Earthnut Pea

Description

Earthnut Pea (Lathyrus tuberosus) belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to Europe. It thrives in Field margins, Vineyards, Hedgerows, Grassland environments across regions including Central Europe, France, Germany, UK, Austria.

Botanically, Earthnut Pea is sweet nutty tubers underground. Historic food crop. Field margins. Nutty potato substitute.. It is also known locally as Erbagatta.

The edible parts include Tubers. With an edibility rating of 8/10, it ranks as an excellent wild food source. Harvesting is best done during October and September.

Nutritionally, Earthnut Pea stands out for its Folate (45.0mg, 11% DV), Vitamin C (10.0mg, 11% DV) and Zinc (1.0mg, 9% DV). It also provides 7.0g protein and 4.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving.

In the kitchen, Earthnut Pea offers a Sweet nutty chestnut-like flavor profile. Boiled roasted raw like chestnuts. Common culinary applications include boiled, roasted, raw. Popular preparations include Earthnut pea tubers, Tuber pea roasted, Roasted root vegetables, Root vegetable soup.

For storage, fresh tubers 2wk.

Safety note: No toxicity. Antinutrient content is no antinutrients documented. Safe lookalike species include Potato similar tubers. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

Foragers should collect earthnut pea during Sep and Oct. Choose young, vibrant parts for optimal flavor and nutrition. Avoid specimens near polluted areas, roadsides, or treated agricultural land.

Field identification relies on recognizing the plant in its natural habitat — typically field margins, vineyards, hedgerows, grassland. Flowers, leaf arrangement, and growth habit provide the most reliable identification markers. Always consult at least two independent botanical sources.

Traditional Europe communities have long valued earthnut pea as a seasonal wild food. Its reliable growth and nutritional density made it a valuable resource during lean periods and food scarcity.

In contemporary cuisine, earthnut pea pairs excellently with olive oil, garlic, and citrus. It complements wild herbs, foraged mushrooms, and hearty grains. Experiment with both raw preparations and slow-cooked dishes to appreciate its full range.

Edibility

Harvest Calendar

Nutrition (per 100g)

Culinary Uses

boiled, roasted, raw

Storage

Fresh tubers 2wk

Recipes

• Earthnut pea tubers
• Tuber pea roasted
• Roasted root vegetables
• Root vegetable soup
• Mashed wild roots
• Wild winter pesto made from Earthnut Pea
• Traditional Earthnut Pea soup
• Earthnut Pea and potato frittata

Where It Grows