Hoja Santa (pronounced O-hah SAN-tah) is an herb commonly used in the cuisines of central and southern Mexico to flavor many savory dishes. The term hoja santa means "sacred leaf" in Spanish, but this herb also goes by several different names, including yerba santa, Mexican pepperleaf, and root beer plant. It is native to Mexico and South America and is also grown in the Southwest United States as well as Florida and California. The herb can be used both fresh and dried, but fresh is preferred and necessary when wrapping food; dried becomes brittle and loses its flavor. Hoja santa is available year-round.