Orach (Atriplex hortensis)

Family: Chenopodiaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Atriplex hortensis is a ANNUAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour and are traditionally mixed with sorrel leaves in order to modify the acidity of the latter. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; Used like spinach, they have a bland flavour and are traditionally mixed with sorrel leaves in order to modify the acidity of the latter.; Another report says that the flavour is stronger than spinach.; It can be ground into a meal and used in soups etc or be mixed with flour when making bread.

Habitat & North American Range

Arable land, waste and disturbed ground, shingle etc. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)