Pak waan (sweet vegetable)

Melientha suavis

leaf

Sweet-tasting young leaves, stir-fried with garlic or added to bamboo curry.

Origin

Laos and Thailand

Season (United States)

February to April

Preparation

Do not confuse it with the toxic “pak waan” of the same forests (Urobotrya): buy it at the market.

Molecules

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

Did you know?

Its name means “sweet vegetable”: it is one of the most expensive wild vegetables in Lao markets.