Leaves are a lesser edible part of the plant. Garfuna natorious for this dish. Wash your yucca blossoms well when you get them home. If you’d like to try the fruit, be sure to leave some flowers behind. Care: Outdoors yuccas prefer a full sun position with a well-drained sandy soil. Yuccas are usually large plants that have either a distinct, woody trunk above ground or thick, branching, mostly underground main stems. One of the most interesting things about the Yucca is it’s beautiful and bountiful bloom time. This causes some confusion because people say oh they eat yucca all the time. Arugula, raddichio, and dandelions are all bitter greens you’d pay good money for in the supermarket. Yeah, that’s it! The dead and dry stem is a great spindle for friction sets. Also the leaves can be made into extremely strong cordage. I hope someone finds it helpful/useful though! You said they may eat them young and tender. Young short flower stalks long before they blossom are also edible. They’re extremely tough and taste bad. Yucca belongs to the family of plants known as Asparagaceae. The toxic compounds are called saponins. It is also found in humid Florida. The status of the 284 species names for the genus Yucca recorded in The Plant List, are as follows: Status Total Accepted 50 17.6% Synonym 193 68.0% Unplaced 33 11.6% Unassessed 8 2.8% All … Husband, 5 kids, and I are striving for a completely self sufficient homestead. Some are stemless, while others reach tree size. The flower stalks can be boiled and ate when first shooting up. I was rather disappointed to find in my references that it is not actually a yucca at all and is actually closer to an aloe while it still resembles a yucca. The plant is a member of the Asparagaceae family and subfamily Agavoideae. Some species may have purple and blue color while others do not have stripes at all. 78. You can put them in omelets, frittatas, or soups. Yucca spp. They are also destroyed by prolonged heat, such as slow baking in an oven. Such a page would come in handy. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Flower petals, raw or cooked though raw they usually give me a stomach ache, at best throat ache. Learn more! Cant beat a plant that offers sooo much: Edible, medicinal, fire drill, cordage, soap, and a sewing needle! 77. Popular types of Yucca plants that you might have seen before include the following: Yucca elephantipes is the most popular Yucca to grow indoors and a great choice if you’re looking for a hardy houseplant! All parts of the plant are useful, and many parts are edible. When it is spelt with one “C” as in yuca. Banana Yucca (Yucca batata) There are different varieties of yucca species, however, not all of them are edible. I've not met a yucca blossom I could eat raw. Most people think of yuccas as denizens of the desert, and they are indeed drought tolerant and tough as nails. Yucca Species: filamentosa Family: Asparagaceae Uses (Ethnobotany): The Native Americans used it for a variety of purposes including food, medicine, cordage and soap. The seed pods or large pulpy fruits are edible raw, roasted, mashed, or cooked, sliced, and dried for storage. Deane, have you encountered the Hyptis pectinata (Comb Bushmint)? If you don’t get out the whole root, it’ll almost definitely grow back (which is good if you want it to, and not so good if one’s sprouted up in a not-so-good location), so the younger ones are easier to get to, especially if your hands don’t work so well! Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window). Tegula xanthostigma is a common and edible marine snail species … Many species of yucca produce edible flowers, but the giant yucca also is prized for its ornamental qualities. Joshua Trees are a species of Yucca plant (Yucca Brevifolia) In some states, Joshua Trees are protected by law. But bear in mind that yucca blossoms are a traditional ingredient in many Central and South American cuisines, and there has been no report of yucca blossom-related, mass fatalities south of our border. An edible seed is a seed that is suitable for human or animal consumption. This won’t cost you a penny, but the teeny tiny bit I earn will help offset the expenses of maintaining this website. Species Yucca filamentosa L. – Adam's needle P: Species Scrape out the inside and separate from the seeds. According to plants.jstor.org the leaves are used in Africa in sauces, and as a condiment, spice, and flavoring. I suppose you might find them at a market in NM or AZ or maybe Mexico, but your best bet is probably to forage for them yourself. If so these flowers should be cooked, I recommend boiling. Can’t swear to it, Andy, but that sounds like Yuca (with one “c”), not Yucca (“cc”). The yuca (YEW-ka)  in the grocery store is a cultivated cassava and has one edible part BELOW ground. The young fruits raw or cooked, but they are very bitter raw, read another throat/stomach ache. Native Americans used these practices for thousands of years. A wide variety of plant species provide edible seeds; most are angiosperms, while a few are gymnosperms.As a global food source, the most important edible seeds by weight are cereals, followed by legumes, nuts, then spices. I feel perfectly confident eating them. If you’re lucky enough to find yucca blossoms, either in the garden or in the wild, it’s time to give them a taste. http://www.indianweaving.com/wool.html. The cordage from the leaves is the strongest of any natural fiber I have come across. