At Inca Plant Nursery, we’re proud to grow one of Peru’s most flavorful and unique herbs — Huacatay (Tagetes minuta), also known as Peruvian black mint. Native to the Andes, this aromatic plant is beloved not only for its culinary power but also for its health benefits and traditional uses. Whether you’re planting it in your garden or using it in your kitchen, here’s everything you need to know.
How to Grow Huacatay
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter
Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy
Growth: Annual herb, grows 3–5 ft tall
Zones: Best grown as an annual in USDA zones 9–11; can be grown year-round in frost-free areas like Florida
Tips for success:
- Start seeds or transplants after the last frost.
- Pinch back the tips to encourage bushier growth.
- Keep it away from aggressive weeds — it likes its own space.
- Can be grown in pots for easy kitchen access!
Traditional & Creative Huacatay Recipes
Ají de Huacatay (Peruvian Black Mint Sauce)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh huacatay leaves
- 1–2 ají amarillo peppers (or substitute with mild chili)
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/4 cup queso fresco or feta
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk or crema
- Salt, to taste
- Olive oil
Directions:
Blend everything until smooth. Serve over boiled potatoes, grilled chicken, or as a dip — a true taste of the Andes!
Ocopa Arequipeña (Potatoes in Huacatay-Peanut Sauce)
Ingredients:
- 4 boiled yellow potatoes, sliced
- 1 cup fresh huacatay leaves
- 2 ají amarillo (seeded, boiled)
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/4 cup queso fresco or feta
- 4 soda crackers
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
Garnish:
Lettuce, hard-boiled egg, black olives
Instructions:
Serve sauce over sliced potatoes on lettuce. Garnish with egg and olives.
Blend huacatay, ají, peanuts, garlic, queso, crackers, and milk until smooth.
Add oil slowly to thicken; adjust salt.
Health Benefits of Huacatay
In traditional Andean medicine, huacatay is used to treat:
- Digestive issues like bloating, gas, and intestinal parasites
- Colds and flu thanks to its antimicrobial and expectorant properties
- Joint pain and inflammation, due to its anti-inflammatory compounds
It’s also rich in antioxidants and essential oils that support overall wellness.
Where to Get It
You can find Huacatay plants ready to grow at Inca Plant Nursery. Whether you’re recreating flavors from home or exploring new ones, this herb is a must-have in your garden.
Visit us or order online to grow a piece of Peru in your backyard.
