Tree Spinach (Chenopodium giganteum)

Family: Chenopodiaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Chenopodium giganteum is a ANNUAL growing to 2.4 m (7ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked. Of excellent quality, they are a spinach substitute. The raw leaves should only be eaten in small quantities, see the notes above on toxicity. Seed - cooked. — Of excellent quality, they are a spinach substitute.; The raw leaves should only be eaten in small quantities, see the notes above on toxicity.; Ground into a powder and used with wheat or other cereals in making bread etc.; The seed is small and fiddly, about 1.5mm in diameter, it should be soaked in water overnight and thoroughly rinsed before it is used in order to remove any saponins.

Habitat & North American Range

Weed infested places. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)