Edible Plants of the World

Yeheb nut

A tropical plant. It grows in arid and semi arid areas in Somalia and Ethiopia. It is a very hardy shrub. It can survive droughts. It suits areas with an average temperature of 25°C. It grows in Ethiopia from 300-1000 m altitude. The average rainfall is 250-400 mm but it can grow with rainfalls down to 150-200 mm. It grows in poor low nitrogen soils. It can grow in arid places.

Also known as:

Ehb, Gud, Geed-yicib, Jeheb, Qud, Quda, Ye-eb

Edible Portion

Where does Yeheb nut grow?

Found in: Africa, Australia, East Africa, Ethiopia, Israel, Kenya, North America, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, United States, Yemen

Notes: The seed is nutritious

Status: It is an important food of the poor people in Ethiopia.

Growing Yeheb nut

Cultivation: Plants naturally reseed easily. Seeds are best sown where the plant is to grow due to the large taproot. Seeds should be sown fresh as they remain viable for only a few months.

Edible Uses: Seeds are dried then boiled or roasted or eaten raw. Tea is made from the leaves.

Production: Plants grow slowly in the early stages. They may produce few pods in the first three years. Trees can live for very many years. In humid conditions plants produce more leaves but few seeds. Plants are pollinated by insects. Pods can develop 2 weeks after flowering. Immature fruit can remain dormant on the plant until further rains allow them to reach maturity. Yields of about 5 kg of seed per shrub can be obtained. A seed weighs 2-3 g.

Nutrition Info

per 100g edible portion

Edible Part Energy (kcal) Protein (g) Iron (mg) Vitamin A (ug) Vitamin c (mg) Zinc (mg) % Water
Seeds 398 10.8 6.4 - - - 11.1

References

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