Hoja santa, sacred pepper (Piper auritum) 

Hoja Santa is an impressive plant from southern Mexico, which can reach heights up to 3m in the garden or in pots (Northern Europe).

In the kitchen especially the large leaves are appreciated, which have a slightly aniseed pepper aroma. Meat and fish are rolled into the leaves and during the cooking the leaves give off their excellent aroma. In certain areas in Mexico, the pureed leaves are used in a green sauce (mole verde).

The Mexican leaf pepper is also used in national medicine in the regions of origin. Externally helps wound healing and internally it's used in fever and diarrhea.

The leaves are also used in Central America as a attractant for fishing.