Veldkool (wild asparagus of the Cape)

Trachyandra ciliata

vegetable · flower

Spikes of flower buds picked tight, cooked into a stew with lamb, tomato and onion, like asparagus.

Origin

South Africa (Western Cape, Namaqualand)

Where to find it

In the coastal sands of the Cape; in season, it can be found at a few greengrocers and at the markets of Stellenbosch and Cape Town.

Season (United States)

July to September

Preparation

The spikes are cut before the flowers open, and rinsed; they cook for about ten minutes.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

Its Afrikaans name means “veld cabbage”; Cape chefs have brought it back into fashion.