African Walnut

Plukenetia conophora — Euphorbiaceae

Italiano: Noce africana

Description

African Walnut (Plukenetia conophora) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Rainforest, secondary forest environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, African Walnut is climbing vine of Central African forests producing oil-rich edible nuts. Important seasonal wild food.. The edible parts include Nuts, Leaves. With an edibility rating of 7/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during August, November, October and September. Nutritionally, African Walnut stands out for its Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV), Vitamin C (20.0mg, 22% DV) and Vitamin E (1.0mg, 7% DV). It also provides 4.0g protein and 3.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, African Walnut offers a Rich, oily, walnut-like flavor profile. Shell hard pods; boil or roast nut kernels. Common culinary applications include Boiled nuts, Roasted nuts, Leaf soup. Popular preparations include Boil nuts until tender; season and eat. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Seeds roasted or boiled to remove toxins. Antinutrient content is minimal. Be aware that Verify identification before consumption. Safe lookalike species include Similar edible species. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Rainforest, secondary forest across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Boil nuts until tender; season and eat

Preparation method: Shell hard pods; boil or roast nut kernels
Flavor profile: Rich, oily, walnut-like
Edible parts: Nuts, Leaves

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov.
Lookalike (safe): Similar edible species
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): Verify identification before consumption
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

7/10
Toxicity: Seeds roasted or boiled to remove toxins
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Noci, Foglie
Preparation: Shell hard pods; boil or roast nut kernels
Flavor: Rich, oily, walnut-like

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 4.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 3.0g
Vitamin C: 20.0mg (22%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 20mcg (5%DV)
Calcium: 30.0mg (2%DV)
Iron: 1.0mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Boiled nuts, Roasted nuts, Leaf soup Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Boil nuts until tender; season and eat

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Rainforest, secondary forest
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Sources & References