Seasons/Availability
Hoja Santa leaves are available throughout the year.

Current Facts
Hoja Santa is classified botanically as Piper auritum and belongs to the Piperaceae family, commonly known as the pepper family. The term “Hoja Santa,” translating to “sacred leaf” in Spanish, is also referred to as the Root Beer Plant in English-speaking regions such as the Southern United States due to its characteristic aroma reminiscent of sassafras, a primary flavoring for traditional root beer. Other names for this herb include Mexican Pepperleaf, Sacred Pepper, False Kava, and Yerba Santa—distinct from plants within the genus *Eriodictyon*, which share the Yerba Santa name.

Nutritional Value*
Hoja Santa is rich in phytochemicals renowned for their medicinal benefits, with diuretic and anesthetic properties. Historically, the Aztecs utilized the herb as a digestive aid, stimulant, pain reliever, and topical remedy for skin irritations, as well as treatments for bronchial infections and asthma. The leaves feature aromatic oils similar to sassafras, primarily safrole, which accounts for their shared fragrance. However, while safrole was identified as carcinogenic in animal studies and banned from use in commercial food products in the US since 1960, naturally occurring safrole in plants such as Hoja Santa, sassafras, cinnamon, and basil exists only in minimal amounts, posing little risk when consumed moderately. Hoja Santa has been safely enjoyed for centuries across Central and South America.* *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This products is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product. Not for daily long-term use.

Applications
Hoja Santa leaves are typically used fresh in cooked dishes such as boiling, frying, or sautéing since their tough veins make them unsuitable for raw consumption. Cooking tenderizes the leaves while preserving their flavor and vibrant green color. They are highly regarded in Mexican cuisine and essential in staples like mole amarillo and mole verde from the Oaxaca region. In Yucatán, Hoja Santa contributes to Verdín—a green liquor—and in central Mexico, it flavors chocolate drinks rooted in Aztec traditions. The leaves also enhance Veracruz-style sauces made with olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, white wine, capers, olives, green chiles, parsley, cilantro, and butter. They are frequently added to stews like pozole and egg-based dishes or used as wraps for cheeses, meats, or fish for steaming or baking. For wrapping purposes, remove the central vein and use the flexible lobes to encase fillings. Hoja Santa can substitute banana leaves or corn husks in tamales while remaining part of the dish thanks to its edible nature. Fresh leaves pair superbly with cilantro, lime, garlic, chile peppers, and tomatillos and can also be featured in desserts like ice cream or panna cotta. Dried Hoja Santa leaves can also be used as a spice.

Ethnic/Cultural Info
A Mexican legend explains how Hoja Santa earned its name as the “sacred leaf.” According to the tale, the Virgin Mary would hang baby Jesus’s freshly-laundered diapers on this plant to infuse them with a pleasant fragrance. While charming, the story is considered implausible given that Hoja Santa is native to tropical Meso-America and unlikely to have grown naturally in the Middle East during biblical times. Another possible origin of its name is tied to its use by ancient Aztecs for spiritual rituals. In Nahuatl—the indigenous language still spoken by some communities—the word for this significant plant is believed to reflect its ceremonial importance in their culture.

Our Organic Hawaii grown Hoja Santa leaves are non-gmo, vegan, and sustainably grown in a pristine, isolated Hawaiian rainforest environment.

Free of gluten. Free of caffeine. Packaged in compostable and biodegradable, non-gmo, plant based resealable pouches.

Your purchase helps regrow and diversify Native Hawaii rainforest, small family farms, and organic farming.

Mahalo!

Hoja Santa Tea Brewing Instructions (makes 3-4 cups).

1. Add enough Hoja Santa leaves to cover the bottom of a medium pot (stainless steel recommended).
2. Fill pot with filtered water, cover, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to medium low, stir, and simmer for about 15 more minutes stirring occasionally.
4. Turn off heat, let it cool a bit.. strain and enjoy!
5. Tip: Good with honey. Refrigerate unused portion.

Super simple and delicious culinary applications:

1. Wrap fish or meat in Hoja Santa leaves and cook by steaming or covered in a pan to lock in the moisture and flavor. Keep heat to no more than medium high to prevent burning of the leaves.
2. Add dried Hoja Santa leaves to soups for a refreshing flavor. Add at the beginning of your soup making process.
3. Boil some leaves for a refreshing tea (follow Tea Brewing steps listed above).
4. Add dried Hoja Santa leaves to your favorite stir-fry to give it a refreshing zing. Ovoid very high heat and cover when not stirring to lock in the amazing flavor.
5. Try using Hoja Santa leaves in traditional ethnic recipes mentioned above for an authentic and delicious meal!
6. Enjoy!