Edible Parts: Seed
Edible Uses: Condiment  Drink

Seed - raw or cooked[92, 94, 95, 257]. Usually ground into a powder and used as piñole or made into dark-coloured cakes and loaves[183], it has a nutty flavour[92]. It can also be mixed with corn meal when making mush or with ground wheat for gruel[183]. Rich in niacin, thiamine, zinc, calcium and manganese[160], it is also a good source of protein and easily digested fats[274]. It has a high food value and is easily digested[92]. The sprouted seeds can be added to salads and sandwiches[160, 183]. A refreshing drink can be made by steeping the seed in cold water[92, 94, 95, 183]. Alternatively, the seed can be roasted and ground into a powder then mixed with water when it soon becomes a copious gelatinous mass[2]. It is very palatable and nutritious[2]. The seed has been used to render water palatable by removing the alkalis[257]. The leaves are occasionally used as a sage-like seasoning[183].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Digestive  Disinfectant  Febrifuge  Ophthalmic

The seed is digestive, disinfectant, febrifuge and ophthalmic[94, 257]. An infusion can be used in the treatment of fevers[257]. A poultice of the seed mush can be applied to infections[257]. The seeds have been kept in the mouth, and chewed during long journeys on foot, in order to give strength[257]. The seeds have been used to cleanse the eyes or remove foreign matter from the eyes[257]. No more information is given here, but in other instances the seed has been placed in the eye, it then forms a gelatinous covering to which any foreign matter in the eye adheres. The seed is washed out of the eye by the eyes own tears[K].

Disinfectant

None known

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife