Mashua

Tropaeolum tuberosum — Tropaeolaceae

Italiano: Mashua / Anu

Description

Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family and is native to SouthAmerica. It thrives in Andean highlands, 2500-4000m environments across regions including SouthAmerica. Botanically, Mashua is andean tuber related to nasturtium, producing knobby multicolored tubers (yellow to red-black). Fourth major Andean tuber.. The edible parts include Tubers, Leaves. With an edibility rating of 7/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, July, June and May. Nutritionally, Mashua 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, Mashua offers a Mild, slightly peppery, earthy flavor profile. Wash; boil 20-30 min; peel; serve warm. Common culinary applications include Boiled tubers, Soups, Stews, Pickles. Popular preparations include Boil tubers until tender; dress with olive oil and herbs. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Contains glucosinolates; cook thoroughly; may have contraceptive effects in high doses per traditional knowledge. 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 Andean highlands, 2500-4000m across SouthAmerica.

🍳 Recipe: Boil tubers until tender; dress with olive oil and herbs

Preparation method: Wash; boil 20-30 min; peel; serve warm
Flavor profile: Mild, slightly peppery, earthy
Edible parts: Tubers, 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: Apr, May, Jun, Jul.
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: Contains glucosinolates; cook thoroughly; may have contraceptive effects in high doses per traditional knowledge
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Tuberi, Foglie
Preparation: Wash; boil 20-30 min; peel; serve warm
Flavor: Mild, slightly peppery, earthy

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 tubers, Soups, Stews, Pickles Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Boil tubers until tender; dress with olive oil and herbs

Where It Grows

Continent: SouthAmerica
Regions: SouthAmerica
Habitat: Andean highlands, 2500-4000m
⚠️
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