The lesser known flavors of Mexico

huauzontle, epazote, verdolagas, chipilin, mamey sapote, chili chilaca (dried pasilla), chili mirasol (guajillo dried), tunas (green prickly pear), white chayote. found at north gate market in santa ana ca. photo by chris mathews

coffee berries / coffee cherries

The coffee cherry is the fruit that encases the seed (referred to as "beans" due to the resemblance) that is used to make coffee after it is dried and roasted. Out of hand the skin has an almost vegetable flavor with slight tannin, but the thin layer around the seed is sweet and mild; reminiscent of white peach and jasmin. Found on the tree in Fullerton Ca. Photos by Chris Mathews.

Gooseberries

Too tart to be good consumed out of hand, gooseberries are mainly used in pies, dried, or made into a jams. They are about the size of of a blueberry. Found at Albertsons Ladera Ranch, CA. Photo by Chris Mathews

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Bhut Jolokia/ Naga Jolokia/ ghost chili/ ghost pepper

Definitely one of the forerunners for the hottest chili on the planet, the ghost chili is 400 times hotter than Tabasco sauce. Anybody want to take a run at this bad boy? Let me know. Found at Taco Asylum in Costa Mesa, Ca, thanks to Lee. photo by Chris Mathews