Rootbeer Leaves are the young, tender leaves of the Mexican Pepperleaf plant (Piper auritum - known as hoja santa in Spanish). While full size hoja santa leaves much larger and are commonly chopped, pureed, or used to wrap & steam foods, rootbeer leaves are tender enough to be eaten without being broken down.
Pepperleaf’s flavor is subtle and hard to describe – similar to sassafras/root beer with notes of tarragon, anise, black pepper, basil or nutmeg (depending on who you ask).