Also known as hierba santa, Mexican pepperleaf, root beer plant. An aromatic herb with a heart-shaped, velvety leaf. The herb can be used both fresh and dried, with fresh, as always, preferred. Hoja santa is complex with a slight pepper and sassafras flavor along with anise, tarragon, eucalyptus, mint, and nutmeg. A common ingredient in yellow mole or mole verde.

Cuisines: Mexico