Beggarticks

Bidens pilosa, B. schimperi

leaf

Young leaves with a slightly bitter, resinous taste, cooked like spinach in Africa, or steeped as tea in Asia.

Origin

Tropical Americas, widespread

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The young shoots are picked before flowering; they are rinsed and cooked for a few minutes, or dried for tea.

Molecules

Beta-carotene (vitamin A) · Lutein and zeaxanthin · Vegetable nitrates · Chlorophyll

Did you know?

Its two-hooked seeds cling to clothing: its Latin name, bidens, means “two teeth”.