Ingredient guide
Epazote
epazote
A widely used aromatic herb whose botanical identity is verified, while a single route-defining production corridor is not.
Identity at a glance
- Accepted biological name
- Dysphania ambrosioides
- Older scientific name
- Chenopodium ambrosioides
- Plant family
- Amaranthaceae
- Part used
- leaf and tender stem
Why two biological names appear
The accepted name is Dysphania ambrosioides. Older literature frequently uses Chenopodium ambrosioides. They are current name and synonym, not two different ingredients.
Where you are likely to encounter it
Epazote is widely used across Mexico and is often easiest to understand in markets and local food settings rather than through one production corridor.
What to notice
Look for the leaf and tender stem, recognize both botanical names when they appear, and ask how the herb is used in the dish or market context where you find it.
Source and further reading
- Dysphania ambrosioides taxon recordCONABIO EncicloVida
Facts reviewed July 27, 2026. The source supports identity and synonym handling; broader travel claims remain outside the evidence.