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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Hoja Santa leaves are large, pliable, broad, and heart-shaped, averaging 15-30 centimeters in diameter. The surface of the deep green leaves is velvety, and the edges are slightly rippled and taper to a point. Hoja Santa leaves are attached to thick central stalks that grow on a large bush that can reach over a meter in height. The flavor of the leaves is difficult to pinpoint, but it has been said that Hoja Santa leaves have flavors similar to anise, sassafras, licorice, black pepper, and eucalyptus.
Seasons/Availability
Hoja Santa leaves are available year-round.
Current Facts
Hoja Santa leaves, botanically classified as Piper auritum, are members of the Piperaceae, or pepper family. Also known as Yerba Santa, Acuyo, Pepperleaf, Sacred pepper, and the Root Beer plant, Hoja Santa is commonly called the Root Beer plant due to an aroma reminiscent of sassafras, which was traditionally used to flavor root beer soda. Hoja Santa translates to sacred leaf in Spanish and has been used medicinally by Central and South Americans for centuries to treat various discomforts and symptoms. Hoja Santa plants are also widely grown in home gardens for culinary and medicinal use.
Nutritional Value
Hoja Santa leaves contain safrole and naturally occurring phytochemicals that can be used as a tonic to aid in digestion.
Applications
Hoja Santa leaves are best suited for cooked applications such as boiling, frying, and sautéing. The veins in the leaves are generally tough and unenjoyable to consume raw, but when cooked they become tender and soft. The leaves are widely used in Mexican cuisine to enhance flavors in salsas and act as a wrapper for tamales. Once cooked, the leaves can be consumed with the tamale and do not need to be removed. Hoja Santa leaves can be used in chicken and seafood dishes, mole verde, eggs, soups, stews, and sautés. They are also used to flavor chocolate drinks and are boiled and used as a tea. Hoja Santa leaves will keep up to a week when stored flat, wrapped in paper towels, and sealed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Hoja Santa leaves were used by the Aztecs for both culinary and medicinally. Known as tlanepa and tlanepaquelite in Nahuatl, the Aztec native language, the words described the leaves as herbal medicine. The leaves were traditionally used to help reduce symptoms caused by asthma, coughs, bronchitis, skin irritations, and upset stomach.
Geography/History
Hoja Santa leaves are native to southern Mexico, Central America, and the northern parts of South America and have been used since the times of the ancient Aztecs. Today Hoja Santa leaves can be found at fresh markets in Central America, Northern South America, and the Southern United States.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Cocina De Barrio | San Diego CA | 760-840-1129 |
| Galaxy Taco | La Jolla CA | 858-228-5655 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Hoja Santa Leaves. One
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easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Hoja Santa Leaves using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
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Oviedo Farmers Market
Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 386 days ago, 9/07/19 Apopka Market at Tractor Supply Near Apopka, Florida, United States About 407 days ago, 8/17/19 Apopka Market at Tractor Supply Near Apopka, Florida, United States About 435 days ago, 7/20/19 
chino farms
Chino Farms
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United States6123 Calzada Del Bosque Del Mar CA 92014 858-756-3184 About 456 days ago, 6/29/19 Apopka Market at Tractor Supply Near Apopka, Florida, United States About 470 days ago, 6/15/19 Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 484 days ago, 6/01/19 lake County farmers market Near Forest City, Florida, United States About 507 days ago, 5/09/19 Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 512 days ago, 5/04/19 
chino farms
Chino Farms
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United StatesAbout 547 days ago, 3/30/19 Sharer's comments : Fresh!! Lake County farmers market Near Forest City, Florida, United States About 619 days ago, 1/17/19 Oviedo farmers market Near Forest City, Florida, United States About 630 days ago, 1/06/19 Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 666 days ago, 12/01/18 Sanford Farmers Market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 680 days ago, 11/17/18 Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 694 days ago, 11/03/18 
Chino Farms
Chino’s Farms - Vegetable Stand
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United States6123 Calzada Sel Bosque, Del Mar 92014 858-756-3184 About 701 days ago, 10/27/18 Sharer's comments : Hoja Santa Leaves spotted at Chino Farms. Sanford Farmers Market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 701 days ago, 10/27/18 Sanford Farmers Market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 708 days ago, 10/20/18 La Vigne Organics Near Fallbrook, California, United States About 709 days ago, 10/19/18 Sharer's comments : Hoja Santa Leaves spotted at La Vigne Organics. Sanford Farmers Market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 715 days ago, 10/13/18 Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 722 days ago, 10/06/18 Caracol Near West University Place, Texas, United States About 726 days ago, 10/01/18 Sharer's comments : Hoja Santa Leaves spotted at Caracol. |
