Asian pokeweed

Phytolacca acinosa, P. esculenta

leaf · vegetable

Young leaves and shoots of a tall herb with purple-black berries, cooked as a vegetable in China, Japan and among the Gurung of Nepal.

Origin

From India to China, Korea and Japan

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

Only the young leaves, cooked, are eaten: the roots and berries are poisonous.

Molecules

Beta-carotene (vitamin A) · Lutein and zeaxanthinIn small amounts, not counted Vegetable nitrates · Chlorophyll

Did you know?

Once grown as a vegetable, it escaped from gardens and now grows wild in Europe.