Enset (false banana)

Ensete glaucum, E. ventricosum

root

A paste fermented for weeks underground, taken from the trunk and root of a false banana, then baked into flatbread.

Origin

Ethiopian highlands

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

Kocho is bought already fermented, as paste or flour; it is kneaded with a little water before cooking, and eaten hot.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

Enset bears no edible fruit; it is called “the tree against hunger” because it withstands droughts.