Pignut (Hyptis suaveolens)

Mesosphaerum suaveolens

leaf · herb

Shoot tips to flavour dishes, roots as an appetiser; sometimes grown in Mexico and India.

Origin

Tropical America, now throughout the tropics

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The shoot tips are snipped and added at the end of cooking, for flavour; little is used. The roots are macerated in spirits, for an aperitif.

Molecules

Beta-carotene (vitamin A) · Lutein and zeaxanthin · Vegetable nitratesIn small amounts, not counted Rosmarinic acid · Chlorophyll

Did you know?

Its leaves keep bedbugs away.