Urera leaves

Scepocarpus spp.

leaf · vegetable

Leaves of shrubs from the nettle family, eaten in soups or as a slimy cooked vegetable.

Origin

West and Central Africa

Where to find it

In rainforests and fallow land.

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The leaves and young shoots are rinsed and cooked for a few minutes, boiled, steamed or in a sauce; they are eaten cooked.

Molecules

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

Did you know?

Their bark yields a strong fibre, prized for fishing lines.