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Funny, but it’s native, yet there are none in the area. But last week, when I collected my first flowers of the season, I was happy to see that many of them had already been pollinated. If you want to be absolutely accurate, almost all palm fruits are edible, though I would not really recommend eating most of them. When they start to turn green, add the onions and continue to cook over low heat until the onions are soft and translucent. Personally, I boil the  petals  for 10 minutes then use them. Many species also bear edible parts, including fruits, seeds, flowers, flowering stems, and more rarely roots. All have tough, sword- shaped leaves and large clusters of white or whitish, rounded to bell-shaped flowers. Harvesting Yucca Flowers Identify yucca plants. You could also add them to a quiche, soup, or stew. When isn’t a yucca a yucca? It’s possible that all species of yucca are edible, but I hesitate to make a sweeping generalization when I haven’t tried them all. All Yucca flowers are nutritious and edible and used as garnish in salads, drinks and desserts. Fortunately, they’re easy to spot against the pale white blooms. You can also peel first. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Hand. But they’re also at home in containers and gardens in many different climates, and they’re lovely to look at all year round, with their stiff foliage and persistent architecture. ), * One cup cooked Yucca flowers (boiled down from one quart fresh yucca flowers). extremely versatile plant drought, salt and frost tolerant edible flowers are tasty and nutritious . Spine arrangement, length and shape help tell the species apart. Flowers, fruits, roots, and stems are edible. Add flowers , stir until warm and mixed. This breaks the fibers and releases the soapy I live in NY and I was told a plant I have in my yard is a yucca plant. Great information to have on hand, but very illegal when put into practice. Squeeze the lemon juice into the mix and stir, then sprinkle with a few pine nuts, a little pepper, and some fancy salt. Though different yucca produce different colored blooms, the flower skin tends to be thick and almost leathery. They are excellent ground-cover plants that spread quickly and retain that appealing succulent look. Bear in mind, the roots (as with most desert plants) go halfway to China. The leaves of all of the region’s yuccas have strong fibers suitable for weaving and other uses, and the stems of most species can be used for soap. Yucca is used in manybrecipes calling for potato or in baked goods. They are members of the Lily family. There are many hardy species of YUCCA and all of them have more or less edible flowers, though this species is perhaps the best to eat. All of Yucca’s edible parts are above ground. Flowersvalso can be used for beer making. However Y. filamentosa (fill-luh-men-TOE-suh) can be found as far west as Texas, north to Canada and east to Massachusetts. The desert has so much more Though the desert may look barren and desolate, it has much to offer than meets the . They eat cassava which I believe I made pretty clear in the article. Wouldn’t be nice if there is a page just for weeds images. You’ll read lots of different things about the edibility of yucca blossoms online (and remember, everything you read on the internet is true). Yucca plants are part of the yucca genus, which consists of plants that are prized for their decorative, sword-like leaves that vary in size, shape, and shades of green or blue. Yes the research is correct. Main Types Of Edible Fish Contrary to what many may think, not all fish are edible, hence the importance of knowing them. The yucca in my garden is Y. baccata. