Medicinally and nutritionally, Huauzontle is a rare treat

Huauzontle was a sacred and very nutritious plant used by the pre-Hispanic peoples of Mexico, and you should find out more about it.

Medicinally and nutritionally, Huauzontle is a rare treat
Huauzontle is a gastronomic delicacy that has medicinal benefits. Credit: Agricultura

The huauzontle is, like corn, one of the foods that Mexico contributed to the world. Its name means "bledo" or "hair-like stalk." It is mainly used to prepare Mexican dishes, with a special touch according to each region.

It is an erect herb with a very branched root. It has a furrowed stem, and the whole plant is covered with a kind of yellow powder. The leaves are alternate, triangular, wavy, and petiolate. The flowers are gathered in spikes with five greenish sepals. The compressed fruit contains reniform seeds with abundant albumen.