. Its flavour is slightly piquant with hints of aniseed, oregano, citrus and even mint. It is an essential ingredient for black beans. It is believed that using epazote when cooking beans, can help with easier digestion of the beans.
Avocado leaf
Avocado leaves must be from the Mexican avocado tree. Studies have shown that using avocado leaves from other countries can be toxic. Avocado leaves are used in a few Mexican dishes, particularly bean tamales, moles and sometimes, can be used instead of epazote. The flavour has hints of hazelnut and aniseed.
Achiote
Achiote comes from the anatto seeds that can be transformed into a powder or a paste once dried. The flavour is earthy and sweet and it combines amazingly well with citrus. It is one of the main ingredients in the cuisine of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Hoja Santa
Hoja santa or sacred leaf is a big leaf that is often used to wrap fish or meat and it can also be included in dishes such as soups and green mole. The flavour is similar to aniseed, pepper and mint.
Allspice
Allspice is fragrant and it can be used to add flavour and to preserve meat. The flavour is fresh and slightly bitter. This is a widely used spice and it can be found in moles, cochinita pibil and even in some chocolates.
Vanilla
Vanilla comes from an orchid native to Mexico and South America. Its flavour is sweet and smokey and often combined with cinnamon and other spices. In Mexico is used extensively in cakes, ice creams and even chocolates. Vanilla is one of the most common ingredients around the world.