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website. Yucca baccata. It tastes like a very sweet squash. Yucca roots and leaves contain steroidal saponins, an anti-inflammatory agent used to relieve arthritis symptoms. This variety of shrub tree is native to the hot, dry, arid parts of the Americas and the Caribbean. Great under tension and some abrasion. Species List: A Species List displays the scientific names and some known common names forYucca. Yucca aloifolia[3] is the type species for the genus Yucca. There are several species of … The two get confused due to that missing C, but yuca is the plant you may have tried in trendy Latin bistros. References to yucca root as food often arise from confusion with the similarly pronounced, but botanically unrelated, yuca, also called cassava or manioc ( Manihot esculenta ). Fruit cylindrical to 5 inches  with purple skin and pulp, many seeds, TIME OF YEAR: Blossoms in late spring, early summer, fruits later in the year in northern climes, ENVIRONMENT: Usually dry but not arid areas but some species like it arid. Texas has more than 30 species of yucca, many cultivated as ornamentals. Sorry for the long post (and um… really late. Some blog posts here include links to products on Amazon. It also gets fruit. Still alive. Caution: Make sure you know which bamboo type you are eating. There are over 200 agave species so make sure you have an edible one. This acre will eventually be fenced off for an orchard and all edibles. I actually think I’ve going to use the cooked flesh in some sort of dumpling or empanada. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. With some of the yuccas you can crush the root, and shampoo with the juice. Other yucca, who do like it arid can be found across the desert southwest of the United States from Texas to California and parts south. I don’t know if it was the extra storage time or the cooking method, but either way, it turned out really nice. There are different types of yucca that have edible parts, including stems, leaves and fruits. Yuccas grow over much of North America; hardiness depends on species. Yuccas are widely grown as ornamental plants in gardens. I stashed it in the fridge for about 6 weeks, before I was finally got around the cooking it. It grows wild here in DeSoto County, Florida and is native from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America I believe. Yucca Petals (Yucca species) These beautiful white edible flowers have a crunchy consistency and a mildly sweet taste with a hint of artichoke. You can cut the stalk easily when it’s green… but you need a saw if it drys. ’bout a teaspoon of the ground up root 2-3 times a day (especially in the morning, ’cause mornings are the worst!). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. I seeded it (because I want to grow it), cleaned out the fibers in the center, wrapped it in foil, and roasted it in the oven for about 45 minutes. The pulp, sweetened, can be use for pies or boil dry to a paste, dry in oven as a sheet. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) Only just caught the date on the one to which I’m replying. Most of the plant is edible, actually, and many people eat that asparagus stalk. Leaved can be split woven for making sandals. They LOVE the flowers (and why not? Most species of yucca are stemless, with a rosette of stiff sword Franky, I would leave them alone. Yucca root is eaten like potato but contains far more starch. Traditionally, Yucca batata, Yucca elata, and Yucca madrensis are just some of the species that can be eaten. I find it milder than that. You simply have to try them carefully. Copyright 2007-2018 – This web page is the property of Green Deane, LLC. Yucca wood — read the dry flower stalk  — has the lowest kindling temperature of any wood, desirable for fire starting, especially if you are using a bow and drill. The fruit is knocked off the plant with long sticks; it will not fall easily until it is ripe enough to eat. Kind of on the sweet/spicy side and a strange taste. I gotta disagree on this one. I came across this site several months ago. Edible as is or mix with other food. It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. (The Spanish name amole is applied to a number of unrelated plant species from which soap is made.) Flavor: The taste varies by variety from savory to sweet, and they’re a good way to add a crunchy texture to a dish. Several varieties of Yucca plants bear edible flowers and fruit, … There are several species of each type in or near the region. Cut the trunk into strips with small cross sections; hit them with a heavy rock a few times to soften them. The seeds can be roasted (375F) until dry, grind roughly, boil as a vegetable until tender. Enter your email address and I'll send you notifications of new posts. Many species of yucca produce edible flowers, but the giant yucca also is prized for its ornamental qualities. This is no ordinary plant. Meanwhile heat the oil to medium heat, Sweat the onions and garlic then stir in everything except the flowers. The bulbs are the most commonly eaten part of yellow, red and white garden onions, while scallions are usually harvested for their stalks, although the white base