Facts about an Andean Treasure You Need to Know

Hidden high in the Andes, there's a wild herb so aromatic and distinctive that the Andean people simply named it twice — Rica-Rica, meaning "rich-rich" in Quechua. If Merkén is Chile's smoky secret, Rica-Rica is the Andes' fragrant treasure, and it's one of the most exciting ingredients to find its way into the modern kitchen.

What Is Rica-Rica?

Rica-Rica (Acantholippia deserticola) is a wild aromatic herb native to the high-altitude deserts and salt flats of the Andes, particularly in northern Chile, Bolivia, and Peru. It grows in some of the harshest terrain on earth — the Atacama and Altiplano regions — where extreme altitude, intense sun, and mineral-rich soils concentrate its essential oils into something truly extraordinary.

It has been used for centuries by Andean communities both as a culinary herb and in traditional medicine, prized for its warming, digestive properties and its unmistakable scent.

What Does Rica-Rica Taste and Smell Like?

Rica-Rica is unlike any herb you've likely encountered before. Its flavour profile is complex and layered:

• Herbal & resinous — reminiscent of rosemary and thyme, but wilder
• Citrusy & floral — with bright, almost lemony top notes
• Warm & slightly minty — a gentle warmth that lingers on the palate
• Earthy & mineral — a reflection of the high-altitude terrain it grows in

The aroma alone is transportive — one pinch and you're standing on the Altiplano at 4,000 metres above sea level.

How to Cook with Rica-Rica

Rica-Rica is incredibly versatile and works beautifully across both savoury and sweet applications. Here's how to make the most of it:

• Lamb & slow-cooked meats — its resinous, herbal character pairs perfectly with rich, fatty cuts
• Seafood — use as a rub or infuse into butter for grilled fish and prawns
• Roasted root vegetables — toss with olive oil and Rica-Rica before roasting for an Andean twist
• Herbal teas & infusions — steep in hot water with honey for a warming, digestive brew
• Marinades & dressings — blend with lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for a vibrant Andean vinaigrette
• Finishing herb — crumble over soups, stews, or grain bowls just before serving
• Baking — a pinch in shortbread or focaccia adds an unexpected, aromatic depth

For the best flavour experience, we recommend using Rica-Rica through infusion techniques to fully release its natural oils and aromatic qualities.

Rica-Rica & the Andean Origins Story

At Andean Origins, Rica-Rica represents everything we stand for — rare, hand-harvested ingredients with deep cultural roots and extraordinary flavour. Our Rica-Rica is sourced directly from ETNIA, a company dedicated to preserving products and their integrity.

No mass production. No compromise. Just a spice with a story worth telling — and a flavour worth tasting.

Bring Rica-Rica Into Your Kitchen

Whether you're an adventurous home cook or a professional chef looking for something genuinely unique, Rica-Rica is a herb that will change the way you think about seasoning. It's rare, it's beautiful, and it's waiting to transform your next meal.

Shop our Andean Spiced Treasure Rica-Rica and taste the Andes in every dish.