Bambara Groundnut

Vigna subterranea — Fabaceae

Italiano: Arachide Bambara

Description

Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea) belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Savanna, cultivation environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Bambara Groundnut is african legume producing seeds underground like peanuts. Third most important legume in Africa.. The edible parts include Seeds. With an edibility rating of 7/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, June and May. Nutritionally, Bambara Groundnut 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, Bambara Groundnut offers a Nutty, earthy, slightly sweet—like peanut-chestnut flavor profile. Dig pods; shell; boil or roast seeds. Common culinary applications include Roasted nuts, Boiled nuts, Flour, Soups. Popular preparations include Boil dried seeds until soft; salt and eat. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Cook thoroughly to reduce anti-nutrients. 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 Savanna, cultivation across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Boil dried seeds until soft; salt and eat

Preparation method: Dig pods; shell; boil or roast seeds
Flavor profile: Nutty, earthy, slightly sweet—like peanut-chestnut
Edible parts: Seeds

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: Apr, May, Jun.
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: Cook thoroughly to reduce anti-nutrients
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Semi
Preparation: Dig pods; shell; boil or roast seeds
Flavor: Nutty, earthy, slightly sweet—like peanut-chestnut

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: Roasted nuts, Boiled nuts, Flour, Soups Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Boil dried seeds until soft; salt and eat

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Savanna, cultivation
⚠️
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