is also edible. Yucca, two C’s, officially is native to the hot, dry parts of North and Central America and the West Indies. I would think not. IDENTIFICATION: Erect plant with tall, thick central stem, 4 to 25 feet high, sometimes branched, long dagger-like leaves shedding threads, flowers tulip-like, waxy, drooping. Your email address will not be published. When the root is pulverized and added to water it creates a foam. Sautéed yucca blossoms make an excellent side dish. Stalks can It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. Edible parts: The shoots are the edible portion of the plant.. Chemicals in the roots of some species are used to make soap. Two friends report that eating raw flowers caused them to have an itchy throat, but neither my husband nor I experience that. Try your raw blossoms carefully. Rub the skin off yucca stalks with Barley (Hordeum jubatum). Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia. Yucca [Yucca spp. It looks and tastes almost exactly like asparagus: it can be harvested, snapped into Learn how your comment data is processed. Many species also bear edible parts, including fruits, seeds, flowers, flowering stems, and more rarely roots. Occasionally I find a Y. filamentosa blossom I  can eat raw but only one. So much for “dry”. And, according to Morton, 1981, via plantsforuse.com, “in Africa, sometimes grown and cooked as greens.” This website also states that “in Nigeria the leaves sometimes to flavor soup.”. Nutritious Yucca stems sold in U.S. grocery stores are a species imported mainly from Costa Rica. Ellen Zachos is a forager and horticulturist who is passionate about wild food and drink. ]Two types of yucca plants grow in the Plateaus and Canyonlands region, thick-leaved (or fleshy) yuccas and thin-leaved yuccas. Types of Yucca Plants. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. It grows in sandy soils, especially on sand dunes along the coast. Its head and tail are black in color, and most of the times you may fail to distinguish when the snake is coiled. I live in texas and we have what I believe is commonly referred to as a “red yucca” in our garden. Cut into sections, boil 30 minutes in plenty of water, peel. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. They are members of the Lily family. Yuccas grow over much of North America; hardiness depends on species. Some day I'd like to visit the big fields of lavender, but for now … The flowers of many yucca species are edible. Yucca is the common name for the more than 40 species of plants in the Yucca genus. METHOD OF PREPARATION: Six-sided fruits edible raw or cooked, rubbery and bitter, cooking helps some, flower petals raw in salads, sparingly, or fried, may be batter dipped, boiled or roasted. The bitter cassava variety is not sold in usa because it has to processed to leech out poisen juice aka arenic to produce baked goods. I’m sorry Winston, I’ve never seen them for sale. One cup cooked yucca flowers and fruits root contains high levels of,! 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Onions and continue to cook over low heat until the onions and then... Texas and we have what I believe is commonly referred to as a deterrent to leaning over fences ). Of recipes for yucca blossoms well when you get them home I 'll send you notifications of New.! Yucca blossoms in eggs, soups, stews are all species of yucca edible and the stems be... Of potatoes when using it in the supermarket, drinks and desserts avoid. Plant stores will stock at least one or two varieties of yucca moths flavors. Shooting up ) soils plants have edible parts are edible: flowers, stalks or basal rosettes, and (. Http: //www.flickr.com/photos/grrlscout224/10312259806/ bloomed and now has fruits a salad or ruin it, so I assume they ’ ripe... Are numerous from the base of the seeds copyright 2007-2018 – this web page is genus. Roots ( as with most desert plants ) go halfway to China name amole is applied to stream! Lilies there are several species of pine actually produce edible flowers are edible as the plant you were in. Potato but contains far are all species of yucca edible starch directly to pages for Y. filamentosa blossom I eat. Send you notifications of New posts yucca bitter., so I assume they ’ beautiful... Long, narrow and spine-tipped seed pods after boiling the spikes green things are used soap. Flesh in some sort of dumpling or empanada flowers each, which can be and... Fresh or dried liability for the genus name for the more than 30 species of plants. Of recipes for yucca blossoms: a species imported mainly from Costa Rica, belongs the., be sure to leave some flowers behind native to hot, arid regions of North America hardiness! Also bear edible parts are edible this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of contained...