Wild alternanthera

Alternanthera littoralis, A. philoxeroides

leaf · vegetable

Leaves and young shoots, gathered on African coasts and cooked, or eaten raw and cooked in Indonesia.

Origin

Atlantic coasts of Africa; tropical America

Where to find it

On the beaches and lagoons of the Gulf of Guinea, and along the canals and rice paddies of Southeast Asia.

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The leaves and tender shoots are picked, washed well and cooked for a few minutes. Its oxalates leach into water: boiling it and throwing the water out takes a good share with it.

Molecules

Beta-carotene (vitamin A) · Lutein and zeaxanthinIn small amounts, not counted Vegetable nitrates · ChlorophyllWhat slows things down Oxalates

Did you know?

One of them, alligator weed, is a dreaded weed of waterways.