Huacatay/ Apple Marigold

Huacatay is a herb from the marigold family (Tagetes) that has a sweet herb & citrus flavour, think a mix of basil, coriander, mint, apple and lime! It's also known as Peruvian Black Mint, Apple Marigold or Mexican Marigold. It is used as a spice, a tea and for sauces in Peruvian cuisine, as well as across South America, and makes a delicious 'Magical Peruvian Green Sauce' or "Ají de Huacatay": You need: (to be the most authentic you would use 1 rocoto pepper & 1 hot yellow Aji pepper - both with seeds removed) but try substituting 150g of our mild/medium heat Padron Peppers (and it's just as good!), 30g of huacatay leaves, a small sprig of mint leaves, lime juice, lots of garlic, olive oil, salt. Put everything except the oil in a blender and blend the peppers, garlic and leaves together, adding oil until you get a smooth puree, kind of like making mayonnaise. Add salt to taste. Put in a squirty bottle and drizzle liberally over rice dishes and fried things - it's fantastic!