Author Topic: Tylosema esculentum  (Read 1929 times)

stuartdaly88

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Tylosema esculentum
« on: October 08, 2017, 01:15:20 AM »
A friend managed to germinate some Tylosema esculentum. Edible bean/nut and root. Anyone heard of it?

http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Tylosema+esculentum

"The seeds have a protein content around 30% (approaching that of the soya bean) and an oil content around 40% (approaching that of the peanut)[301
].
The immature seeds and stems may be eaten cooked as a vegetable or in soups[299
].
A coffee-like beverage can be made from the seeds[317
].

An edible oil is obtained from the seed[301
]. Similar to almond oil in consistency and taste[299
, 301
]. Golden-yellow, with a nutty odour and a pleasant, although slightly bitter flavour[299
]

Tuber - cooked. The sweet-tasting tuber can be baked, boiled or roasted[301
, 317
]. Young tubers have a sweet and pleasant taste and the texture has been described as similar to that of artichoke[299
]. Tubers older than 2 years become fibrous and bitter and are usually not eaten, but they are an important emergency source of water for humans and animals"
Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.
-Jean-Jacques Rousseau

BajaJohn

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Re: Tylosema esculentum
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2017, 01:59:45 PM »
Thanks for the introduction. Looks like it would do well in Baja. Possibly good ground cover too. Unfortunately no information of its potential as an invasive species in new areas.

nullzero

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Re: Tylosema esculentum
« Reply #2 on: October 11, 2017, 01:32:00 PM »
I have grown it,  it seemed sensitive to too much moisture and humidity. It died back to the root then came back again.  I would have to check up on the status again.
Grow mainly fruits, vegetables, and herbs.