Hoja santa (Piper auritum)

(Piper auritum) commonly called Hoja Santa,  Mexican Pepperleaf, Veracruz Pepper, Rootbeer Plant or False Kava. It's native name means "Sacred Leaf".  

Hoja Santa is  a Mexican culinary herb. Tender leaves are thinly sliced use as topping, garnishing, and sauce. Or whole in conjunction with other herbs to season stews and soups. Same applications as us Asians with our lemongrass and Kaffir Lime leaves. To flavor and mask the strong odor of fish. Also use as wrap for bake, grill, or steam. As we Asians use banana and taro leaves. Or as westerners use aluminium foil.

  • A tender perennial in USDA zone 9a. Need overhead protection. Keep soil semi-dry in the cold or dormant season. Love moisture in the summer months or growing season.
  • Scented like root beer. Has a soothing sensation like pepper mint chewing gum when chew raw and fresh. 
  • Has a slight spicy kicks, a reminiscent of a crossed between a Piper Betle and black pepper corn when chew. 




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