Sealed with a paper label noting their contents, usually printed in Spanish and English, the packets are more affordable than those in the traditional spice aisle, usually running about 59 to 99 cents for one to two ounces. More importantly, these spices can be a paintbox of seasonings for the artistic cook. One of my favorites is Menudo Mix, a blend of herbs and spices used to flavor the traditional tripe stew of Mexico, menudo. I don't often make menudo, but I do toss the blend into other dishes, ranging from Chicken Simmered in Vinegar and Mexican Spices and Roasted Potatoes in Menudo Spices to eggs, zucchini, taco fillings, and rice. It's a rustic combination complete with buds, stems, and big, fluffy leaves of dried Mexican oregano, which bears a distinctly different flavor from that of Greek oregano.
Brands vary in content.
One company may add cumin or marjoram, and I've even found celery seed in another packet. As when using any dried herb, be sure to crush the dried Menudo Mix leaves in your palm before adding, to release the flavor. Another reason I like the oregano in Menudo Mix is that the leaves are quite large, sometimes whole, so they retain and impart more fresh flavor. I then shred the cooked meat, now powerfully seasoned, and serve it with a bit of the cooking liquid. The meat can be eaten as is, or stuffed into tortillas, tossed into salads, or mixed with more of the broth for a satisfying soup.