[CH] answers to questions on herbs etc.
Shantihhh@aol.com
Tue, 23 Feb 1999 12:47:47 EST
George J. Goslowsky
Monk of the TCS
Holder of Fire
Dear George:
For starters-so to speak Senna is well ----an effective laxative, especially
effective for chronic constipation. Hey you asked! It's also good for
expelling worms. You might want to rethink using this one in a pot of beans
or salsa!
Epazote-Used in beans as you mentioned, but also good with corn, mushrooms,
fish and shellfish. It is a pungent herb, easy to grow from seeds, when dried
it loses much of it's flavor. It is called wormseed--yeh--you're on a roll as
wormseed oil is used for expelling intestinal parasites.
You sure you want me to continue down the list. Just remember you asked, and
I don't want any more hate mail of not staying on subject from unfriendly
folks.
Safflower-false saffron or poor man's saffron is a great colorant for fibres
such as silk and wool. It is also a substitute for saffron in rice. It adds
color and a little flavor, but nothing like the unique flavor of real crocus
saffron.
Star Anise-this is used in Chinese cooking extensively seeds-pods-the whole
thing. It is a main ingredient in Chinese 5-Spice. It is also used in the
making of many pork recipes in Mexican cuisine like Roast Loin of Pork or
Caranitas for Tamales.
The white cheese-probably Queso Anejo a dry salty white cheese that is grated
and used as you would a Romano. It also could be Queso Fresco which is a
tangy crumbly cheese used on soups or with salsas. Similar to a feta.
Hope this helped, did you pick up some Chipotle in Adobe? I love going to our
Latino markets in the area and especially the Mission in San Francisco. Next
time you go see if the have fresh tamales. Often Latino markets will have
someone locally that makes tamales such as the fresh corn (sweet ones) or the
Guatemalan, Mexican, and or El Salvadoran. All very different and delicious.
Mary-Anne