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If you’ve never heard of papalo tea, you’re not alone—but this bold, herbaceous infusion is gaining attention for good reason. With roots deep in Mexican and Central American tradition, papalo (Porophyllum ruderale) has long been prized for its strong flavor and surprising health benefits. Whether you’ve stumbled across its pungent leaves at a farmers’ market or are just curious about herbal alternatives to caffeine, this vibrant brew might just change your tea game. In this article, we’ll explore how papalo tea tastes, how to brew it, and why this ancient herb deserves a spot in your modern mug.
Discovering Papalo Tea
The Origins of Papalo in My Kitchen
A few years into my plant-based journey, I stumbled across a crinkly bunch of green leaves at a Latin grocery tucked away in southeast Portland. The handwritten sign simply read “papalo.” The shopkeeper smiled when I asked what it was for—”It’s for tacos,” he said, “or tea, if you know abuelita’s tricks.” I took it home, unsure what to expect. The first time I steeped it, my kitchen filled with this wild mix of cilantro, citrus, and something almost medicinal. That first cup of papalo tea was bold and strange, but also grounding. It felt like the kind of thing you come back to—not for comfort, but for clarity.
Since then, papalo has become a staple in my home garden. Every summer, it returns with those wide, paddle-shaped leaves and that unmistakable scent. While I still use it fresh in dishes like papalo tacos, I’ve come to appreciate the ritual of drinking it as tea even more. There’s something intimate about boiling water, steeping fresh-picked leaves, and letting their essence do the talking.
What Is Papalo Tea and Why It’s Trending
Papalo, known scientifically as Porophyllum ruderale, is sometimes called “summer cilantro” or “Bolivian coriander.” Native to Mexico and Central America, this herb has been used for centuries in food and folk medicine alike. As more people seek natural ways to support digestion, energy, and immune health, papalo tea is seeing a quiet rise among herbalists and culinary explorers alike.
Unlike mellow teas like chamomile or green rooibos, papalo comes in loud—sharp, herbaceous, and refreshingly different. And while it’s new to some, communities across Mexico have long brewed it as a soothing after-meal drink. It’s a cousin, perhaps, to the floral rose petal tea—but one with attitude.
How to Make Papalo Tea at Home
Ingredients You’ll Need
Papalo tea is simple to make, but using the right portions and pairing ingredients well makes a huge difference in flavor. Here’s everything you need for a robust, aromatic brew:
- 1 tablespoon fresh papalo leaves, loosely packed (or 1 teaspoon dried papalo)
- 1½ cups filtered water
- Optional:
- 1 teaspoon raw honey (for sweetness)
- 1 slice of fresh lime (to brighten the flavor)
- ½ teaspoon rose petal syrup (rose petal syrup) or a few edible rose petals
Fresh papalo adds a vibrant, green brightness to the tea, whereas dried leaves lend a milder, slightly smoky flavor. If you’re using dried herbs, ensure they’re from a trustworthy source like Strictly Medicinal Seeds, which provides organic, heirloom-quality leaves and seeds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse the papalo leaves
Use cool water to gently clean the leaves, especially if they’re fresh from your garden or local market. Pat dry. - Boil the water
In a small saucepan, bring 1½ cups of filtered water to a boil. Once it hits boiling, reduce to a low simmer. - Add papalo to the pot
Drop in the fresh or dried leaves. Stir gently to submerge them completely. - Simmer and steep
Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to extract flavor. Remove from heat and let the leaves steep another 5 minutes with the lid on. - Strain and serve
Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve directly into your mug. Add honey, lime, or a splash of rose syrup if you like your herbal tea layered and lightly sweet. - Sip mindfully
Papalo’s bold nature makes it a tea to sip slowly—ideal after meals or during your afternoon pause.
Papalo Tea Brewing Chart
| Form | Amount | Water | Simmer Time | Steep Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Papalo | 1 tbsp | 1½ cups | 5–7 mins | 5 mins |
| Dried Papalo | 1 tsp | 1½ cups | Not required | 5–7 mins |
This tea is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently or enjoy cold with a squeeze of lime.
Why Drink Papalo Tea?
Health Benefits Rooted in Tradition
For generations, papalo has been used in Mexican and Central American communities as more than just a garnish. When brewed into papalo tea, its bold leaves release oils and nutrients that support the body in simple but powerful ways.
Here are some traditional and modern benefits associated with papalo tea:
- Digestive support: Often consumed after meals to ease bloating and gas
- Liver cleansing: Traditionally linked to improved liver function and toxin elimination
- Cooling effect: Used in hot climates to reduce body heat and refresh the system
- Anti-inflammatory: Anecdotal use for mild inflammation and headaches
- Antimicrobial: Contains natural compounds believed to help fight pathogens
Unlike caffeinated teas or processed digestive aids, papalo tea brings balance gently and naturally.
