Huacatay leaves

Huacatay, known also as wakatay in some Quecha language communities or as “menta negra” is a spontaneous annual herb originally from the area that includes Bolivia and Peru where it grows wild.
Its common name comes from the Quecha language, while the specific name “minuta” refers to the small dimension flowers that characterise the plant.
It grows spontaneously in various areas of Peru, both on the coast and in the jungle; it is easiest to find huacatay areas near the Andes.

Huacatay requires a warm climate to grow, sand or clay soils rich in organic material and constant sun exposure. The plant can reach a meter in height and has lanceolate, serrated leaves; it is also characterised by a very strong smell, and has yellow flowers.

It is harvested by hand being careful to cut the plant around ten centimeters from the base, to allow for regrowth.

The leaves are traditionally used in teas or as a spice: after harvesting by hand the leaves are gathered in bundles held together by a drier part of the plant in order to be dried. Drying is done in a dry place out of direct sunlight, where the bundles of leaves are hung.

The leaves are mainly used in Peruvian cuisine, sometimes the stalk is added, to prepare sauces, flavor meat and vegetable stews as well as to marinate fish or meat. One of the most important recipes is ocopa, a salsa that is used to dress boiled potatoes; or pachamanca, a dish with meat and tubers that is steeped together with the spice and then cooked underground. This type of cooking also fulfills an important ritual and gift function for the land.

The leaves are used to prepare a beverage by putting a handful of the dry part in hot water for a few minutes; the beverage can be drunk hot or cold.

Along with use in cuisine, the huacatay leaves are traditionally used as a remedy in folk medicine; teas are prepared to relieve respiratory problems, help with digestion and for flu symptoms.

The importance of huacatay is due to its symbolic value and the roles played in traditional cuisine dating back to the period prior to the Spanish conquest. Huacatay leaves can be found in local markets in the Andes area in the summer, it is very difficult to find them outside of this area.