Himalayan balsam seeds

Impatiens glandulifera

nuts & seeds

Small nutty seeds, flung out by the ripe capsules at the slightest touch: nibbled raw or toasted.

Origin

Himalaya, invasive in Europe

Where to find it

In the Himalayas, from Kashmir to Nepal, its seeds are also pressed for oil; in Europe, they are harvested by shaking the ripe capsules into a bag.

Season (United States)

August to October

Preparation

A handful is gathered in a few minutes; they are picked clean of capsule debris before eating.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Magnesium · Insoluble fibers · Protein

Did you know?

Invasive along Europe's rivers, it is one of the few plants that foragers are encouraged to pick.