Epazote , also called false ragweed , is an annual plant native to Central America and southern Mexico. This variety with broad, serrated leaves gives off a strong camphor smell.
Epazote is a hairy, aromatic herb growing 40 to 80 cm tall with reddish hues and yellowish flowers clustered in spikes. This plant produces small fruits, initially green and then black. All green parts of the plant are used.
This variety has many virtues : it acts as a vermifuge , is antispasmodic , stomachic and carminative . Epazote is also very useful in the vegetable garden ; in fact, it helps prevent attacks from soil pests . Place a handful at the foot of vegetables susceptible to root collar pests, at the foot of salads against noctuids.
It is also used as a seasoning in some regions for black beans , mushrooms , zucchini flowers or even corn .

Successful sowing of epazote or Mexican tea

Sow your seeds in spring directly into the ground in full sun or partial shade , spacing each plant 30 cm apart. A mixture of garden soil and potting mix will work well. Water when it begins to wilt.

Harvesting epazote

Harvest the green leaves after a few weeks and throughout the season, then use them fresh.
The taste is less strong when the leaves are used dry .