Bankanas (false yam)

Icacina oliviformis

root · fruit

False yam: root and fruit eaten; in Senegal, food is its most valued use.

Origin

Senegal and Guinea-Bissau

Where to find it

In Casamance, its large roots are dug up during the lean season, before the harvests.

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The root is only eaten after long processing — grated, soaked for several days in frequently changed water, then cooked: raw, it is toxic. The ripe fruit is eaten raw, sucking the pulp.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

It is a plant of fallow land.