Papalo Raw vs. Papalo Tea: What’s the Difference?
Papalo is commonly eaten raw in Mexican cuisine, especially in street tacos and sandwiches. But for newcomers, its flavor can be overpowering. Tea offers a gentler, accessible introduction. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Use | Flavor Profile | Typical Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Raw in food | Bold, sharp, pungent | Adds freshness and bite to dishes |
| As tea | Milder, earthy, citrus-mint finish | Soothes digestion, refreshes body |
For those new to papalo, I recommend starting with tea before jumping into raw leaves. I often enjoy a cup after a spicy dish like Chinese white pepper soup, or as a grounding herbal follow-up to green olive bread.
It’s not just about flavor—it’s about how your body responds. And papalo? It responds boldly, yet kindly.
Papalo in the Garden and Cup
From Backyard to Teacup: Growing Your Own Papalo
One of the things I love most about papalo tea is how easily it brings me full circle—from seed to steep. Papalo thrives in warm climates, growing rapidly in full sun and well-drained soil. Its wide, paddle-shaped leaves are aromatic even before you touch them. If you’ve ever grown cilantro and wished it were hardier, papalo is your plant.
To harvest for tea, snip the younger leaves early in the morning, just after the dew dries. These tender leaves are less bitter and release more aroma when steeped. You can dry excess leaves for winter use, or freeze them in ice cube trays with water for quick tea-making later.
Why Grow Papalo at Home?
- It’s easy: fast-growing and low-maintenance
- It’s useful: one plant offers dozens of harvests
- It’s beautiful: the leaves attract butterflies (hence its nickname “butterfly herb”)
- It’s versatile: works in tea, tacos, salads, and salsas
For a truly seasonal tea experience, try pairing homegrown papalo with freshly grilled summer ingredients like grilled corn and pasilla pepper salad.
Cultural Crossover: Papalo as Herbal Identity
Papalo comes from the Nahuatl word papalotl, meaning butterfly. It’s still known as “papaloquelite” across much of Mexico—a term that refers to wild edible greens. While it’s rarely sold commercially in the U.S., you can find it in Latin markets or grow it from seed. As Latin herbal traditions gain wider recognition, papalo tea is becoming more than a folk remedy—it’s a symbol of culinary identity and ancestral knowledge.
| Region | Papalo Name | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico (Central) | Papaloquelite | Tacos, tea, herbal digestion |
| Bolivia & Guatemala | Papalo | Tea, raw in stews and salads |
From herbal remedy to garden staple, papalo continues to grow—not just in gardens, but in cultural awareness and cups around the world.
FAQs About Papalo Tea
What is Papalo herb good for?
Papalo is known for its digestive, antimicrobial, and cooling properties. It’s traditionally used to soothe upset stomachs, reduce inflammation, and support liver function. Many people drink papalo tea after meals for its calming effect and to help with bloating.
What is the flavor of Papalo?
Papalo has a bold, herbaceous flavor that combines hints of cilantro, citrus, mint, and arugula. In tea form, the taste softens slightly, becoming more earthy and aromatic with a lingering green freshness.
Can you eat Papalo raw?
Yes, and it’s common in Mexican cuisine to serve raw papalo in tacos, salsas, or sandwiches. The raw leaves have a strong flavor, so if you’re new to the herb, papalo tea is a gentler introduction.
What is Papalo plant in English?
In English, papalo is sometimes called “summer cilantro” or “butterfly herb.” The botanical name is Porophyllum ruderale, and in its native context, it’s often referred to as “papaloquelite.”
Conclusion
Papalo tea may not be as mainstream as chamomile or peppermint, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Rooted in centuries of tradition and packed with bold personality, it brings flavor and function into your cup with every sip. Whether you grow it yourself or source it dried, this herbal infusion connects you to land, history, and a slower, more intentional way of living. And once you’ve had it—trust me—you’ll remember it.
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Papalo tea
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A bold, herbal Mexican tea made with fresh or dried papalo leaves, rich in traditional health benefits and packed with unique flavor.
Ingredients
1 tbsp fresh papalo leaves or 1 tsp dried papalo
1½ cups filtered water
1 tsp raw honey (optional)
1 slice fresh lime (optional)
½ tsp rose petal syrup or a few rose petals (optional)
Instructions
Rinse papalo leaves under cool water.
Bring filtered water to a gentle boil.
Add papalo to water, lower heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Remove from heat and cover. Let steep 5 minutes.
Strain into a mug.
Add honey, lime, or rose syrup if desired.
Notes
Use younger papalo leaves for better flavor and less bitterness.
You can refrigerate leftover tea and enjoy it chilled within 24 hours.
Try pairing with grilled dishes or crusty bread for a complete herbal ritual.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Herbal Tea
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: papalo tea, herbal tea, digestion, plant-based drinks