Hoja Santa or Piper auritum  is a  Mexican herb of which the fresh leaves are commonly used to wrap Tamales or to provide flavor to soups such as Pozole  and sauces such as Mole Verde. Hoja Santa leaves  grow up to a foot or more in size  and are quite tough so are not suited for use in salads.   When cooked Hoja Santa leaves retain their color and flavour which is said to be reminiscent  of  aniseed with a hint of black pepper.

hoja santa - piper auritum

Hoja Santa

To use Hoja Santa as a wrapper you need cut down either side of the vein in the  center of the leaf and then wrap the sides around ingredients such as fish, fish, chicken or cheese. The wrapped ingredients are then baked or steamed and the leaves are eaten along with the filling.





Rob Galloway








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