Costus shoots

Costus phyllocephalus

leaf · vegetable

Young leaves and shoots, gathered and eaten raw in salad, with a fresh, slightly sour taste.

Origin

Southern DR Congo and northern Angola

Where to find it

In rainforests and gallery forests.

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The young shoots are rinsed and eaten raw, in small amounts, alongside the dish.

Molecules

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

Did you know?

In Bas-Congo its sap is used for the eyes.