Mexican Herbs Every UK Kitchen Needs: Epazote, Mexican Oregano, and More

The herbs that make Mexican cuisine unique

Whilst European cooking relies on thyme, rosemary and parsley, Mexican cuisine has its own repertoire of aromatic herbs that give it its unique identity. Some, like coriander, are already common in British kitchens. Others, like epazote or hoja santa, are virtually unknown in the UK.

Coriander (Cilantro)

The most important herb in modern Mexican cooking. Its fresh leaves appear in salsas, guacamole, tacos, soups, rice and practically everything. Available in all UK supermarkets (£0.55-0.80). Larger, cheaper bunches are found in Asian and Indian shops (50p for an enormous bunch). Store with stems in a glass of water in the fridge, covered with a plastic bag.

Epazote

The most distinctively Mexican herb. It has an intense, hard-to-describe aroma: between aniseed, menthol, medicinal and earthy. Essential in black beans, Oaxacan quesadillas and esquites. No direct substitute exists. Dried available from Cool Chile Co (£3-4). The great news is that epazote grows exceptionally well in the British climate - it's almost invasive. Sow seeds in spring and you'll have fresh epazote all summer.

Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens)

A completely different plant from Mediterranean oregano. Its flavour is more citrusy, slightly bitter, with liquorice notes. Essential in pozole, birria, salsas and beans. Only available dried, from Cool Chile Co or MexGrocer (£3-4). Mediterranean oregano is an acceptable substitute; use less quantity and add a pinch of marjoram.

Avocado Leaf

The leaves of the avocado tree are used as an aromatic herb, especially in Oaxaca. They have a subtle aniseed flavour. Available dried from Cool Chile Co (£3-5). Substitute: bay leaves + a pinch of star anise.

Herbs that grow well in British gardens

• Coriander: Grows perfectly. Sow every 3 weeks from March to September.
• Epazote: Very easy. Self-seeds and returns year after year.
• Chillies: Jalapenos, serranos and habaneros grow well in a greenhouse or sunny windowsill.
• Tomatillos: Grow like tomatoes in a greenhouse. Need two plants for cross-pollination.

With a minimal investment (under £20 for seeds and pots), you can have fresh Mexican herbs all summer, straight from your British garden to your kitchen.