Tatarian orache (Atriplex tatarica)

Family: Chenopodiaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Atriplex tatarica is a ANNUAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from July to 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. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves and young plants - cooked. An emergency food, only used when all else fails. Seed - cooked. Used in piñole or ground into a meal and used as a thickener in making bread or mixed with flour in making bread. — Leaves and young plants - cooked.; An emergency food, only used when all else fails.; Used in piñole or ground into a meal and used as a thickener in making bread or mixed with flour in making bread.; The small seed is 1.5 - 2.5mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Saline and alkaline deserts, sometimes also found in field margins and wet plains in the Gobi Desert. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)